Geotechnician
Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples for use in construction, mining and engineering.
Also known as: Geotechnical lab technician, geotechnical engineer
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£35,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a geotechnician, you could:
- collect and prepare rock, soil and water samples for lab testing
- analyse the chemical and physical properties of samples
- record well and borehole drilling activity
- interpret data from seismic surveys
- prepare geological maps
- support teaching staff in university
- train and supervise staff
- produce reports for engineers and scientists
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of geography
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a geotechnician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:
- geoscience
- geology
- environmental science
- Earth sciences
- mineral or mining engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- geology
- applied science
- laboratory technical skills
- laboratory and associated technical activities
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply to do a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You could also apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you have the right entry requirements.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start as an assistant technician with a company and work your way up through training and promotion.
To do this, you'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and 2 A levels, including maths and sciences. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted like the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
Volunteering
Work experience in the field or a laboratory could give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs. For example, you could join your local geological group or contact companies listed in The Geologist Directory to find out about potential work placements.
Restrictions and requirements
Being able to drive may be an advantage in roles where you need to visit sites.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification scheme (CSCS) card , if you're working for a geotechnical company that specialises in supporting construction projects.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could train to qualify as a geoscientist .
You may wish to specialise in particular area of geoscience, for example:
- environmental engineering
- hydrogeology
- mining and quarrying
You could also work as a laboratory technician or science teacher in a school, college or university.
You could get recognition of your technical skills by registering with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Geological Society for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the industry.
Guides for this industry
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