Will AI replace Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians?

AI can do 51% of the work Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 4 of their 29 tasks, while 12 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 8 physical tasks. 5 still need a person.

AI is already doing this4 · 22% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.Mostly automated11% of time
  • Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.Mostly automated11% of time
  • Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.Mostly automated1% of time
  • Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.Mostly automatedunder 1% of time

AI could do this next12 · 28% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.5% of time
  • Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.5% of time
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.4% of time
  • Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.4% of time
  • Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.4% of time
  • Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.2% of time
  • Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.1% of time
  • Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.1% of time
  • Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.1% of time
  • Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.1% of time
  • Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.1% of time
  • Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this8 · 33% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.Robots: structured workplaces8% of time
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time
  • Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time
  • Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.Robots: structured workplacesunder 1% of time

Still needs a person5 · 16% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.7% of time
  • Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.4% of time
  • Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.2% of time
  • Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.2% of time
  • Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.1% of time

Your week is not the average

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 22 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 4 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 12 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 8 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 5 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health53%Hydrologic Technicians42%Quality Control Analysts53%Forest and Conservation Technicians54%Nuclear Technicians47%Food Science Technicians46%

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