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Contract Geophysicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $187K/yr

Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to ... Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements. Preferred Certification:

TERRACON

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA

Oversee and provide near-surface geophysical (geophysics) technical expertise in the management of ... Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to ...

Terracon

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120.80 - $187.20/hr

Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to ... Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements. Preferred Certification:

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA

... geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the transition to compact and integrated photonic ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

... geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the transition to compact and integrated photonic ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

... geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the transition to compact and integrated photonic ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

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All JobsContract Geophysicist JobsContract Geophysicist Jobs in California

Contract Geophysicist information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$94.2K

$142.1K

How much do contract geophysicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract geophysicist in California is $94,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Geophysicist job?

A Contract Geophysicist is a professional who applies geophysical techniques to study the Earth's subsurface on a temporary or project-based basis. They analyze seismic, magnetic, electrical, or gravitational data to assist in resource exploration, environmental assessments, or engineering projects. Unlike full-time employees, contract geophysicists typically work on short-term assignments for companies in oil and gas, mining, or environmental industries. Their role may involve fieldwork, data interpretation, and reporting findings to clients. This career path offers flexibility but requires strong technical skills and the ability to adapt to different projects.

What does a typical project cycle look like for a Contract Geophysicist, and how do they interact with other professionals?

A Contract Geophysicist often works on projects from the data acquisition and survey planning stages through to data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. Throughout the project, you will collaborate closely with geologists, engineers, and project managers to integrate geological data, interpret seismic results, and provide recommendations for exploration or development decisions. The role involves both independent work and teamwork, requiring regular status updates, presentations, and technical documentation. Since project timelines can be tight and objectives may change, adaptability and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are key to success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Geophysicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Geophysicist, you need a solid grounding in geoscience, seismic data interpretation, and field survey techniques, usually supported by a degree in geophysics or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Petrel, Kingdom, and GIS platforms, as well as proficiency in data processing tools, is vital, and certifications such as SEG membership or GIT registration can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and adapting to dynamic project requirements. These competencies are crucial for delivering accurate subsurface analyses, meeting client objectives, and succeeding in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geophysicist jobs in California? The most popular types of Geophysicist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Geophysicist jobs in California? For Contract Geophysicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Contract Geophysicist jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Geophysicist job openings:
Contract Geophysicist jobs near you
Senior Geophysicist

Senior Geophysicist

TERRACON

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$120K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 58 rated business consultants

Job description


Oversee and provide near-surface geophysical (geophysics) technical expertise in the management of an experienced technical regional team. Provide direction and lead efforts to grow revenue, standardize policies, practices and procedures among our eight geophysical employees in the Northern California Region. Monitor the performance of teams and facilitate training, site visits, quality audits and safety incident investigation. Will participate in marketing activities and recruitment of new team members. This role can be based out of our Sacramento office.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee, provide leadership and direction and ensure consistent operations and practices of regional teams for geophysics by providing training, inspections, and workforce/equipment utilization.
  • Partner with National Manager, Director of Regional Operations, and Operations Managers across region to grow revenue, and develop and deliver coordinated and consistent services.
  • Monitor the performance of regional team through site visits, safety incident investigation, quality audits and metrics.
  • Execute the initiatives of the geophysics business for the offices in the Northern California Region.
  • Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to National Manager and Director of Regional Operations.
  • Partner with regional marketing and oversee geophysical marketing activities for the Northern California Region including pricing and planning.
  • Lead, participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview and selection process for team members in the offices and Northern California Region.
  • Manage risk related to projects. Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to corporate risk policies and practices. Hold team accountable for mitigating or eliminating risk.
  • Communicates safety initiatives, rules and guidelines for Office or Region. Holds Managers and Employees accountable for following safety rules and guidelines.
  • Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Ensure best practices are being followed and hold Managers accountable for quality control standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics.
  • Minimum 8-11 years' experience.
  • Master's degree preferred or PhD preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements.

Preferred Certification:
  • Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer status preferred.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients' project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.

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