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Associate Geologist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Geologist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$81.7K

$132K

How much do associate geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate geologist in Portland, OR is $81,691.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Geologist jobs in Portland, OR? For Associate Geologist jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Geologist jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Geologist jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Associate Geologist job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,691 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Associate, Biologist or Environmental Scientist

Haley & Aldrich

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Haley & Aldrich rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

We are looking to add new talent to our growing team! We are currently seeking an Associate, Biologist or Environmental Scientist to work in a business development and senior technical lead role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group and company and get involved in a variety of projects for a diverse range of clients. This is a full-time position located in Seattle, WA or Portland, OR office.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will:

  • Lead and assist with identifying new client opportunities while developing internal and external networks into a book of business.
  • Lead business development opportunities to assist our northwest region's natural resources and permitting - growth initiatives.
  • Assist with the development and diversification of natural resources and permitting services in the northwest region across multiple markets (Energy, Real Estate, Industrial, Remediation...).
  • Lead and assist with the execution of natural resources and permitting project work through individual contribution and delegation to lower-level staff.
  • Develop technical scopes of work and proposals within your area of expertise, connecting your work with other project components to support client goals. Recognize when conditions require modifications to meet client- or regulatory-specific requirements.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of proper jurisdictional codes, regulations, and professional standards of practice to assigned project work.
  • Coach, mentor, and support staff to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure high-quality execution of project tasks, technical reports, and deliverables.
  • Use developing skills to be visible in your specialty area by giving internal and external technical presentations and attending external networking events to identify business development opportunities.
  • Play a significant leadership role in performing technical evaluations and developing conceptual site models on environmental, natural resource, and land use permitting projects.
  • Lead the development of proposals and technical reporting efforts supporting natural resource, permitting/compliance, other related projects, and assist with development of documentation reporting standards.
  • Work with the appropriate staff to support the design and development of restoration and mitigation design plans on various aquatic and habitat projects.
  • Perform or oversee field implementation of technical resource studies, restoration/mitigation design development and implementation along with construction oversight, as needed.
  • Plan and perform all work in accordance with company and client health and safety protocols.
  • Demonstrate the company's foundational safety behaviors. 

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Minimum Skills and Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field.
  • Minimum of 15 years related experience including 5 years of Project Management.
  • Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred.
  • Experience with local, state and federal permitting, natural resource management (species surveys and documentation), regulations/requirements and experience with wetlands in the Pacific Northwest and arid regions a must.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including verbally presenting project information to peers, stakeholders, and clients.
  • Desire to advance skills in your area of expertise to become more visible in the industry.
  • Environmental design and contract package development experience.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks pertinent to the work.

Preferred Skills:

  • Master's degree in Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, or related field.
  • Experience conducting permitting/compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to wetlands and other natural resources. Including state (SEPA) and federal (NEPA) documentation preparation and compliance.
  • Experience conducting wetland and habitat evaluations to determine resource liabilities & make recommendations on permits, design plans and mitigation requirements to achieve compliance.
  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training and refresher updates.

The salary range for this position in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR is 110,000 - 150,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market. This role is eligible to participate in the company's discretionary bonus program. This bonus program is based on overall company performance and the results achieved compared to peers. This role may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus.


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