Geotechnicians support the work of professional geologists by collecting and analysing information from rock samples. Much of their work involves routine laboratory duties such as:

• preparing rock, soil and water samples for testing
• analysing the chemical composition and physical properties of samples.

They use a range of specialised instruments and computers and are often involved in servicing and maintaining laboratory equipment. Depending on the type of research being carried out, their other duties can include:

• obtaining and processing geophysical data
• well logging activities
• interpreting data from seismic surveys
• preparing geological maps and thin sections
• teaching support.

Senior technicians may be responsible for training and supervising juniors, scheduling work, maintaining quality standards and producing reports.

Hours and Environment

Geotechnicians based in a laboratory will often work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines. Technicians involved in maintaining electronic equipment and computers may work an out-of-hours rota system. Part-time work may be an option.

As a technician in a laboratory you will wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when undertaking certain types of activities.

If your employer is one of the international service companies that supports the oil, gas and mining industries, there may be opportunities to work overseas.

Skills and Interests

To be a geotechnician you should:

• have good scientific and technical skills
• be able to pay careful attention to detail and accuracy
• have good numeracy skills
• be patient and have good observational skills
• have a methodical approach to problem solving
• be able to use information and communication technology
• have practical skills to use instruments and technical equipment
• be able to work without direct supervision
• have good eyesight.

Entry

Some employers will take you on as a junior technician if you have some GCSE/S grades. You are likely to need at least four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, a science subject and maths. Many employers will prefer you to have A levels/H grades, a BTEC HNC/HND, and possibly a degree. 

Knowledge and understanding of areas such as chemistry, physics, maths and computing will be useful. A qualification in geology will give you an advantage but this is not essential.

Many colleges and universities offer science-based BTEC HND courses, however, only a small number specialise in geology. Geology is more widely available at degree level. Please check with colleges or universities for details of course entry requirements.

Two awards are also available in Extraction and Mineral Processing, from the EMP exam board (check Further Information for contact details). These certificates may be a useful preparation to working in this field. 

Training

As a geotechnician you are likely to 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 and encourage you to obtain further qualifications, such as a degree, in geology. Some courses are available to study part-time day or block-release.

You can work towards an NVQ/SVQ at levels 2, 3 and 4 in Laboratory and Technical Activities.

Opportunities

Many geotechnicians are employed in the oil sector. As a technician you can also work with universities and colleges offering geology courses, to support the training of student geologists.

Two of the largest employers of geologists and technical staff in the UK are the British Geological Survey, which is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); and the Environment Agency. As a technician you can go on to train and work as a geologist.

With the increasing use of sophisticated technology, professional geologists are expected to be less reliant on technicians.

Larger organisations tend to have formal career structures. If you work within a smaller company you may have less opportunity for promotion and you may need to relocate in order to progress. It is possible to move into a managerial post or into other sectors, for example, as a laboratory manager or as a laboratory technician in a different industry or in education. Overseas work may be possible with some employers.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Junior technicians can earn around £14,000 a year.
With a BTEC HND, earnings on entry may be around £16,000 a year.
Experienced technicians can earn around £23,000.
Senior technicians can earn up to around £29,000.

Further information

Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500 Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BG
Tel: 020 7434 9944 61 New Cavendish Street
London
W1G 7AR