Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

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Duties

Technicians in the fields of geology and hydrology often do the following:

• Maintain and repair laboratory and field equipment.
• Collect and prepare field samples such as dirt and water for laboratory testing.
• Analyze samples in a lab to identify their composition and properties.
• Compile data from tests and other sources such as reports and databases.
• Recognize potential natural resource regions with the use of geological studies and maps.

Expertise in either fieldwork and laboratory research or data analysis is common among geological and hydrologic technicians. Technicians, on the other hand, may be tasked with many tasks that are intertwined.

Geoscientists and hydrologists collect data in the field using seismic instruments and depth sensors. Additionally, they employ instruments like shovels and gauges to gather samples for testing. To solve problems and other issues in the labs, technicians employ microscopes, computers, and other equipment such as spectrometers.

A team of geological and hydrologic specialists works under the direction of scientists and engineers. Technicians in the field of geology aid with activities like prospecting and establishing new sites and keeping tabs on the performance of already existing ones. There are a range of initiatives that hydrologic technologists help with, including water rights negotiations.

Technicians in the fields of geology and hydrology may also collaborate with experts from other fields. These professionals, for example, may collaborate with environmental scientists and technologists to assess the possible environmental implications of drilling.

Education

Employment in these professions typically requires an associate's degree in applied science or a scientific-related technology. An undergraduate degree may be necessary for data-intensive geological and hydrologic technician jobs.

Community colleges and technical institutes may teach geosciences, mining, or similar fields (GIS). Regardless of major, students take courses in geology, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry. Schools may also provide internships and co-op programs to help students gain real-world experience.

Licenses and certifications

Some geological and hydrologic technicians may need OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification. Candidates must complete courses on health risks, PPE, worksite safety, hazard identification, and decontamination techniques to get the HAZWOPER certification. Renewal of certification may necessitate.

The American Institute of Hydrology offers voluntary hydrologic technician certification (AIH). Each level's educational and experience requirements vary. Regular recertification is required.

Important traits

Analytical skills Data and materials are analyzed by geological and hydrologic technicians using laboratory tests and computer modeling.

Effective communication skills Scientists, engineers, managers, and other technicians get oral and written reports from geological and hydrologic technicians.

Critical thinking skills To evaluate scientific data, geologists and hydrologists rely on their experience and intuition.

Interaction with others. Geology and hydrology technicians must be able to operate in groups.

Body stamina. Field geologists and hydrologists must be able to travel long distances with testing and sample equipment.

Training

Working with geological and hydrologic technicians is widespread. Novice technicians use field and laboratory equipment and computer software under the instruction of specialists. Training can last from a few weeks to several months.

Pay

The median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians was $52,440 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,750.

Job Projections

Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.