Some chemical technicians collect and analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels. Nuclear technicians operate nuclear test and research equipment, monitor radiation, and assist nuclear engineers and physicists in research. Some also operate remote control equipment to manipulate radioactive materials or materials to be exposed to radioactivity. Mathematical technicians work with scientists and engineers to solve computational problems encountered in research and development and other areas. They also apply standardized mathematical formulas to translate data into graphs and charts.
Petroleum technicians perform a variety of tasks related to oil and natural gas production.
Some petroleum technicians measure and record physical and geologic conditions in oil or gas wells using instruments lowered into wells or by analysis of the mud that is circulated down and back up wells. Other petroleum technicians help geologists search for new oil and gas deposits by collecting and examining geological data or by testing geological data or by testing geological samples to determine petroleum and mineral content. Some petroleum technicians are called scouts. They investigate and collect information about oil and gas well drilling operations, geological and geophysical prospecting, and land or lease contracts. Other science technicians collect weather information, test manufactured products to ensure their quality, or assist oceanographers.