Geological Technicians Job Description: Career Information, Training and Required Knowledge, Employment Outlook and Salary Expectations
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Geological technicians are people who assist and support geologists in their research and studies about the earth’s history and physical attributes. Their job basically tackles about the exploration of various phenomena, including rock formations, mountain uplifting, earthquakes, mineral deposition and volcanic eruptions. They also take part in exploring mineral and petroleum deposits and searching for ways to minimize the effects of artificial structures on the environment.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: A bachelor’s degree in geology is a must in order to pursue this type of career, and at the same time applicants should have knowledge in advanced mathematics and drafting. While not totally recommended, most geological technicians possess advanced studies in geology, which include masters or even doctorate degrees this time in mining and petroleum technology. Others meanwhile may take up two-year certificate courses in geological technology in vocational schools or community colleges.
Skills and Abilities: Aside from the technical knowledge and expertise, successful geological technicians would have to be detail-oriented and should possess excellent time management skills. They should be well-organized and willing to do manual clerical work, as well as field work, which can be physically tiring and time-consuming. They should have the competence in interpreting and analyzing data as most employers rely on the accuracy of information provided by their geological technicians.
Tasks: Geological technicians work on a variety of tasks during their working hours. They usually are members of a geological team doing field research, which is composed mainly of a geologist or a geoscientist. Among their basic tasks include studying the effects of pollution, waste and hazardous materials on earth, learning about geophysical behavior and how man-made processes could affect their processes as a whole. They also study about the earth’s interior makeup and characteristics, such as electric, magnetic and gravitational fields. Geological technicians also observe the movement and quality of surface water, petroleum and the exploration of crude oil and natural gas.
Some geological technicians meanwhile focus on seismology, such as earthquakes and tectonic movements and the causes behind their behavior. Geological technicians are also members of surveying teams and assistants to urban and regional planners; they study on how infrastructures, roads and other man-made structures affect the land and its interior, so that they can find ways to prevent damage to human life and property once unexpected natural outbursts may take place.
Earnings and Job Outlook: There is a high demand for geological technicians thanks to their specialization and expertise. Most of them are either found in mining and petroleum companies doing research and development studies, while others are in infrastructure and commercial building development firms. At present, people in this type of career earn an average of $43,750 per year, plus benefits such as life and health insurance, retirement plans, sick leaves and paid vacation.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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