Geological Sample Test Technicians

Test and analyze geological samples, crude oil, or petroleum products to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration and production, or to determine physical and chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Test and analyze samples in order to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus and testing equipment.

2. Collect and prepare solid and fluid samples for analysis.

3. Assemble, operate, and maintain field and laboratory testing, measuring, and mechanical equipment, working as part of a crew when required.

4. Compile and record testing and operational data for review and further analysis.

5. Adjust and repair testing, electrical, and mechanical equipment and devices.

6. Supervise well exploration and drilling activities, and well completions.

7. Inspect engines for wear and defective parts, using equipment and measuring devices.

8. Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, and cross sections.

9. Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs.

10. Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, and other databases.

11. Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Geological Sample Test Technicians. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Geological Sample Test Technicians, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$23,270 for entry level workers, and $49,610 for experienced workers.

Earthtrip Virtual Fieldtrip to Kashong Glen, New York - Kashong Glen is located in the central Finger Lakes Area of central New York State. See the many steep cliffs and dangerous waterfalls of this virtual fieldtrip. It is one of the best places in New York State to study the rocks of the Hamilton Group and fossils from the Middle Devonian.

Virtual Field Trippin: The Rocks of Central New York of Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys - The rocks of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of upstate New York tell a fascinating story, both through the rock layers themselves, as well as the life contained within them. This visual tour is intended as a jumping-off point for those with no knowledge of the rocks of east-central New York State.

Sea Education Association and Cornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory: Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine - Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine offers a unique opportunity for students to experience life on board a sailing vessel and on an island off the coast of Maine, studying oceanic and coastal marine environments.

Science technicians - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

American Meteorological Society (AMS) - The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.

All-Star River Explorers: Discover the Basics of Rivers and How They are Formed - The All-Star River Explorers is designed to introduce third to fifth grade students to the basics of hydrology and increase their understanding of how rivers are formed and their importance in our lives. Activities enhance student's skills in math, science, language arts, social studies, and art.

Geophysical Data Technicians - Measure, record, and evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect and evaluate core samples and cuttings.

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers - Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat-treat metal or plastic objects.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers - Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders - Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

Ship Engineers - Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers - Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.