Soil technicians are science technicians that monitor, regulate and research soil in the United states.
Soil technicians are science technicians that monitor, regulate and research soil in the United states. Soil samples are required in many areas before building a home or business or conducting other disturbing activities below the surface of the earth. A soil technician will come out to a property and take soil samples to be examined in a laboratory or out in the field to determine any unsafe or unique characteristics. Gold prospectors, mining companies and oil surveyors use soil technicians in their prospecting and surveying endeavors.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Soil technicians are usually considered biological science technicians and can work in many varying types of related fields. Conservation soil biologists will monitor and collect soil samples to determine harmful impacts on the soil that may have damaging effects on plant and animal populations in the area. They will specifically test the soil for non-native soil types, pollution and depletion of minerals due to poor agriculture practices. Before beginning construction on a piece of land some states and counties require soil samples to be taken. Soil technicians take samples in this case to determine the soil type and presence of pollutants. The soil type will determine what type of building approach can be used on this particular plot of land. Oil and mineral scouts will utilize soil technicians during scouting and prospecting missions. Soil technicians will take soil samples and determine if minerals and other characteristics are present that may indicate the presence of a desired element of considerable value.
Education Requirements
Most soil technicians must hold at least an associates degree and at least a year of experience in the field. This experience can be gained by acquiring entry level jobs or internships with government and private agencies that hire soil technicians. To compete for better jobs in this field, individuals should acquire a bachelor's degree and at least a year of experience in the field. A bachelor's degree in geology or environmental science combined with 2 years experience as a soil technician will provide a competitive level of credentials for those interested in advancing in this field.
Other Preferable Skills
Hands-on training is essential for soil technicians. Good physical condition and health is important for this job as it often requires moving and setting up equipment, standing, squatting and digging repeatedly for long periods of time. Science, biology, math and geology courses should be taken in high school and college for individuals interested in pursuing a soil technician job. Computers are often used in this profession, especially personal data devices used to collect habitat and soil information. Soil technicians should be comfortable using computers and should have great communication skills as soil technicians often work with home and business owners in this line of work.
Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, geological and petroleum technicians held about 15,200 jobs in 2008 and environmental science and protection technicians held about 35,000 jobs. A 2 percent employment growth is expected for geological and petroleum technicians from 2008 to 2018, while the employment of environmental science and protection technicians is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 29 percent.
Job Salary
According to the BLS, geological and petroleum technicians had a median hourly wage in May 2008 of $25.65, while environmental science and protection technicians earned $19.34. In March 2009, the average annual salary in the Federal Government was $39,538 for biological science technicians and $55,527 for physical science technicians. The top paying states to work as a biological technician in 2008 were Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Tags: science technicians, environmental science, environmental science protection, geological petroleum, geological petroleum technicians
