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Diamond Grading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Supervising Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

The geotechnical office in Diamond Bar provides a broad range of services to a broad range of ... Experience with grading observations and testing * Strong competency with Excel and Word is a must.

The geotechnical office in Diamond Bar provides a broad range of services to a broad range of ... Experience with grading observations and testing * Strong competency with Excel and Word is a must.

Project/Senior Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Tetra Tech's geotechnical office in Diamond Bar provides a broad range of services to a broad range ... Experience with grading observations and testing * Strong competency with Excel and Word is a must ...

Tetra Tech's geotechnical office in Diamond Bar provides a broad range of services to a broad range ... Experience with grading observations and testing * Strong competency with Excel and Word is a must ...

Land Surveyor

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

... in our Diamond Bar, CA office to continue supporting future and ongoing contracts. Our office ... Prepare site layout plans, grading plans, engineering cost estimates, and technical specifications.

... in our Diamond Bar, CA office to continue supporting future and ongoing contracts. Our office ... Prepare site layout plans, grading plans, engineering cost estimates, and technical specifications.

Civil Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Our team is growing at a steady pace and needs a staff civil engineer in our Diamond Bar, CA office ... Experience in an engineering consulting firm or experience with preparing grading plans and details ...

Our team is growing at a steady pace and needs a staff civil engineer in our Diamond Bar, CA office ... Experience in an engineering consulting firm or experience with preparing grading plans and details ...

Our office in Diamond Bar, CA is seeking a Geotechnical/Soils Technician to perform field duties ... The main focus of this position is providing grading observation and field fill placement and ...

Soils Technician

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Our office in Diamond Bar, CA is seeking a Geotechnical/Soils Technician to perform field duties ... The main focus of this position is providing grading observation and field fill placement and ...

Diamond Grading information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$31

How much do diamond grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for diamond grading in California is $17.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do diamond graders get paid?

Diamond graders typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced graders with GIA certification can earn higher salaries, often working in jewelry stores, laboratories, or appraisal firms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a diamond grader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Diamond Grader, you need a solid understanding of gemology, attention to detail, and often a certification such as the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma. Familiarity with grading tools like microscopes, loupes, and spectrometers, as well as diamond grading systems (e.g., the 4Cs), is typically required. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication help in accurately assessing stones and conveying findings clearly. These competencies are crucial to ensure precise grading, uphold industry standards, and support consumer trust in diamond quality.

What are some common challenges faced by diamond graders and how can they overcome them?

Diamond graders often encounter challenges such as identifying very subtle differences in color, clarity, and cut, which requires intense concentration and a keen eye for detail. Additionally, working under tight deadlines to meet industry demands can be stressful. To overcome these challenges, graders benefit from ongoing training, utilizing standardized grading tools, and collaborating with experienced colleagues for second opinions when uncertain. Maintaining a consistent and methodical approach helps ensure accuracy and reliability in their assessments.

How do you become a diamond grader?

To become a diamond grader, individuals typically complete specialized training or certification through industry organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). They learn to evaluate diamonds based on the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—and often gain experience working in jewelry or gemology labs. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of gemological tools are essential for this role.

What is diamond grading?

Diamond grading is the process of evaluating the quality and characteristics of a diamond based on specific criteria, often referred to as the 4Cs: Carat weight, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Professional diamond graders use standardized tools and methods to assess these attributes and assign grades that help determine a diamond's value and authenticity. These grades are typically documented on a diamond grading report or certificate, which is essential for buyers, sellers, and appraisers. Accredited organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) set the industry standards for diamond grading.

What is the difference between Diamond Grading vs Gemologist?

AspectDiamond GradingGemologist
CredentialsGIA Diamond Grading CertificationGIA Gemologist Certification
Work EnvironmentJewelry labs, grading institutionsJewelry stores, appraisal labs, labs, or independent
Industry UsageSpecifically evaluates diamondsEvaluates various gemstones including diamonds
FocusAssessing diamond quality based on 4CsIdentifying, grading, and appraising multiple gemstones

Diamond grading specialists focus specifically on evaluating diamonds using the 4Cs, often holding GIA Diamond Grading Certifications. Gemologists have broader expertise, assessing various gemstones and often holding GIA Gemologist Certifications. While diamond graders specialize in diamond quality, gemologists provide comprehensive gemstone evaluations, making their roles complementary but distinct within the jewelry industry.

What are diamond grading jobs?

Training as a diamond grader opens up several possible career paths. Positions include a bench jeweler who repairs gems, a designer who creates pieces, and an appraiser who assesses a monetary value. Experience in appraisals, particularly, help individuals seeking work in wholesale trade or with an auction house, allowing better judgments regarding purchases. Research professionals examine current practices and find ways to improve the processing of gems and manufacturing methods. Responsibilities vary according to position and employer. Most opportunities are in a laboratory or office setting with travel more likely in sales-oriented positions.

What are popular job titles related to Diamond Grading jobs in California?

For Diamond Grading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Diamond Grading jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Diamond Grading jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Diamond Grading jobs?

Cities in California with the most Diamond Grading job openings:

Infographic showing various Diamond Grading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,872 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Supervising Engineer

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Diamond Bar, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

402nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
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.
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.
Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.
Tetra Tech is adding a Supervising Engineer to our team based in Diamond Bar, CA. The geotechnical office in Diamond Bar provides a broad range of services to a broad range of clients. Our projects include dams, levees, surface mining and reclamation, landfill design, expansions and closures, brownfield redevelopments, infrastructure projects, landslides assessments and mitigations, and of course conventional geotechnical engineering projects involving foundations for hi-rises, commercial, industrial, single-family buildings, as well as offers forensics, expert, and agency review services. Our clients include federal, state, county, and local government agencies as well as private entities. Our staff includes certified and mostly higher degree geotechnical engineering, geology, and field construction staff. The Diamond Bar geotechnical group provides advanced geotechnical engineering services focusing on earthquake engineering and advanced numerical modeling to Tetra Tech's worldwide operations. Although most of our projects are in Southern California, we routinely provide services in Northern California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and occasionally across the country and internationally.
The position will require hands-on involvement in all project phases from proposal, project management and engineering, to client and design team interactions and eventual construction as well as involvement with the group management and administration. However, training will be provided as needed. This is a position with a significant long-term managerial growth potential. Marketing experience is welcome but not required. The pay scale for this position is $150,000 to $190,000 annually based on qualifications and experience.
Your Role:
  • Active participation in group management and administration
  • Preparation of scopes and budgets for proposals
  • Management of office and field staff to procure and conduct field investigations
  • Management and lead of data processing and engineering analyses efforts for preparation of reports
  • Preparation of reports including management of the support engineering, geology, and drafting staff, leadership role in writing of well-structured reports suitable for senior review
  • Participation and overseeing field efforts during both investigation and construction
  • Interaction with clients to resolve scheduling, technical, and budgetary issues
  • Invoicing and collections
  • Partial group performance responsibility
  • Provide mentorship to junior staff

Qualifications:
  • MSc in Geotechnical Engineering, PhD is preferred
  • PE Registration or eligibility to sit for an exam
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience in a geotechnical consulting firm is preferred
  • Competency in common geotechnical engineering analyses and reporting
  • Specialty in a certain geotechnical field, e.g., seismic, landfill, numerical modeling
  • Experience with grading observations and testing
  • Strong competency with Excel and Word is a must. Familiarity/competency with drafting and presentation software, e.g., Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD is a plus
  • Excellent oral communications skills
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability and willingness to manage staff
  • Willingness to work in the field as needed
  • Ability/willingness to occasionally travel
  • The applicant must be able to work outdoors under varying weather conditions, travel by foot over rough terrain, and lift at least 40 pounds

Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • 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 25,000 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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