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Optical Mineralogy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Petrographer

Campbell Hall, NY ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excellent rock and mineral identification skills * Experience using a polarized light microscope; knowledge of optical microscopy * Working knowledge of ASTM standards related to petrographic and ...

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Optical Mineralogy information

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$21

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How much do optical mineralogy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical mineralogy in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical mineralogy?

An Optical Mineralogy job involves studying minerals using polarized light microscopy to identify and analyze their optical properties. Professionals in this field work in geology, mineral exploration, and material sciences to determine mineral composition and structure. They use techniques like thin-section analysis to identify minerals based on birefringence, pleochroism, and refractive indices. This work is crucial in fields such as petrology, mining, and environmental science. Optical mineralogists may work in laboratories, universities, or industries that require detailed mineral characterization.

What does an optical mineralogist do?

A typical day for an Optical Mineralogist involves preparing thin sections of rock or mineral samples, conducting detailed analyses using petrographic microscopes, and documenting observations. You may spend time collaborating with other geoscientists or lab technicians to interpret findings and support research or exploration projects. Some days also include recording results, preparing reports, or teaching techniques to students and colleagues. Work environments are usually a mix of laboratory and office settings, with opportunities for fieldwork depending on the employer and project demands.

What skills and qualifications are needed for optical mineralogy?

To excel in Optical Mineralogy, a strong background in geology, mineral identification, and petrography is typically required, often supported by a relevant degree in geosciences. Expertise with petrographic microscopes, polarized light equipment, and image analysis software is essential, and some roles may require specific laboratory safety certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication are highly valued in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing mineral samples and effectively conveying findings to peers or clients in academic, industrial, or environmental settings.

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The most popular types of Optical Mineralogy jobs are:

What states have the most Optical Mineralogy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Mineralogy jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Optical Mineralogy jobs are:

Infographic showing various Optical Mineralogy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Senior Petrographer

SOCOTEC

Campbell Hall, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:Advance Testing Company, a SOCOTEC Company, is currently seeking a Senior Petrographer based in Campbell Hall, NY.


Advance Testing Company, an established New York-based construction materials testing and inspection firm with several offices throughout the Northeast, has an opportunity available for a skilled concrete and aggregate petrographer. The position would be based out of Advance Testing’s Campbell Hall, NY office and state-of-the-art accredited laboratory.


Advance Testing Company performs testing and inspection of materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel, asphalt, fireproofing and firestopping. Typical assignments include projects related to construction of roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, government and military sites, and material fabrication and production facilities.


RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Petrographic examination of rocks, minerals, concrete and other construction materials through the use of stereomicroscope, polarized light microscope, reflected light microscope and fluorescence microscopy. Interpret data obtained from such examination.
  • Evaluate alkali-silica reactivity, sulfate attack, and other degradation factors affecting construction materials.
  • Perform air-void system analysis of hardened concrete
  • Perform point-count analysis of rocks, minerals, concrete and other construction materials through the use of various microscopes
  • Perform tasks that include the preparation and initial documentation of specimens.
  • Perform secondary testing such as X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, and potentiometric titrations.
  • Perform other specialized test procedures in laboratory as needed.
  • Prepare reports as directed by management.
  • Develop expertise through on-the-job training, self-study, and involvement in industry associations
  • Demonstrate awareness of employee safety by performing duties in accordance with company and OSHA guidelines
  • Maintain high ethical standards by using sound judgment that benefits both Advance Testing Co., Inc. and its customers.
  • Other related duties as assigned.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A Bachelor’s degree in geology or earth science with a strong background in geological and concrete material sciences
  • 5 years relevant experience as a Concrete Petrographer
  • Excellent rock and mineral identification skills
  • Experience using a polarized light microscope; knowledge of optical microscopy
  • Working knowledge of ASTM standards related to petrographic and construction materials testing.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in sample preparation for petrographic investigations of concrete and other cement-based construction materials and aggregates.

COMPETITIVE SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

In addition to providing competitive experience and qualification-driven salaries, Advance Testing Company, Inc. offers a wide range of benefit options, including:

· Comprehensive group medical insurance, including health, prescription, dental, vision

· Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and dependent care

· Company paid offset to out of pocket health insurance and prescription costs

· Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

· Paid time off and sick days

· Company–observed paid holidays

· Paid training and certification

· AFLAC Plans including short and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, et al.

· 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Requirements:

All positions may require lifting and/or physical activities, including lifting of up to 75 lbs., walking/working on uneven surfaces, and driving to and from job sites. Work hours vary, but may include day, night and weekend shifts.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and highly encourage resumes from all interested parties including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected class.


Advance Testing Company, Inc. participates in the USCIS E-Verify Program to verify that all new hires are authorized to work in the United States.