Geotechnicians collect and process rock and soil samples for geomechanical testing. They also describe the quality of rock mass, including structure, discontinuities, colour and weathering. Mine geotechnicians may measure the size of underground openings. They report the collected information to geologists and engineers as required.
Rate 5 of the 9 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
collect samples
troubleshoot
install rock movement monitoring devices
prepare scientific reports
perform sample testing
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (9)
impact of geological factors on mining operationsimpact of geological factors on mining operationsBe aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.collect samplescollect samplesSet up and operate equipment to collect water, gas, oil or soil samples for testing.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.install rock movement monitoring devicesinstall rock movement monitoring devicesInstall and operate monitoring devices, such as extensometers to measure deformation and movement, pressure cells to measure stresses and geophones to measure microseismicity.prepare scientific reportsprepare scientific reportsPrepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.perform sample testingperform sample testingExamine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.prepare samples for testingprepare samples for testingTake and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the s...test raw mineralstest raw mineralsTake samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.
Optional (8) — show
physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.health and safety hazards undergroundhealth and safety hazards undergroundThe rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground.maintain coresmaintain coresClean and repair cores, e.g. by smoothing out imperfections on the surface.communicate on the environmental impact of miningcommunicate on the environmental impact of miningPrepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.negotiate land accessnegotiate land accessNegotiate with landowners, tenants, mineral rights owners, regulatory bodies or other stakeholders to obtain permission to access areas of interest for exploration or sampling.monitor geotechnical structuresmonitor geotechnical structuresObserve performance factors of geotechnical structures in relation to the railway system.plan geotechnical investigations in the fieldplan geotechnical investigations in the fieldConduct thorough field investigations; perform drills and analyse samples of rocks and sediments.prepare geological map sectionsprepare geological map sectionsPrepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Geotechnicians collect and process rock and soil samples for geomechanical testing. They also describe the quality of rock mass, including structure, discontinuities, colour and weathering. Mine geotechnicians may measure the size of underground openings. They report the collected information to geologists and engineers as required.
What skills does a geotechnician need?
A geotechnician needs 9 essential skills, including impact of geological factors on mining operations, geology, collect samples, troubleshoot, install rock movement monitoring devices.
Will AI replace geotechnician jobs?
The AI disruption score for geotechnician is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: prepare scientific reports, prepare samples for testing, perform sample testing. Most resilient: negotiate land access, maintain cores, install rock movement monitoring devices.