What You'll Do

  • 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.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.75/5
Critical Thinking 3.5/5
Writing 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.25/5
Time Management 3.25/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Operations Monitoring 3.0/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Integrity, Dependability, Analytical Thinking, Independence

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Written Comprehension 3.88/5
Oral Comprehension 3.75/5
Information Ordering 3.5/5
Near Vision 3.5/5
Oral Expression 3.38/5
Written Expression 3.38/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.38/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Adobe Illustrator Autodesk AutoCAD Clark Labs IDRISI Andes Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite Database software Dynamic Graphics EarthVision ESRI ArcGIS software Geographic information system GIS software Geographic information system GIS systems Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS Global positioning system GPS software Golden Software Surfer Halliburton ProMAX IHS Petra Inventory management systems Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix Landmark SeisWorks Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.42/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.41/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.17/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 3.91/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.91/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Acid Tester Chalk Tester Construction Material Technician Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech) Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech) Construction Materials Testing Technician (Construction Materials Testing Tech) Core Inspector Crude Tester Directional Drill Locator Directional Drill Operator Drilling Fluids Specialist Echometer Engineer Electric Well Logging Operator Electrical Logger Electrical Logging Operator Electrical Prospecting Observer Electrical Prospecting Operator Electrolog Operator Electron Microprobe Operator Environmental Field Services Technician Environmental Sampling Technician Extractions Technologist Field Construction Materials Technician Field Construction Materials Testing Technician Field Evaluator Field Geotechnical Technician Field Observer Field Scout Field Tester Gas Analyst Gas Prover Gas Tester Gasoline Tester Geological Aide Geological E-Logger Geological Sample Tester Geological Technician Geology Associate Geology Technician Geophysical Computer Geophysical E-Logger Geophysical Prospector Geophysical Support Specialist Geoscience Specialist Geoscience Technician Geospatial Technician Geotechnical Field Technician (Geotechnical Field Tech) Geotechnical Properties Technician Geotechnical Technician Geotechnician Gravity Meter Operator Gravity Prospecting Observer Gravity Prospecting Operator Laboratory Assistant Laboratory Technician Laboratory Worker Line Locator Locater Locater Operator Locater Technician Locator Locator Specialist Magnetic Locater Magnetic Observer Magnetic Prospecting Operator Magnetometer Operator Material Handling Technician Material Technician Materials Management Technician Materials Technician Materials Testing Technician Meter Operator Mineral Technologist Mining Technician Mud Analysis Operator Mud Analysis Well-Logging Operator Mud Logger Observer Oil Analyst Oil and Gas Exploration Technician Oil Field Tester Oil Laboratory Analyst Oil Prospecting Observer Oil Scout Oil Tester Oil Well Directional Surveyor Oil Well Logger Ore Tester Petroleum Analyst Petroleum Refinery Tester Petroleum Technician Physical Science Technician Quality Control Technician (QC Technician) Research Associate Scout Leaser Section Plotter Operator Seismic Computer Seismic Interpreter Seismic Observer Seismic Plotter Seismic Prospecting Observer Seismograph Computer Seismograph Observer Seismograph Operator Seismograph Recorder Seismographer Seismometer Operator Sensitometrist Soils Technician Sounding Device Operator Surface Logging Systems Logger (SLS Logger) Technical Operator Temperature Logging Operator Test Engine Evaluator Test Engine Operator Test Evaluator Test Technician Tester Well Logger Well Tester