Occupation Profile

Geological and Petroleum Technicians

(SOC Code : 19-4041)

in California

Assist scientists in the use of electrical, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential sources of metallic ore, gas, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. Investigate and collect information leading to the possible discovery of new oil fields.

Employers are usually looking for candidates with a Associate degree .

Occupational Wages

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Area	Year	Period	Hourly Mean	Hourly by Percentile
				25th	Median	75th
California	2012	1st Qtr	$37.79	$18.07	$32.05	$49.56

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")

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Area	Estimated Year-Projected Year	Employment		Employment Change		Annual Avg Openings
		Estimated	Projected	Number	Percent
California	2010 - 2020	1,900	2,100	200	10.5	80

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange

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Enter a Zip Code Find a Zip code in California

Within miles of Zip Code.

Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)

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Industry Title

Number of Employers in State of California

Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California

Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing

287

40.2%

Oil and Gas Extraction

347

26.6%

Architectural and Engineering Services

23,211

16.6%

About Staffing Patterns

Training Programs (click on title for more information)

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Program Title

Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other

Petroleum Technology/Technician

About Training & Apprenticeships

About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)

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Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities.

Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools.

More Tasks for Geological and Petroleum Technicians , More Tasks for Geological Data Technicians , More Tasks for Geological Sample Test Technicians

Top Skills used in this Job

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)

Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

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Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)

Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees.

Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.

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Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

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