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Water Well Service Technician

Interviews

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Got a passion for heavy lifting, problem solving and exploring the unknown? Water well service technicians do these things for a living.

Valdis Gislason, assistant program head of a hydrogeological technology program, describes a rare scene in the hydrogeological field. "I once saw a really petite woman who managed to handle the pipes quite well. Although there are female technologists, there are few who'd choose to work wells. It's very hard physical labor. You could find yourself lifting 80 to 120 pounds of pipes."

In short, no matter who you are, you've got to be a pretty tough nut to enjoy this kind of work. Gislason is honest about the lack of female presence at the wells. "This is not a popular job for women, and managers are hesitant to hire female technicians."

Gislason adds that the actual construction of water wells is not the job for anyone who wants an intellectual challenge; however, brain-bending jobs do exist in the industry.

"This is not [intellectually] skilled work we're talking about," she says about the construction of wells.

According to Gislason, most people with formal education in the hydrogeological field will wind up in higher positions within a company. "On one end, you've got basic on-call drillers' assistants. At the other end would be the owners and operators of a company, like a contracting company. [Graduates of an educational program] are involved in supervision. Education is necessary for this kind of position."

Bob Lium, project manager of a company that contracts out technicians and drillers, says that even those involved in the construction of wells enjoy more than just heavy lifting. "It's an interesting job, full of the unknown. Drilling wells means drilling into ground that you can't see. It means interpreting geology -- it's interesting, to say the least!"

In fact, Lium argues that in certain situations, creativity is essential. Sometimes the unknown -- the depth of a hole, or the volume of water -- needs to be figured out. When a yardstick and a measuring cup won't do, you'll need to cook up an imaginative alternative. "Measurements are done in creative ways," says Lium.

In addition to physical strength and a love for the unknown, a water well technician may have an interest in the environment or geology. Lium's background is diverse. "Personally, I have a BA in chemistry and experience in the environmental industry. Water well technicians are pretty much taught on the job and typically have a mechanical background."

Lium is quick to note the particular muscular strength of the water well guys that he works with. They talk to him about the strains and pains of their work. "The guys tell you about it every single day. Also, since you're working outside, you're dealing with exposure issues."

When intense physical exertion and exposure to extreme weather conditions are part of a job, safety is an issue. According to Lium, the strength of a water well technician is not abused, and a worker's safety is top priority in any company. "We have a few injuries here and there. All in all, there is never anything serious."

He adds that in most cases, any extreme weight is pulled by heavy lifting equipment. "Working conditions are decent."