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Assistant Geologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Geologist information

See Washington salary details

$40.8K

$87.2K

$141K

How much do assistant geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant geologist in Washington is $87,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant geologist?

Assistant Geologists are entry-level professionals who support geologists in studying the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes. Their duties typically include collecting and analyzing soil, rock, and water samples, conducting field surveys, and assisting with geological mapping. They work under the supervision of senior geologists in industries such as environmental consulting, mining, oil and gas, and government agencies. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is often a stepping stone to more advanced geoscience positions.

Is there a high demand for assistant geologists?

The demand for assistant geologists is generally steady, especially in industries such as mining, oil and gas, environmental consulting, and construction. Employment opportunities depend on industry activity, regional projects, and the candidate's skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting.

What are the typical responsibilities of an assistant geologist in a fieldwork setting?

As an Assistant Geologist, you will often support senior geologists during field investigations, which may include collecting soil and rock samples, conducting site surveys, and recording geologic observations. You may also assist in geophysical or geochemical testing and help with mapping and data analysis back in the office. Fieldwork can be physically demanding and often requires travel to remote locations, but it provides valuable hands-on experience and exposure to a variety of geological projects. Team collaboration is common, as you’ll frequently work with environmental scientists, engineers, and drilling crews to ensure data accuracy and project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Geologist, you need a solid background in geology or earth sciences, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and foundational fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, mapping tools, and data analysis platforms is important, and certifications like OSHA HAZWOPER may be required for field safety. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collecting and reporting accurate geological data. These skills ensure reliable data collection, adherence to safety standards, and successful collaboration on geological projects.

What is the difference between Assistant Geologist vs Geoscientist?

AspectAssistant GeologistGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in geology or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in geology, geoscience, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, lab analysis, data collectionResearch, data analysis, fieldwork, report writing
Employer & Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, oil & gasResearch institutions, government agencies, energy companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Geologists typically perform fieldwork and basic data collection under supervision, while Geoscientists often engage in research, complex data analysis, and report writing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Geoscientists usually hold advanced degrees and work in broader research or policy settings. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in geology-related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Geologist jobs in Washington? For Assistant Geologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Geologist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Geologist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Assistant Geologist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Assistant Geologist job openings:
Assistant Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Geologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,244 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Staff Geologist - Suffolk, VA

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

400th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is currently seeking an entry-level Geologist with 0 to 3 years' experience needed for a field position based out of the Suffolk, VA location. This position will provide a dynamic, team-oriented work environment and an exceptional opportunity for career growth. The selected candidate will work on a wide range of hydrogeological and environmental engineering projects. Much of the work will be in the field and may require occasional night and weekend work. The selected candidate will support our water resource department in geology, soils, surface water, and groundwater field and office services for various projects in central Virginia and throughout the U.S. Responsibilities include planning, preparing for, and performing field activities such as collecting soil, rock, and groundwater samples; overseeing well drilling, construction, and testing; leading junior staff; performing geophysical surveys and aquifer performance testing; records retrievals and research; consumptive and water use permitting; data review and analysis; report, presentation and work plan preparation. Candidate must have the ability to be thorough in notetaking and preparation of data reports and have excellent communication skills.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Review, comprehend, prepare, and complete work scopes.
  • Communicate on site conditions with senior staff and make field determinations based on site data.
  • Interpret basic geologic information; prepare boring logs, cross sections, and groundwater flow maps.
  • Perform project tasks on public and private sector hydrogeological and environmental projects.
  • Significant involvement as team member on field tasks including, but not limited to, multi-media sampling, well installation, environmental studies, IDW management.
  • Manage and coordinate well drilling crews and oversee data collection and quality control of large data sets.
  • Develop key elements of reports, presentations, and work plans, as well as perform document QA/QC under the direction of senior staff.
  • Assist with management and direction of junior staff to execute project assignments.
  • Assist in preparation of subcontract documents, work plans and reports under direction of senior engineers and scientists.
  • Potentially perform groundwater and/or surface water modeling tasks.
  • Prepare geographic information system (GIS) maps.
  • Assist in and coordinate data evaluation and report preparation.
  • Be willing and able to travel to job sites around VA or outside of the State, occasionally for multiple days.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Geology.
  • 0 - 3 years of experience.
  • Knowledge of Virginia geology and hydrogeology, and skilled in soil and rock classification.
  • Comfortable using analytical and field equipment for hydrogeological investigations.
  • Ability to direct field personnel and supervise drillers on projects.
  • Must be able to work effectively with other technical professionals.
  • Neat, legible handwriting is mandatory. Candidate must have the ability to create rigorously detailed documentation of field activities.
  • Working knowledge of MS office software.
  • Ability to read, research, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical documents and procedures, and government regulations, and write detailed reports, business correspondence, and procedures suitable for client submittal.
  • Effectively present information, communicate, and respond to questions from groups of coworkers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Effective communication skills, both orally and in written form.
  • Ability to travel and perform field work/oversight.
  • A Pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations is required.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1 - 2 years of experience preferred.
  • Geologist in Training (GIT) in the State of Virginia a plus.
  • Bilingual capability (Spanish) is a plus.
  • Experience with aquifer performance testing, geophysical logging, and rock coring preferred.
  • OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training and current 8-hour refresher training, preferred.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Training preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment weighing up to 50lbs.
  • Ability to travel (approx. 25% of travel required).
  • Ability to walk across variable terrain, including uneven ground, in all weather conditions (hot/cold temperatures, loud noises, heavy equipment, etc.) for field work.
  • Office work will consist of time sitting or standing at a desk and using a computer and other office equipment.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
  • Field work will include work to be performed outside at construction and well drilling sites, as a result may include working in various environmental factors (weather, altitude, terrain, noise, etc.). This can include remaining stationary for long periods of time, walking, bending, lifting, and sitting for site assessments, sampling, oversight, and other field activities.
  • Office work will include extended periods sitting or standing at a desk and using a computer.

Additional Information:
  • Full-time, Monday through Friday work schedule (40 hours). Occasionally extended hours may be required based on project and/or client needs.
  • Work will be performed in an office, field, and client site setting.

Target salary range: $53,000 to $63,000. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • Tetra Tech offers the following optional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long & Short-Term Disability, Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending. Financial Benefits: Group Term Life, Optional Group Term Life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Health Savings Account, 401K, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Time Off with Pay, Employee Assistance Program, Adoption Assistance, Leaves of Absence.
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.

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