Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Science and research / 19-4043.00

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

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.

US jobs
6,980
Median wage
$53,350 a year
Job family
Science and research

Can agents do the work of geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)

Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.

Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 19%Analyze environmental or geospatial dataNot measured
  • 14%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
  • 11%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
  • 8%Gather information from physical or electronic sourcesNot measured
  • 8%Collect samples of products or materialsNot measured
  • 5%Research issues related to earth sciencesNot measured
  • 4%Supervise personnel activitiesNot measured
  • 4%Operate laboratory or field equipmentNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

  • CORE-Benchby Princeton UniversityTask level · CORE-Bench-Hard accuracy (public test set)
    95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025
    Solved

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Test and analyze 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.
  • Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
  • Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
Other job titles for this occupation (80)

Core Inspector · Environmental Field Services Technician · Environmental Sampling Technician · Geological E-Logger · Geological Technician · Geoscience Technician · Geotechnician · Materials Technician · Physical Science Technician · Soils Technician · Acid Tester · Chalk Tester · Construction Material Technician · Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech) · Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech) · Construction Materials Testing Technician (Construction Materials Testing Tech) · Crude Tester · Directional Drill Locator · Directional Drill Operator · Drilling Fluids Specialist · Echometer Engineer · Electric Well Logging Operator · Electrical Logger · Electrical Logging Operator · Electrical Prospecting Observer · Electrical Prospecting Operator · Electrolog Operator · Electron Microprobe Operator · Environmental Engineer · Extractions Technologist · Field Construction Materials Technician · Field Construction Materials Testing Technician · Field Evaluator · Field Geotechnical Technician · Field Observer · Field Scout · Field Tester · Gas Analyst · Gas Prover · Gas Tester · Gasoline Tester · Geological Aide · Geological Sample Tester · Geologist · Geology Associate · Geology Technician · Geophysical Computer · Geophysical E-Logger · Geophysical Prospector · Geophysical Support Specialist · Geoscience Specialist · Geospatial Technician · Geotechnical Field Technician (Geotechnical Field Tech) · Geotechnical Properties Technician · Geotechnical Technician · Gravity Meter Operator · Gravity Prospecting Observer · Gravity Prospecting Operator · Laboratory Assistant · Laboratory Technician · Laboratory Worker · Line Locator · Locater · Locater Operator · Locater Technician · Locator · Locator Specialist · Magnetic Locater · Magnetic Observer · Magnetic Prospecting Operator · Magnetometer Operator · Material Handling Technician · Material Technician · Materials Management Technician · Materials Testing Technician · Meter Operator · Mineral Technologist · Mining Technician · Mud Analysis Operator · Mud Analysis Well-Logging Operator