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Drilling Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Modeling and Drilling Geologist will provide technical leadership across drilling programs, geological interpretation, geological modeling, and project advancement while ensuring work is ...

The Senior Modeling and Drilling Geologist will provide technical leadership across drilling programs, geological interpretation, geological modeling, and project advancement while ensuring work is ...

The Senior Modeling and Drilling Geologist will provide technical leadership across drilling programs, geological interpretation, geological modeling, and project advancement while ensuring work is ...

Staff Geologist

Nevada, IA ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

This role contributes to drilling, geological logging, sampling, mapping, data management, and interpretation activities that support target generation, resource evaluation, and project advancement.

This role contributes to drilling, geological logging, sampling, mapping, data management, and interpretation activities that support target generation, resource evaluation, and project advancement.

Staff Geologist

Beatty, NV ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

This role contributes to drilling, geological logging, sampling, mapping, data management, and interpretation activities that support target generation, resource evaluation, and project advancement.

This role contributes to drilling, geological logging, sampling, mapping, data management, and interpretation activities that support target generation, resource evaluation, and project advancement.

Mine Geologist

Delta Junction, AK ยท On-site

$100 - $110/hr

Perform end-of-hole checks on diamond drill rigs as required. * When on night shift, communicate with the Drilling Geologists to ensure awareness of any issues with the current diamond drill-holes to ...

Mine Geologist

Delta Junction, AK ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Perform end-of-hole checks on diamond drill rigs as required. * When on night shift, communicate with the Drilling Geologists to ensure awareness of any issues with the current diamond drill-holes to ...

Monitor state and federal drilling permit requirements and protection of reserves. * Supervise ... Update and maintain the short-range geological, structural, and block models for use in short-range ...

Monitor state and federal drilling permit requirements and protection of reserves. * Supervise ... Update and maintain the short-range geological, structural, and block models for use in short-range ...

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Drilling Geologist information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do drilling geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling geologist?

A Drilling Geologist is a professional who specializes in studying and analyzing rock formations during the drilling process, typically in the oil, gas, or mining industries. Their main role is to interpret geological data from drill cuttings, cores, and mud logs to guide drilling operations and ensure optimal extraction of resources. They also help identify potential hazards, monitor drilling progress, and provide recommendations to maximize safety and efficiency. Drilling Geologists often work closely with engineers, drillers, and other geoscientists both on-site and in office settings.

How does a drilling geologist typically collaborate with drilling engineers and other field personnel during a drilling project?

A Drilling Geologist works closely with drilling engineers, mud loggers, and other field staff to ensure drilling operations proceed smoothly and safely. They provide real-time geological interpretations of rock cuttings and mud logs to guide drilling decisions, identify hydrocarbon zones, and anticipate potential drilling hazards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as geologists must relay findings quickly and clearly to influence drilling direction and adjust plans as new subsurface data emerges. Regular meetings and field reports are common tools for collaboration in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Geologist, you need a solid background in geology or earth sciences, experience with drilling operations, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with geological mapping software, mud logging tools, and wellsite data management systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure accurate subsurface evaluations, safe drilling practices, and clear collaboration with drilling teams.

What is the difference between Drilling Geologist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectDrilling GeologistGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Geology or Earth Sciences, often with field experienceBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, with engineering licensure
Work EnvironmentField-based, working at drilling sites, analyzing subsurface geologyField and office, focusing on soil and foundation stability
Industry UsageOil & gas, mineral exploration, groundwater projectsConstruction, infrastructure, environmental projects

While both roles involve subsurface analysis, Drilling Geologists focus on geological assessments at drilling sites, whereas Geotechnical Engineers apply engineering principles to soil and foundation stability. Their work environments and industry applications differ, but both require strong geological knowledge.

What is the role of a drilling geologist in drilling?

A drilling geologist is responsible for analyzing subsurface geological formations to guide drilling operations, ensuring the well is drilled in the correct location and at the right depth. They interpret geological data, monitor drilling progress, and provide recommendations to optimize safety and efficiency, often using tools like geological maps and core samples. Strong knowledge of geology, data analysis, and fieldwork is essential for this role.
More about Drilling Geologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Drilling Geologist jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling Geologist job openings:

What states have the most Drilling Geologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Geologist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drilling Geologist job openings in the United States 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 $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Sr. Modeling & Drilling Geologist

Jerritt Canyon

Elko, NV โ€ข On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Jerritt Canyon

The Jerritt Canyon deposit was discovered in 1972, and the first gold production from the property occurred in 1981. The Jerritt Canyon property contains 30,821 hectares of mining claims located in the mining-friendly state of Nevada. First Majestic acquired the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine from Sprott Mining Inc. on April 30, 2021. In May 2023, operations were suspended to prioritize exploration and technical studies. Jerritt Canyon is now entering a new phase of evaluation and planning, requiring substantial technical support to advance the work necessary for a potential future restart of operations.

The Opportunity

The Senior Modeling and Drilling Geologist is responsible for leading and managing gold exploration and resource definition programs from target generation through resource evaluation. This role provides technical leadership in drilling programs, geological interpretation, geological modeling, and project advancement while ensuring work is conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory and environmental standards. The Senior Modeling and Drilling Geologist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders to support the successful development of gold mining projects.

Responsibilities
  • Follow and promote First Majestic safety policies, values, and standards.
  • Plan diamond core and reverse circulation (RC) drilling programs for open pit and underground environments.
  • Lead and manage exploration, near-mine, and resource definition drilling programs.
  • Manage and develop budgets, forecasts, and cost controls of drill programs.
  • Implement and oversee QA/QC programs for drilling, sampling, and assay data.
  • Ensure accurate collection, validation, and management of geological data.
  • Review laboratory results and investigate data anomalies.
  • Maintain geological databases and ensure compliance with company standards.
  • Ensure geological and drilling activities comply with applicable environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
  • Supervise geological staff, field technicians, and drilling contractors.
  • Monitor project progress and recommend adjustments to meet technical and business objectives.
  • Conduct core logging, structural interpretation, sampling quality reviews, and geological mapping.
  • Interpret geological, structural, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify and evaluate gold mineralization controls.
  • Develop, refine, and update geological resource models using industry-standard software.
  • Support Mineral Resource estimation through geological modeling, data validation, and interpretation.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project updates for senior management.
  • Contribute to Mineral Resource reports and regulatory disclosure documents.
  • Provide geological input into feasibility studies and mine planning activities.
  • Assist in identifying opportunities to expand or upgrade mineral resources and reserves.
  • Communicate exploration, near-mine, and resource definition results and project recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage team performance and career development.

The above duties and responsibilities represent the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Sciences, or Earth Sciences.
  • Master's degree in Economic Geology or a related discipline is considered an asset.
  • Professional registration (or eligibility) as a Professional Geologist (P.Geo., PG, or equivalent) is preferred.
  • Minimum of 8โ€“12 years of progressively responsible geological experience, with a strong emphasis on gold exploration, near-mine, resource definition, and project development.
  • Demonstrated experience managing exploration and drilling programs.
  • Experience with geological modeling and Mineral Resource estimation.
  • Strong understanding of orogenic, epithermal, intrusion-related, or Carlin-style gold deposits (as applicable to company operations).
  • Experience working in remote exploration or active mining environments.
  • Proven ability to manage consultants, contractors, budgets, and project schedules.
  • Proficiency with geological software such as Leapfrog Geo, Micromine, Datamine, Vulcan, or similar platforms.
  • Experience using GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and geological databases.
  • Strong understanding of sampling and QA/QC protocols and geological data management.
  • Working knowledge of Mineral Resource reporting standards (e.g., NI 43โ€‘101, JORC Code, or Sโ€‘K 1300, as applicable).
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to employees and applicants in accordance with all applicable laws.

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