Geotechnician Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Geotechnician Do?
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.
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Where Do I Start?
Geology
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Geotechnician
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialImpact Of Geological Factors On Mining Operations knowledge
Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCollect Samples skill
Set up and operate equipment to collect water, gas or soil samples for testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Sample Testing skill
Examine 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Samples For Testing skill
Take 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 sample details, in …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Technical Reports skill
Prepare technical 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTest Raw Minerals skill
Take samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTroubleshoot skill
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse A Computer skill
Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInstall Rock Movement Monitoring Devices skill
Install and operate monitoring devices, such as extensometers to measure deformation and movement, pressure cells to measure stresses and geophones to measure microseismicity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 7 displayed)
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OptionalHealth And Safety Hazards Underground knowledge
The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhysics knowledge
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrepare Geological Map Sections skill
Prepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate On The Environmental Impact Of Mining skill
Prepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Cores skill
Clean and repair cores, e.g. by smoothing out imperfections on the surface.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalNegotiate Land Access skill
Negotiate with landowners, tenants, mineral rights owners, regulatory bodies or other stakeholders to obtain permission to access areas of interest for exploration or sampling.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPlan Geotechnical Investigations In The Field skill
Conduct thorough field investigations; perform drills and analyse samples of rocks and sediments.
Course recommendations coming soon.