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Geological Technician

Energy & Utilities

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
  2. 2Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
  3. 3Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
  4. 4Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
  5. 5Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
  6. 6Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
  7. 7Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
  8. 8Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
  9. 9Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
  10. 10Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
  11. 11Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
  12. 12Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
  13. 13Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
  14. 14Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
  15. 15Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
  16. 16Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
  17. 17Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
  18. 18Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
  19. 19Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
  20. 20Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
  21. 21Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.
  22. 22Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
  23. 23Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Tester
  • Locater
  • Locator
  • Observer
  • Geologist
  • Oil Scout
  • Gas Prover
  • Gas Tester
  • Mud Logger
  • Oil Tester

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics71%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Mathematics69%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Engineering and Technology69%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language69%

    English

  • Chemistry63%

    Chemistry

  • Physics63%

    Physics

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsAlmost never
  • Contact with other peopleNo contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
  • Leading or coordinating othersNot at all
  • Handling conflict situationsAlmost never
  • Indoors, air-conditionedAlmost never
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

7%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue