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Geotechnician

Alternative titles for this job include Geotechnical lab technician, geotechnical engineer

Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples for use in construction, mining and engineering.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:

  • geoscience
  • geology
  • environmental science
  • Earth sciences
  • mineral or mining engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

  • geology
  • applied science
  • laboratory technical skills
  • laboratory and associated technical activities

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply to do a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you have the right entry requirements.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as an assistant technician with a company and work your way up through training and promotion.

To do this, you'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and 2 A levels, including maths and sciences. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted like the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

Volunteering

Work experience in the field or a laboratory could give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs. For example, you could join your local geological group or contact companies listed in The Geologist Directory to find out about potential work placements.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Geological Society for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training in geoscience from The Geological Society.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

Being able to drive may be an advantage in roles where you need to visit sites.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification scheme (CSCS) card, if you're working for a geotechnical company that specialises in supporting construction projects.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a geotechnician, you could:

  • collect and prepare rock, soil and water samples for lab testing
  • analyse the chemical and physical properties of samples
  • record well and borehole drilling activity
  • interpret data from seismic surveys
  • prepare geological maps
  • support teaching staff in university
  • train and supervise staff
  • produce reports for engineers and scientists

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could train to qualify as a geoscientist.

You may wish to specialise in particular area of geoscience, for example:

  • environmental engineering
  • hydrogeology
  • mining and quarrying

You could also work as a laboratory technician or science teacher in a school, college or university.

You could get recognition of your technical skills by registering with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Technician – Chemical and Environmental Engineering

  • Wage: £23,563 a year Annually
  • Location: Nottingham

Heritage Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,587.20 a year Annually
  • Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey

Courses In England

Applied Science

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull

Applied Science

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

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