Geological Technicians

Geological technicians frequently work in the field where drilling or testing is occurring. In these situations, aides may spend considerable time outdoors in primitive or rugged conditions. Sometimes this involves camping for several days in a remote location.

Geological technicians who are employed in a laboratory or office generally work regular 40-hour weeks in pleasant conditions. The work each day is fairly routine. It may involve gathering data from the previous day's tests, examining preliminary reports from drilling crews, drafting maps, and writing reports for the geologist.

Geological technicians provide important support to geologists and other geoscientists. They are responsible for the accurate organization and presentation of important data. In a petroleum company, for example, geological technicians are a crucial link in the search to locate hidden pockets of fossil fuel. They shoulder a lot of responsibility for the successful outcome of exploratory drilling operations. While this may at times be stressful, it is also rewarding because geological technicians are able to see tangible results from their work.