Geotechnician
Job Description:Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples.
Job Category: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
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.