Geoscience technician job responsibilities and potential salaries

Position description

Science technicians, in general, use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development. Their jobs tend to be more practically oriented than those of scientists. They set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, make observations, calculate and record results, and usually are required to develop conclusions based upon their observations and calculations. They must keep detailed logs of their workrelated activities, and they make extensive use of computers, computer-interfaced equipment, and high-technology industrial applications.

Geoscience Technicians assist earth scientists, such as geologists, engineers, and geophysicists, as well as geoscientists, to find/develop mineral and fuel resources. They search for locations likely to yield coal (or mineral) deposits in sufficient quantity to justify extraction costs. In addition, they analyze proposed mining activity with collected natural resource data. They make observations, analyze proposed mining activity, collect and analyze samples, and record information useful in the exploration for potential coal (or mineral) deposits.

Most Geoscience Technicians work in both the field and in laboratories. However, they may spend long periods working on remote sites before returning to their laboratory activities. They usually are tasked with ordering, checking, packing, and shipping of equipment/supplies utilized for such field surveys. In the field, they collect, record, and transport back to laboratories samples of rock, soil, drill cuttings, and water. They undertake geophysical surveys, involving the measurement of such factors as magnetism and gravity and using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology to establish locations of coal deposits.

In addition, they operate various remote sensing and imagery geophysical instruments to survey hidden rock features. In the process, they may mark the outlines of potential coal deposit areas and indicate the positioning of drill cuttings to be employed in the initial exploration of these areas by mining engineers. In the laboratory, they collate this data with other information collected from such sources as geochemical sampling surveys, seismic studies, and meteorological observations.

With all this geographic and geologic information, they utilize geographic information systems (GIS) computer programs to analyze the data. Next, they use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to translate this technical data into understandable maps, graphs, and tables. As GIS specialists, Geoscience Technicians are responsible for the standardizing and digitizing of the geospatial and tabular data (dataset) and for maintaining the accuracy of the resultant GIS database and related documentation.

Geoscience Technicians typically begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more seasoned technician. Job candidates whose training or educational background encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers, usually require only a short period of on-the-job training.

Geoscience Technicians are utilized in other industries as well, particularly in the exploration for petroleum and natural gas deposits. Their GIS skills are also applicable to many industrial engineering projects, commercial land use companies, and even wastewater treatment and/or water reclamation agencies. Many Geoscience Technicians work freelance, hiring on for specific projects, mining or otherwise.

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in their Career Guide to Industries, 2006–07 Edition, median hourly earnings of Geoscience Technicians was US Dollars 19.35, which translates into a median annual wage of approximately US Dollars 40,200. Salaries for graduates who start as technician helpers or assistants start around US Dollars 20,000, while seasoned Geoscience Technicians may earn in excess of US Dollars 60,000 annually.

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