Geophysical Data Technicians
Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings.
How AI Impacts Each Task
23 tasks analyzed
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
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.
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
Diagnose or repair malfunctioning instruments or equipment, using manufacturers' manuals and hand tools.
Prepare and attach packing instructions to shipping containers.
Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects.
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
Record geological data in a database.
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 9% | |
| Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. | 15Estimated | 15.0% | 4% | |
| Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 5% | |
| Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 4% | |
| Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 4% | |
| Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 5% | |
| Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. | 26.2Observed | 43.5% | 3% | |
| Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. | 34.33Observed | 28.7% | 3% | |
| Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. | 52Estimated | 70.0% | 4% | |
| Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 6% | |
| Diagnose or repair malfunctioning instruments or equipment, using manufacturers' manuals and hand tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Prepare and attach packing instructions to shipping containers. | 77Estimated | 80.0% | 2% | |
| Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 4% | |
| Record geological data in a database. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 5% | |
| Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 9% | |
| Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 5% | |
| Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 4% | |
| Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 4% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis