Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

19-4043.00

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
• Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
• Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
• Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
• Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
• Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
• Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
• Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
• Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
• Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
• Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
• Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
• Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
• Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
• Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
• Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
• Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.
• Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
• Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects.
• Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
• Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
• Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
• Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
• Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
• Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
• Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Halliburton ProMAX; IHS Petra; Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix; Landmark SeisWorks; Parallel Geoscience SPW; Petroleum Software Technologies; petroWEB Global Seismic Library; Schlumberger GeoFrame; Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM; Techsia Techlog
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Dynamic Graphics EarthVision; Midland Valley 2DMove
• Data base reporting software - SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
• Inventory management software - Inventory management systems
• Map creation software - Clark Labs IDRISI Andes; Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS; Golden Software Surfer; Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE; Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite; Surface III
• Mobile location based services software - Global positioning system GPS software; Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze geological samples.
• Collect samples for analysis or testing.
• Record research or operational data.
• Prepare maps.
• Research geological features or processes.
• Analyze geological or geographical data.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
• Collect archival data.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Compile geographic or related data.
• Operate laboratory or field equipment.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
• Direct technical activities or operations.
• Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
• Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.
• Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
• Direct natural resources extraction projects.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Recommend packing or shipping methods.
• Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
• Collect environmental data or samples.
• Collect geographical or geological field data.
• Compile environmental or climatological data.
• Survey land or properties.