What Do Geological Sample Test Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Geological Sample Test Technicians 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. They also test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.

Other tasks include:

• Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
• Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross sections.
• Assemble, operate, or maintain field or laboratory testing, measuring, or mechanical equipment.
• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
• Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.

We asked Geological Sample Test Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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62% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 38% 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, Geological Sample Test Technicians assemble, operate, or maintain field or laboratory testing, measuring, or mechanical equipment. They test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.

A typical day for a Geological Sample Test Technician will also include:

• Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
• Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross sections.
• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.

We asked some Geological Sample Test 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?	19% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	20% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	29% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	5% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	24% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Geological Sample Test Technicians also participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. They may also test and analyze samples from potential underground carbon sequestration sites.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Geological Sample Test Technicians Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. They might also Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.

In addition, they Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.

To some Geological Sample Test Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Geological Sample Test 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 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..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

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/