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Entry Level Geology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech is currently seeking an entry-level Geologist with 0 to 3 years' experience needed for a field position based out of the Suffolk, VA location. This position will provide a dynamic, team ...

... Entry-level or Senior-level Engineering Technician in our office located in Washington, DC ... High School degree or GED equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Geology a ...

Environmental Scientist 1

Rockville, MD · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related scientific field. * Experience in environmental field sampling, inspections, or data collection (entry-level candidates are ...

Entry Level Geology information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$80.1K

$129.5K

How much do entry level geology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level geology in Reston, VA is $80,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $96,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level geologist?

Entry level geology jobs are positions designed for recent graduates or those new to the geology field. These roles typically involve assisting more experienced geologists with fieldwork, collecting and analyzing soil or rock samples, preparing reports, and using specialized software for mapping and data analysis. Entry level geologists often work in industries such as environmental consulting, mining, oil and gas, or government agencies. These roles provide foundational experience and on-the-job training, helping individuals build the skills needed for more advanced positions in geology.

What types of projects and fieldwork can I expect as an entry level geologist?

As an entry level geologist, you can expect to participate in a mix of field and office-based projects, including site investigations, soil and rock sampling, and environmental assessments. Fieldwork often involves collecting geological samples, mapping, and assisting with drilling or excavation activities under the supervision of senior geologists. In the office, you may be involved in data analysis, report writing, and preparing maps or figures. Collaboration with environmental scientists, engineers, and regulatory specialists is common, offering a well-rounded introduction to multidisciplinary teamwork. This combination of activities provides valuable experience and a strong foundation for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level geologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Geologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field, along with fundamental knowledge of earth sciences and fieldwork techniques. Familiarity with GIS software, rock and mineral identification tools, and data analysis programs is commonly required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in both field and collaborative environments. These skills ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and clear reporting, which are crucial for supporting projects and making sound scientific recommendations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Geology vs Entry Level Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level GeologyEntry Level Environmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology or Earth SciencesBachelor's in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, labs, offices, outdoor sitesField sampling, lab analysis, site assessments
Employer & Industry UsageMining, oil & gas, consulting firmsEnvironmental agencies, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Geology and Entry Level Environmental Technician roles share similarities in credentials, work environments, and industry usage. Geology focuses more on earth materials and subsurface analysis, while Environmental Technicians concentrate on environmental impact assessments and sampling. Both roles serve the natural resource and environmental sectors, often overlapping in fieldwork and data collection.

How much do entry level geologists make in the US?

Entry level geologists in the US typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on location, education, and industry. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions, but with experience and additional certifications, earnings can increase significantly.

How to start a career in geology?

To start a career in geology, obtain a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field. Gaining practical experience through internships, developing skills in fieldwork and data analysis, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of geological tools and software, such as GIS and mapping programs.

Is there a high demand for entry level geologists?

Entry level geologists are in moderate demand, especially in industries such as environmental consulting, mining, and oil and gas. Job growth is steady, and proficiency with GIS software and fieldwork skills can improve employment prospects.

What are 5 potential jobs for entry level geology?

Entry-level geology graduates can pursue roles such as field technician, geological assistant, environmental technician, mineral exploration assistant, or laboratory technician. These positions often involve data collection, sample analysis, and supporting senior geologists, requiring knowledge of geological tools and safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Geology jobs in Reston, VA?

For Entry Level Geology jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Geology jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Geology jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Geology jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Geology job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Geology job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,139 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Entry-Level Geologist/Geophysicist

Germantown, MD • On-site


AECOM
Construction • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM's growing Water business is seeking a motivated Entry-Level Geologist/Geophysicist to join our Geotechnical and Geophysics Group in Germantown, Maryland.
This position offers a unique combination of field investigation, technical analysis, and office-based project work. Team members participate in projects from field data collection through data processing, interpretation, mapping, and development of technical deliverables. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop experience across multiple geophysical and geoscience disciplines while working alongside experienced geologists, geophysicists, engineers, surveyors, and GIS professionals.
The position is based in our Germantown, Maryland office and includes a combination of office and field assignments. Depending on project needs, up to approximately 50% travel may be required for field investigations, although the balance between field and office work will vary throughout the year. Field assignments may range from local day trips to occasional multi-week assignments throughout the United States and abroad.
We place a high value on technical aptitude, curiosity, initiative, dependability, and a willingness to learn. The successful candidate should enjoy both solving technical problems in the office and being actively involved in collecting high-quality data in the field.
This position is expected to begin as soon as possible.
Responsibilities include:
  • Supporting geophysical investigations from field data acquisition through processing, interpretation, mapping, and reporting.
  • Supporting terrestrial, marine, and borehole investigations using methods including seismic refraction/reflection, MASW, ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetics, magnetics, electrical resistivity imaging, utility mapping, borehole geophysical logging, downhole/crosshole seismic, bathymetric surveying, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and marine magnetics and seismic.
  • Performing technical office work including geophysical data processing and interpretation, GIS analysis and mapping, CAD development, data management, quality control, technical documentation, and report preparation.
  • Participating in field investigations, including setup and operation of specialized geophysical and survey instrumentation, deployment of sensors and cables, operation of seismic sources, field data quality control, troubleshooting, and equipment mobilization.
  • Supporting geodetic, geological, and geotechnical services including surveying, GIS mapping, geologic mapping, vibration and settlement monitoring, soil borings and rock coring
  • Learning to operate specialized geophysical, survey, and data-acquisition equipment and progressively developing the skills necessary to independently perform field and office assignments.
  • Evaluating field data in real time and working with senior staff to identify and resolve equipment, data-quality, and site-condition issues.
  • Maintaining organized field documentation and digital data and performing appropriate quality-control checks.
  • Working collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary project teams and small field crews.
  • Traveling up to approximately 50% as project needs require.
  • Working under the supervision of a Project Manager or senior technical team member while progressively taking greater responsibility for technical assignments.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography/GIS, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License required for travel to project sites, client locations, and other AECOM offices. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Records review.
  • Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 50% to support field investigations, including occasional multi-week assignments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to perform physically active field work outdoors, including prolonged standing and walking over uneven terrain, repeated bending and lifting, and lifting and carrying field equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Demonstrated interest in geology, geophysics, geosciences, surveying, GIS, engineering, or other applied sciences.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to learn new equipment, software, and technical procedures.
  • A hands-on mindset and willingness to participate fully in field assignments as part of a small project team.
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and follow them through to completion.
  • Hands-on experience through field courses, internships, surveying, construction, environmental field work, outdoor employment, research, military service, trades, or similar experience is beneficial.
  • Strong mechanical or technical aptitude and an interest in understanding how specialized instrumentation works.
  • Ability to balance physically active field assignments with detailed technical and analytical office work.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
  • Familiarity with GIS, CAD, surveying, electronics, programming, data acquisition, or technical instrumentation is beneficial.
  • Familiarity with software such as ArcGIS Pro, Surfer, EarthImager, SeisImager, RADAN, or AutoCAD is beneficial but not required.
  • Advanced degree in a related discipline is beneficial but not required.

Additional Information
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
  • Sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


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