Skip navigation

Geological Sample Test Technicians

Also called: Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Technician (QC Technician), Materials Technician, Core Inspector

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Army or Navy.

What they do:
Test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration or production or to determine physical or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • Assemble, operate, and maintain field and laboratory testing, measuring, and mechanical equipment, working as part of a crew when required.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • chemistry
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
  • administrative services
  • customer service
Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Abilities

Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen
Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • listen and understand what people say
Math
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Independence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Map creation software
  • Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite
  • Surface III
Analytical or scientific software
  • Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix software
  • Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$49,690
per year, on average
Check out my state Find Jobs
Green
This work is part of the green economy.

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about geological sample test technicians.