Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

Geological technicians work with gas, oil or mineral exploration. Or they can work in other areas such as research and civil engineering. Their main duty is to support the work of geoscientists by managing the day-to-day running of the laboratory and by carrying out a range of experiments. These will include chemical analysis of rocks or fossils, cutting thin slices of rocks or operating X-ray machines and electron microscopes. They can also photograph specimens, make plans and diagrams for map work, log data and record information.  
 
They may also be responsible for preparing educational material, setting up experiments and maintaining stock levels.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test and analyse samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
• Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
• Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
• Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
• Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
• 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.
• Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

To gain professionally recognised qualifications, you need to complete a relevant foundation degree course and then undertake a period of training in employment. There are a limited number of courses countrywide that are particularly relevant to minerals/mining surveying.  

The B.Sc in Geomatics has been accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI/RICS), the Irish Institution of Surveyors (IIS), the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and the Construction Industry Board, UK. Graduates of the course are eligible to become corporate members of these professional bodies.

Most professional geophysicists are graduates. A combined degree in Geology and Physics, or a degree containing significant amounts of geology, maths and physics, may be acceptable. Many posts will require a good Second Class Honours degree. It is often desirable but not essential to obtain higher degrees, e.g. Master's Degrees in Geophysics.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Applied Sciences, General Engineering at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering Apprenticeships, Geo-Driller Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Geography and Geoscience, Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science - (Mathematical, Physical and Geological Sciences), Geographic Science, Geology and Physics, maths and physics, Geospatial Surveying NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development & Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology, Geology - Applied Environmental Geology, Geology - Offshore Environmental Geology, Earth Sciences - Research, Geology - Exploration Field Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, Environmental Geology NFQ level 9

Geological Society of Ireland 

Society Of Chartered Survyors Ireland

Quarrying 

Offshore exploration & Mining

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
SalaryExplorer/ Eireiri/ Payscale/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Institute of Geologists of Ireland

  • Geology Department, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
  • See contact form on website
  • Click Here

• Geological Survey of Ireland

  • Beggars Bush, Haddington Rd., Dublin 4
  • (01) 678 2896
  • Click Here