Entry Level Coastal Engineering Jobs in California

Staff Geologist / Engineer

Campbell or Capitola, California

Why C2Earth is more than just a job

Imagine starting your career at a firm that combines technical rigor, real-world impact, and deep respect for place. That's C2Earth. We're a privately held, majority Black-owned small business doing thoughtful, problem-solving engineering geology and geotechnical work throughout the greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas.

At C2Earth, you'll inherit a legacy: the reputation of Upp Geotechnology (founded in 1983) plus the innovative spark and commitment brought by our founders, Craig Reid and Chris Hundemer. We're more than "consultants" -- we're advisors, protectors, and enablers. Our work touches everything from safety (schools, hospitals, essential buildings) to beauty (coastal bluffs, parks) to infrastructure that supports thriving communities.

When you join us, you join a team with decades of combined experience, with project files going back to the early 1980s. We've seen it all -- small residential additions, complex slope stabilization, liquefaction hazards, coastal erosion, distressed buildings, and critical infrastructure. Whether it's solving for a retaining wall, a foundation, or a bluff subject to sea level rise, we don't just do the work -- we do it with care, precision, and purpose.

The Role: What You'll Do

• Support geotechnical and geologic investigations under the guidance of senior staff.
• Assist with field work, including drilling, test pits, soil and rock logging, sampling, and construction observation.
• Conduct geologic mapping, monitoring, and site reconnaissance.
• Perform basic data analysis and prepare figures, tables, and graphics for reports.
• Draft portions of technical reports, proposals, and correspondence for review.
• Learn project management fundamentals and client communication while building technical expertise.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Launch Your Career: Hands-on experience across diverse projects with direct mentorship from licensed professionals.

Impact & Variety: Exposure to residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across Northern California.

Professional Growth: Support for licensure, continuing education, and developing areas of specialization.

Small Enough to Matter, Big Enough to Deliver: Your work will be meaningful, recognized, and impactful from day one.

Culture of Ownership & Respect: As a minority-owned firm, we value integrity, diversity, and community in how we operate.

What We're Looking For

• A bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus.
• 0-3 years of professional experience (internships and field/lab work count).
• Progress toward California professional certification (GIT, EIT, PG, PE, or CEG/GE) is a plus but not required.
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn.
• Good writing and communication skills, with attention to detail.
• A collaborative mindset, enthusiasm for field work, and curiosity about geotechnical and geologic consulting.

Perks & Practical Info

Location: Based in Campbell (San Francisco Bay Area) with a second office in Capitola serving Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.

Compensation: Competitive entry-level salary and benefits package.

Flexibility: A healthy mix of field and office work to build well-rounded skills.

Growth: Clear career path with mentorship, licensure support, and training opportunities.

Project Diversity: Work on coastal, hillside, urban, and infrastructure sites that will challenge and inspire you.

Join Us & Build Something Solid

If you're ready to kick off your career in geology or engineering and want to learn from some of the best in the business, C2Earth is the place for you. You'll gain the skills, experience, and mentorship to grow into a trusted professional while contributing to projects that make communities safer and stronger.