What Do Geophysical Data Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Geophysical Data Technicians measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings. They also prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.

Other tasks include:

• Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
• Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
• Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
• Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities.
• Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools.

We asked Geophysical Data Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

---

69% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Geophysical Data Technicians set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. They assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.

A typical day for a Geophysical Data Technician will also include:

• Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
• Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
• Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
• Diagnose or repair malfunctioning instruments or equipment, using manufacturers’ manuals and hand tools.

We asked some Geophysical Data Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	57% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	65% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	87% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	25% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	11% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	25% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Geophysical Data Technicians also record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. They may also collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Geophysical Data Technicians Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects. They might also Prepare and attach packing instructions to shipping containers.

In addition, they Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.

To some Geophysical Data Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Geophysical Data Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/geological-and-petroleum-technicians.htm

http://www.americangeosciences.org/

http://www.aapg.org/

http://www.nma.org/