Geotechnician
Also known as: geological expert, formation evaluation engineer, surface logging specialist, geo-technician, surface logging technician, logging geologist
About this occupation
Geotechnicians collect and process rock and soil samples for geomechanical testing. They also describe the quality of rock mass, including structure, discontinuities, colour and weathering. Mine geotechnicians may measure the size of underground openings. They report the collected information to geologists and engineers as required.
Essential skills and knowledge
- test raw minerals
- impact of geological factors on mining operations
- prepare samples for testing
- prepare technical reports
- collect samples
- install rock movement monitoring devices
- use a computer
- perform sample testing
- geology
- troubleshoot
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians (O*NET 19-4043.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring, Time Management, Active Listening
US median pay: US$53,350 a year (2025), 6,980 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.2)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.1)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Hydrologic Technicians
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Remote Sensing Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.