Geotechnician

Job Description:

Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples.

Job Category:
Metals & Mining

What you will do:

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • preparing rock, soil and water samples for testing
  • analysing the chemical and physical properties of samples
  • obtaining and processing geophysical data
  • logging well and borehole drilling activity
  • interpreting data from seismic surveys
  • preparing geological maps sections
  • supporting teaching staff in university (teamwork skills)
  • training and supervising staff (leadership skills)
  • producing reports for engineers and scientists

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative (drive)
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll usually need a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (in the UK) or degree to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:

  • geoscience
  • geology
  • chemistry
  • environmental science
  • maths

You may be able to start as a junior technician and work your way up.

You’ll find it useful to have work experience in the field or a laboratory.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually be based in a laboratory, working 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may work some evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. If you’re involved in equipment maintenance, you’ll work on an out-of-hours rota system.

In the lab, you’ll wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when carrying out certain tests.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could train as a geoscientist.

You could also move into management, or into another sector and become a laboratory technician in a school or college.