Description
Support geologists and engineers in field and laboratory programs by operating electronic, sonic, and nuclear instruments to collect and analyze geological data. Prepare and analyze cores, mud, and drill cuttings, and log and chart pressure, temperature, and other borehole characteristics for mineral, energy, and environmental assessments.
- • Test and analyze geological samples to determine composition and properties using lab instruments.
- • Collect, label, and preserve rock, soil, sediment, mud, and drill cuttings for analysis.
- • Compile, log, and QA/QC field and laboratory data in spreadsheets or databases.
- • Draft and update field notes, sketches, maps, stratigraphic columns, and cross-sections.
- • Participate in geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys, core logging, and exploratory drilling support.
- • Prepare figures, tables, and concise technical summaries for reports.
- • Operate, calibrate, and adjust well-logging, geophysical, and geochemical equipment.
- • Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on testing and logging devices.
- • Review prior reports, maps, and public databases to support prospecting and site studies.
- • Interview drillers, landowners, or field personnel to obtain site history and operational details.
- • Plot data from aerial photographs, well logs, and section descriptions using GIS/CAD tools.
- • Assemble, archive, and distribute geological records, samples, imagery, and metadata.
- • Collaborate with hydrogeologists or reservoir engineers on groundwater or circulation assessments when needed.
- • Apply improved imaging and data-processing techniques to identify subsurface targets.
- • Collect reservoir and seal data for potential carbon sequestration sites.
- • Gather thermal gradient and lithology data from potential geothermal sites.
- • Compile geologic suitability data for landfills and other environmental siting projects.
- • Conduct near-surface geophysical surveys to support wind or solar site assessments.
- • Evaluate and interpret seismic and geophysical datasets with computer software.
- • Set up survey grids, positioning systems, and instrument stations; deploy and retrieve sensors.
- • Operate and adjust equipment to obtain geological data in the field and laboratory.
- • Record and transmit real-time readings during drilling and logging operations.
- • Measure and log borehole parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, gamma, resistivity).
- • Evaluate and describe cores and cuttings; assist in interpreting subsurface stratigraphy.
- • Participate in the evaluation of potential mining or quarry locations.
- • Assess subsurface materials to support environmental impact evaluations.
- • Assist with supervision of drilling, coring, and well-completion activities to ensure data quality.
- • Coordinate activities of field crews operating data-collection equipment.
- • Create photographic records of cores, samples, and outcrops and manage image files.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
