JOB REPORT / 19-4043 · 29 TASKS

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians.

Can AI do the work of Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid…
Compile data used to address environmental issues
Read and study reports in order to compile information…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians work. It covers the 24 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

24 of 29 tasks reviewed

This job has 29 core tasks. We went through 24 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
AI DOES
Processes raw seismic signals, flags anomalies, and generates visual maps
YOU DO
Apply local geological knowledge to interpret what the patterns really mean
TASK 02
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
AI DOES
Searches databases, sorts data, and drafts summary tables
YOU DO
Verify field conditions and apply local geological knowledge
TASK 03
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
AI DOES
Summarizes reports, extracts data tables, and flags relevant geological findings
YOU DO
Decide which findings matter for your specific site and prospecting purpose
TASK 04
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
AI DOES
Extracts data from logs and documents, auto-populates charts, and flags patterns
YOU DO
Verify data quality and apply geological knowledge to catch errors
TASK 05
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
AI DOES
Processes large seismic datasets, flags anomalies, and highlights promising underground patterns
YOU DO
Validate AI findings against local geology knowledge and real field conditions
TASK 06
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes data tables, checks grammar, and suggests standard language for findings
YOU DO
Verify field-specific context, apply professional judgment to recommendations, and sign off on technical accuracy
TASK 07
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
AI DOES
Searches public databases, pulls records, and drafts summaries of findings
YOU DO
Lead interviews and judge which information is trustworthy
TASK 08SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
AI DOES
Automates camera settings and processes images instantly
YOU DO
Choose what to capture and when
About this analysis
84% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 09
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
AI DOES
Drafts notes, formats sketches, and suggests map structures from input data
YOU DO
Interpret real field observations and apply geological knowledge to finalize maps
TASK 10
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
AI DOES
Scans logs and data to spot patterns, flags anomalies, and pulls similar case examples fast
YOU DO
Touch and examine real core samples and apply field judgment to ambiguous formations
TASK 11
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
AI DOES
Reads sensor outputs, flags unusual results, and helps interpret chemical or mineral content data
YOU DO
Handle samples safely, run the physical equipment, and judge when results need a second look
TASK 12
Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
AI DOES
Organizes, flags, and analyzes numerical readings once they are entered
YOU DO
Go to the field site and physically take the measurements
TASK 13
Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
AI DOES
Summarizes literature, flags known soil or contamination risks, and drafts report sections
YOU DO
Visit the site, collect real samples, and apply local geological knowledge to judge true impact
TASK 14
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
AI DOES
Analyzes survey data, spots patterns in subsurface readings, and flags potential problem areas
YOU DO
Go to the site, run the equipment, and judge what the real ground conditions mean for safety and design
TASK 15
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
AI DOES
Analyzes existing geological datasets, seismic surveys, and maps to identify candidate reservoirs
YOU DO
Go into the field, run equipment, and judge site safety and data quality firsthand
TASK 16
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
AI DOES
Analyzes geological maps, satellite data, and mineral survey reports to flag promising sites
YOU DO
Visit sites in person and apply field experience to confirm what data alone can't prove
TASK 17
Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
AI DOES
Models groundwater flow, flags data patterns, and drafts summary reports
YOU DO
Bring field knowledge and work side-by-side with the hydrogeologist on site
TASK 18SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
AI DOES
Catalogs entries and updates digital records automatically
YOU DO
Decide what matters and stays accessible
About this analysis
57% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 19SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
AI DOES
Compiles and logs data from multiple sources automatically
YOU DO
Verify quality and flag what needs attention
About this analysis
53% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 20
Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
AI DOES
Helps draft schedules, organize crew assignments, and flag logistical conflicts
YOU DO
Make on-the-spot calls about safety, terrain, and crew needs in the field
TASK 21
Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
AI DOES
Suggests instrument placement based on survey plans and checks setup checklists
YOU DO
Handle the physical setup and adapt to real conditions on the ground
TASK 22
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
AI DOES
Analyzes measurement data and flags patterns that may indicate oil or gas deposits
YOU DO
Travel to the site, operate instruments, and use field judgment
TASK 23
Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
AI DOES
Suggests calibration settings and flags unusual sensor readings in real time
YOU DO
Physically handle, adjust, and troubleshoot equipment in the field
TASK 24
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
AI DOES
Helps organize field notes, flag data patterns, and suggest sampling locations based on prior maps
YOU DO
Show up on-site and physically collect samples and readings

START LEARNING AI

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.

There are 24 short lessons for this job, about 15 minutes each. Each one starts from a task above and teaches the part that stays with you.

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
SOC code: 19-4043
Tasks reviewed: 24 of 29

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $53,350 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $61,780 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 6,980
Employed in Colorado: 90
Job outlook: +1.5% by 2034 · ~1,300 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.

Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.

Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.

Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.

Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.

Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.

Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.

Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.

Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.

Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.

Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.

Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.

Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.

Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.

Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.

Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.

Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.

Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.

Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.

Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.

Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.

Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.

Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.

Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.