Geotechnician

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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:

• Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
• Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this role through an advanced laboratory technician apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship takes 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start as a junior technician with an organisation and work your way up.

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 may 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 work placement opportunities.

The Geological Society has information about getting work experience.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of geography
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• persistence and determination
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• science skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples.

You could:

• prepare rock, soil and water samples for testing
• analyse the chemical and physical properties of samples
• obtain and process geophysical data
• log 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

Location : You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £31,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could train as a geoscientist.

You could also move into management, environmental engineering work, or become a laboratory technician or science teacher in a school, college or university.