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- Collect, analyse and report on samples of rock, soil and water
- This role often combines lab work, office work and outdoor work
- Opportunities to progress to become a geoscientist with further study and training
As a geotechnician, you'll analyse rock, soil, and water samples in order to collect data.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Preparing rock, soil and water samples for testing
- Analysing the chemical and physical properties of samples
- Obtaining and processing geophysical data
- Logging well and borehole drilling activity
- Interpreting data from seismic surveys
- Preparing geological maps, supporting teaching staff in a university
- Training and supervising staff
- Producing reports for engineers and scientists
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
If you're involved in equipment maintenance, you'll work on an out-of-hours rota system. In the lab, you'll wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when carrying out certain tests.
You'll need
To be a geotechnician, you'll need knowledge of geography, engineering science and technology, the ability to pay close attention to detail, maths skills, and excellent verbal communication.
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree to get into this career. Relevant subjects include geoscience, geology, environmental science, and Earth sciences.
You could do a college course in subjects such as Laboratory Technical Skills, or Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.
You may be able to start as a junior technician with an organisation and work your way up. A levels in maths and sciences may be required.
Work experience in the field or a laboratory may give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs.
You can also get recognition of your technical skills by registering with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could train as a geoscientist. You could also move into management, or into another sector and become a laboratory technician in a school or college.