Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$34,160
Median$52,440
High (90th %)$108,750
AI Prompt Guides for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
The occupation "Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians" has an automation risk of 52.7%, indicating that just over half of the tasks performed in this field are potentially susceptible to automation. This risk is closely aligned with the base risk of 53.4%, which represents the general likelihood of job automation in similar technical roles. Automation threat in this occupation primarily stems from the procedural and repetitive components of the job that can be codified and performed by machines or software with high reliability and accuracy. The significant base risk reflects how many laboratory tasks and data management activities in geology now rely on established techniques that do not require substantial human judgment or creativity, making them easier targets for technology-driven workflow replacements. The most automatable tasks for geological technicians include testing and analyzing samples using standard laboratory apparatus; collecting or preparing solid or fluid samples for analysis; and compiling, logging, or recording testing or operational data for subsequent review. These functions are mostly routine, rule-based, and highly structured—characteristics conducive to automation through robotics, computerized lab instruments, or automated data systems. Recent advancements in laboratory automation have further increased efficiency in sample processing, while data logging has been made nearly seamless through digital platforms. Consequently, the core technical responsibilities of geological technicians are the ones most at risk, as these can be streamlined for volume and precision by automated solutions. However, the risk of total job automation is mitigated by work elements requiring higher-order skills and complex judgement. The most automation-resistant tasks include evaluating and interpreting seismic data with computer assistance, conducting geophysical surveys to assess the suitability of sites for renewable installations, and compiling data to address nuanced environmental issues, such as potential landfill site analysis. These responsibilities commonly demand domain-specific expertise, adaptability, and contextual interpretation—qualities not easily replicated by machines. Moreover, bottleneck skills like originality, rated at low levels (2.6% and 2.8%), indicate some creative or nonroutine decision-making is involved, especially regarding novel site assessments or environmental problem-solving. These bottleneck skills form a significant barrier to comprehensive automation, supporting the retention of human expertise in vital aspects of the occupation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
Partially Automatable
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
Partially Automatable
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
Automatable
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
Partially Automatable
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Partially Automatable
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
Partially Automatable
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
Partially Automatable
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
Partially Automatable
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
Partially Automatable
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
Partially Automatable
Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
Partially Automatable
Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
Partially Automatable
Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
Non-Automatable
Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
Automatable
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
Partially Automatable
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
Partially Automatable
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
Partially Automatable
Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
Partially Automatable
Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.
Partially Automatable
Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
Partially Automatable
Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
Partially Automatable
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
Partially Automatable
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
Partially Automatable
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
Partially Automatable
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
Automatable
Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
Partially Automatable
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
Non-Automatable
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
Partially Automatable
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
DesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaEngineering and Technology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOMGolden Software SurferHalliburton ProMAXJuniper Systems LandMark MobileLandmark SeisWorksParallel Geoscience SPWAdobe IllustratorPetroleum Software TechnologiesSchlumberger GeoFrameSurface IIITechsia TechlogMicrosoft Office softwareAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareInventory management systemsMicrosoft ExcelGeographic resources analysis support system GRASSGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsClark Labs IDRISI AndesLeica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINEIHS PetraLandmark Graphics GeoGraphixSeismic Micro-Technology KINGDOMGolden Software SurferDynamic Graphics EarthVisionAdobe IllustratorHalliburton ProMAXMidland Valley 2DMoveLandmark SeisWorksParallel Geoscience SPWpetroWEB Global Seismic LibrarySchlumberger GeoFrameSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsSurface IIITechsia TechlogMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareInventory management systemsGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareMicrosoft Office softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsClark Labs IDRISI AndesIHS PetraSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsGeographic resources analysis support system GRASSESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteLeica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINEAutodesk AutoCADDatabase softwareMartin D Adamiker's TruFliteCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteLandmark Graphics GeoGraphixJuniper Systems LandMark MobilePetroleum Software TechnologiesDynamic Graphics EarthVisionMidland Valley 2DMovepetroWEB Global Seismic LibraryMartin D Adamiker's TruFliteDatabase softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Medium54.28%
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Medium43.98%
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Medium50.23%
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Hydrologic Technicians
Medium53.13%
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Medium55.41%
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
Remote Sensing Technicians
Medium60.88%
Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Geothermal Technicians
Medium39.03%
Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.81%
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Medium56.29%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Medium54.71%
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Medium57.09%
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Medium34.84%
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Traffic Technicians
Medium59.96%
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.