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Associate Geologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

As a Senior Associate, you will build meaningful client connections and learn how to manage and ... Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Information Technology, Management Information Systems ...

AutoCAD Civil 3D Drafter

Novi, MI

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Associates degree in drafting/CAD technology and 4 years' of CAD drafting experience, or 8 to 10 ... Ability to work with and take direction from Engineers, Geologists, Scientists, and Project ...

Showing results 21-38

Associate Geologist information

See Michigan salary details

$31.4K

$67.1K

$108.5K

How much do associate geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate geologist in Michigan is $67,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $81,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate geologist?

Associate Geologists are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist senior geologists in studying the Earth's structure, composition, and various geological processes. They often conduct fieldwork, collect samples, perform laboratory analyses, and help interpret data to support environmental studies, resource exploration, or construction projects. Associate Geologists may also prepare reports, maps, and presentations based on their findings, and they typically work under the supervision of more experienced geologists. This role is a common starting point for those building a career in geology or earth sciences.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate geologist?

To thrive as an Associate Geologist, you generally need a degree in geology or earth sciences, strong analytical skills, and foundational fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, geological mapping tools, and data analysis systems is typically required, and certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER may be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection and analysis, safe field practices, and clear reporting, all of which are critical for successful geological projects.

What are common challenges faced by associate geologists in the field?

Associate Geologists frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, navigating remote or rugged terrain, and ensuring the accuracy of field data collection. They must also manage tight project deadlines while balancing fieldwork with office-based analysis and reporting. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and environmental scientists, is often essential to successfully complete projects and resolve any unexpected geological issues that arise.

What is the difference between Associate Geologist vs Geologist?

AspectAssociate GeologistGeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in geology or related field; entry-level certification often preferredBachelor's degree in geology; some roles require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, report writing; often supervised by senior staffFieldwork, laboratory analysis, project planning; more autonomous with experience
Employer & Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, oil & gas; entry-level or junior rolesMining, environmental, oil & gas, academia; mid-level roles with more responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Geologist and a Geologist lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Geologists are typically entry-level professionals focusing on field data collection and basic analysis, often working under supervision. Geologists usually have more experience, handle complex projects, and may have additional certifications. Both roles are essential in geology-related industries, but the Geologist position generally involves greater independence and technical expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Geologist jobs in Michigan?

For Associate Geologist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Geologist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,139 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Transportation Technician 11 (Lead Construction Tech) Cadillac TSC

State of Michigan

Lansing, MI • On-site

$30.63 - $44.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $30.63 - $44.30 Hourly
Location : Cadillac, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 5901-26-GR-25-TT11-CTSC-JH
Department: Transportation
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: TECHNICAL (SEIU)
Job Description
This position assists the Construction Engineer in the administration of construction projects as a lead worker and participates in the full range of inspection, survey, and office procedures for contract administration. This position leads, oversees, and trains lower-level Transportation Technicians and Transportation Aides (Interns) in construction engineering activities; performs quality assurance duties as a senior worker on complex projects; and performs various technical assignments in the areas of permits/utilities, design, traffic and safety, and maintenance as required when not engaged in construction engineering activities.
This position requires possession of a valid driver's license to perform field work.
The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate through the maximum rate of the Transportation Technician 11 position.
For additional information, please see the links below:
For information on benefits, visit or
The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of an Associate's degree in concrete technology, civil technology, construction technology, surveying technology, construction management, mathematics, or computer science.
Experience
Three years of experience equivalent to a Transportation Technician, including one year equivalent to a Transportation Technician E10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Transportation Technician 8 - 12
Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in an Applied Science with 16 semester hours (24 term) credits in job specific or related course work qualifies for the Transportation Technician E10 level.
OR
Completion of 60 semester (90 term) credits including 24 semester (36 term) credits in any combination of course work in the following areas: structures, materials, soils, hydrology, surveying, design, bituminous, concrete, aggregate, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, highway or traffic technology, construction management, engineering, or mathematics may be substituted for the associate's degree.
OR
Four years of technician level experience consisting of quality control inspections, drafting, materials and testing, surveying, or traffic may be substituted for the Associate's degree.
OR
Current certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and one year of related field experience may be substituted for the associate's degree.
OR
Current certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and three years experience equivalent to a Transportation Maintenance Worker 9 may be substituted for the associate's degree.
OR
Current certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and completion of 16 semester (24 term) credits in any combination of course work in the following areas: structures, materials, soils, hydrology, surveying, design, bituminous, concrete, aggregate, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, highway or traffic technology, construction management, engineering, or mathematics may be substituted for the Associate's degree.
Additional Requirements and Information
To be considered for this position you must:
  • Possess a valid driver's license and maintain it throughout employment in the position.
  • Possess the following at date of hire into the position and maintain throughout employment in the position:
    • Comprehensive Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) certification
    • Construction Storm Water Operator (CSWO) certification
    • 1 of 4 industry certifications (aggregate, density, bituminous, or concrete)

View the classification specification at:
MDOT does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment. Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment.
The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises.
If you have questions related to this posting, please contact
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
Your eligibility for this position is based solely upon the information provided in your application, resume, transcripts, cover letter, and other attachments. Provide accurate dates of employment and extensive detail of your job duties in your application.Responses to the questions below must match what is on your application and are used for screening purposes.Have you read and understand the process for submission and use of your application materials?
  • Yes
  • No

02
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three business days of beginning employment.Can you, after employment, submit proof of your legal right to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No

03
TRANTCH - Do you possess one of the following? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts or certification.At least an associate degree in concrete technology, civil technology, construction technology, surveying technology, construction management, mathematics, or computer science?OR A Bachelor's degree or higher in an Applied Science or Science with 16 semester hours (24 term) credits in job specific or related course work?ORCompletion of 60 semester (90 term) credits including 24 semester (36 term) credits in any combination of course work in the following areas: structures, materials, soils, hydrology, surveying, design, drafting, bituminous, concrete, aggregate, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, highway or traffic technology, construction management, engineering, or mathematics? ORFour years of technician level experience consisting of quality control inspections, drafting, materials and testing, surveying, or traffic?ORCurrent certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and one year of technician level field experience? ORCurrent certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and three years' experience equivalent to a Transportation Maintenance Worker 9?ORCurrent certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and two years' experience equivalent to an Engineering Assistant?ORCurrent certification in bituminous (hot mix), concrete, density testing, or aggregate gradation and completion of 16 semester (24 term) credits in any combination of course work in the following areas: structures, materials, soils, hydrology, surveying, design, drafting, bituminous, concrete, aggregate, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, highway or traffic technology, construction management, engineering, or mathematics?
  • Yes
  • No

04
TRANTCH - Do you possess a current certification in Comprehensive Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control? If so, please provide your license number in the Certification/Licenses section of your application

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