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Associate Geologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Department of the Interior

Secretary

Reston, VA · On-site

S. Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Office of the Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado or Reston, Virginia. At the full performance ...

New

A-Z List | U.S. Geological Survey

Secretary

Reston, VA · On-site

$68K/yr

Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Office of the Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources. Qualifications: Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of ...

US Department of the Interior

Secretary

Reston, VA · On-site

$68K/yr

Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Office of the Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources. Qualifications: Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Geologist JobsAssociate Geologist Jobs in Virginia

Associate Geologist information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$76.4K

$123.4K

How much do associate geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate geologist in Virginia is $76,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $92,200.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Associate Geologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Geologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Geologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Geologist job openings:

Associate Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Geologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,370 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Secretary

Department of the Interior

Reston, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Title

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Office of the Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado or Reston, Virginia. At the full performance level (GS-09) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Organize and maintain the calendar for the Deputy Associate Director (DAD), independently prioritizes meetings and conferences, and arranges visits with internal and external entities. Uses thorough knowledge of the Mission Area and awareness of related importance of issues, awareness of urgency of each matter, and overall workload to prioritize the DAD activities.
  2. Receive, review, and prioritize incoming electronic mail and determines proper handling by applying knowledge of research and investigative functions and plans of the Mission Area. Responds directly on some items in written or verbal manner as appropriate and refers other materials to the DAD or other appropriate Mission Area staff for response or information. Follows up to ensure that response is timely and in accordance with policy and directives.
  3. Review and read all outgoing Mission Area correspondence for procedural and grammatical accuracy and conformance with general policy and the USGS Correspondence Handbook.
  4. Organize and make travel arrangements for the DAD in the United States and abroad. Extensive planning of detailed itineraries is frequently involved. Maintains contact with the DAD when he/she is on travel to keep him/her informed of current activities and progress.
  5. Arrange travel for the Mission Area Immediate Office staff. Processes all authorizations and vouchers and directly handles discrepancies with the DAD, staff, and the DOI Travel Office.
  6. Serve as administrative support to high level meetings involving leadership from other USGS Mission Areas, leadership from other Department of the Interior Bureaus, and high-level external partners.
  7. Responsible for scheduling meetings, arranging for meeting facilities, compiling and providing advance agendas and materials, notifies all participants. Follows up with the Energy and Mineral Resources Senior Staff, Immediate Office of the AD staff members, and other participants to ensure that commitments made as a result of the meetings are carried out.

Travel: You may be expected to travel for meetings and/or trainings. Telework: You may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

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