Geotechnician
What is the work like?
Geotechnicians support the work of professional geoscientists by collecting and analysing information from rock samples.
Much of your work as a geotechnician would involve routine laboratory duties such as:
- preparing rock, soil and water samples for testing
- analysing the chemical make up and physical properties of samples.
You would use a range of specialised instruments and computer programs in your work, and you may be responsible for servicing and maintaining laboratory equipment. Depending on the type of research you are carrying out, your other duties could include:
- obtaining and processing geophysical data
- logging well and borehole drilling activity
- interpreting data from seismic surveys
- preparing geological maps sections
- supporting teaching staff in university.
As a senior technician, you may also be responsible for training and supervising staff, scheduling work, maintaining quality standards and producing reports for engineers and scientists.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to start as a junior technician if you have around five GCSEs grades A-C, including English, a science subject and maths. However, many employers will prefer you to have A levels, a BTEC HNC/HND, or possibly a degree.
Many course providers offer science-based BTEC HND courses, but only a small number specialise in geology. Geology is more widely available at degree level. To search for colleges and universities offering these courses see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.
You will have an advantage if you have a genuine interest and knowledge of areas such as chemistry, physics, maths and computing. Experience in the field would also be particularly helpful. You could join your local geological group or use The Geologists' Directory to find details of companies working in the area of geology you are interested in. The Geological Society also has details of some formal work experience schemes.
The EMP exam board offer certificates at levels 2 and 3 in Extraction and Mineral Processing, which you could use as preparation for working in this field.
What further training and development can I do?
You would usually receive on-the-job training from your employer, which will often include short in-service training courses on the use of particular techniques or equipment.
Many employers will support you to take further qualifications, such as a geology degree, with some courses available to study either part-time day or through block-release.
You could also work towards an NVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities, available at levels 2 to 4.
Where can I go for more information?
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BG
Tel: 020 7434 9944
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500
London
W1G 7AR
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG
Tel: 0115 936 3143
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for geotechnicians can be between £12,000 and £15,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be based in a laboratory, working 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may occasionally have some evening and weekend work to meet deadlines. If you are involved in equipment maintenance, you could work on an out-of-hours rota system.
In the lab, you would wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when carrying out certain tests.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good scientific and technical skills
- the ability to pay close attention to detail
- good maths skills
- patience
- good observational skills
- a methodical approach to problem solving
- good IT skills
- practical skills, to use instruments and technical equipment
- the ability to work without direct supervision.
What opportunities are there?
You can find opportunities within the oil and gas sector, in engineering and water companies and with universities and colleges offering geology courses.
Two of the largest employers of geoscientists and technical staff in the UK are the British Geological Survey (part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)); and the Environment Agency. Working with a large organisation is likely to give you greater opportunities for career progression and the chance to train and qualify as a geoscientist.
If you work within a smaller company you may need to relocate in order to progress your career. It is possible to move into a managerial post or into another sector, for example, as a laboratory technician in a different industry.
For general reading and job vacancy information, you could check journals like Geology Today and Nature, and websites such as: (links open in new window)
The Geological Society
Green Jobs Online
Earthworks
NERC
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
