| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
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| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. |
Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs
Select, Find and Prepare for Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs - all on one page
For science-minded people interested in the physical earth systems, from geology to climate to oceans. Use the tools below to see which earth sciences roles fit your background and goals.
This field spans geology, meteorology, and oceanography, and many advanced research roles require a master's degree or higher. Use the tools below to explore Earth Sciences-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Field Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Geologist or Hydrologist. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Professional Geologist (PG) License, that can help you move up the career ladder.
Here is a short Helper Video 
This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Earth Sciences careers/jobs, (2) Find Earth Sciences job listings, (3) Prepare for Earth Sciences careers, and (4) Provide Earth Sciences career-specific resources.
Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Earth Sciences careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Earth Sciences Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Earth Sciences careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Earth Sciences, so relevant Earth Sciences jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Earth Sciences Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Earth Sciences Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Earth Sciences careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 59 Earth Sciences Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.
** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job
10 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:
| Occupations | U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) | Earth Sciences-Related Jobs |
12 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::
| Occupations | National Median Salary | Earth Sciences-Related Jobs |
12 Earth Sciences careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.
|
Education/Preparation Categories: 5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.) 4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree 3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree 2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always Please Scroll and Select below: |
||
| Occupations | Education/Preparation | Earth Sciences-Related Jobs |
Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 59 specific Earth Sciences job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:
Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below
Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Find Job Listings:
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Description: Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians":
Core Duties
Supplemental Duties
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. |
| Importance: 57 (%) | Description: Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. |
| Importance: 55 (%) | Description: Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. |
| Importance: 53 (%) | Description: Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. |
| Importance: 53 (%) | Description: Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. |
| Importance: 48 (%) | Description: Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. |
| Importance: 48 (%) | Description: Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials. |
| Importance: 43 (%) | Description: Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions. |
| Importance: 43 (%) | Description: Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices. |
| Importance: 38 (%) | Description: Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation. |
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Analyze geological or geographical data. | |
| Analyze geological samples. | |
| Calibrate scientific or technical equipment. | |
| Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists. | |
| Collect archival data. | |
| Collect environmental data or samples. | |
| Collect geographical or geological field data. | |
| Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys. | |
| Collect samples for analysis or testing. | |
| Compile environmental or climatological data. | |
| Compile geographic or related data. | |
| Direct natural resources extraction projects. | |
| Direct technical activities or operations. | |
| Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment. | |
| Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning. | |
| Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data. | |
| Maintain laboratory or technical equipment. | |
| Operate laboratory or field equipment. | |
| Prepare maps. | |
| Record research or operational data. | |
| Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities. | |
| Research geological features or processes. | |
| Set up laboratory or field equipment. | |
| Supervise scientific or technical personnel. | |
| Survey land or properties. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance. |
| Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data. |
| Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property. |
| Activity: Assist scientists, scholars, or technical specialists with projects or research. |
| Activity: Collect environmental or biological samples. |
| Activity: Collect information about patients or clients. |
| Activity: Collect samples of products or materials. |
| Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data. |
| Activity: Create visual designs or displays. |
| Activity: Direct construction or extraction activities. |
| Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities. |
| Activity: Gather information from physical or electronic sources. |
| Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment. |
| Activity: Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activities. |
| Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Operate laboratory or field equipment. |
| Activity: Record images with photographic or audiovisual equipment. |
| Activity: Research issues related to earth sciences. |
| Activity: Set up equipment. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
Software Skills
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Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft Outlook | ||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||||
| Autodesk AutoCAD | ||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft Access | ||||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | ||||||||||
| SAP software | ||||||||||
| Geographic information system: | ||||||||||
| ESRI ArcGIS software | ||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||||
| Adobe Illustrator | ||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||
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| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||||
| Dynamic Graphics EarthVision Midland Valley 2DMove | ||||||||||
| Data base reporting software: | ||||||||||
| SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports | ||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||
| Database software | ||||||||||
| Geographic information system: | ||||||||||
| Geographic information system GIS software Geographic information system GIS systems | ||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||||
| Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite | ||||||||||
| Inventory management software: | ||||||||||
| Inventory management systems | ||||||||||
| Map creation software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||
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| Mobile location based services software: | ||||||||||
| Global positioning system GPS software Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile |
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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NSPS - THSOA Certified Hydrographer
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Professional Associations
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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American Geophysical Union (AGU)
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Job Listings
| Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings |
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources
This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page
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