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Entry Level Geology Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

ALS Environmental Full Time Field Technician This position is for an entry level field technician ... geology, hydrology, limnology, project planning and management and documentation required to ...

ALS Environmental Full Time Field Technician This position is for an entry level field technician ... geology, hydrology, limnology, project planning and management and documentation required to ...

Entry Level Geology information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$34.8K

$74.5K

$120.5K

How much do entry level geology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level geology in Rochester, NY is $74,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How easy is it to get a job as a geologist?

Entry-level geologist positions are competitive but accessible with a relevant bachelor's degree in geology or earth sciences. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in fieldwork and data analysis, and obtaining certifications like the PG (Professional Geologist) can improve job prospects. Employment opportunities are often influenced by industry demand and regional resource exploration activities.

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 jobs can I get if I major in geology?

Entry-level geology graduates can pursue roles such as field technician, geological assistant, or environmental technician, often working outdoors or in laboratories. These positions typically require knowledge of mineral and rock identification, data collection, and the use of tools like GIS software or geological maps.

What are entry level geology jobs?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Geologist, and why are they important?

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 do you get started in geology?

To start a career in geology, obtain a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field. Gaining fieldwork experience through internships or research projects and developing skills in mapping, data analysis, and using tools like GIS are also important steps.

Can I be a geologist without a degree?

Entry level geology positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field. While some fieldwork or technician roles may be available with relevant experience or certifications, most professional geology jobs require formal education and knowledge of geological tools and methods.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geology jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Geology jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Geology jobs in Rochester, NY? For Entry Level Geology jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Geology jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Geology jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Geology jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Geology job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Geology job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,548 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) NY HELPS (Region 4)

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) NY HELPS (Region 4)

New York State

Rochester, NY • On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The incumbents for these positions will be under the supervision of higher-level professional engineering staff and may handle producing the plans, specifications, and estimates for design projects of varying complexity. This may include preparation of engineering drawings utilizing 2D/3D CADD applications. The work may involve both preliminary and final design activities, including writing design approval documents, preparing and/or conducting public meetings, performing highway capacity analysis, highway drainage design, horizontal and vertical alignment, retaining wall design, traffic signs/signals design, structural design, and quantity work-ups.

The incumbents for these positions may also handle technical review and evaluation of roads, and bridges, and other highway features. In addition, one may review consultant and contract plans and estimates. Duties and tasks may include but are not limited to the following: Prepares routine project designs, proposals, and specifications and evaluates contract proposals for transportation services, highway and bridge design, utility relocations, railroad crossings, bridge safety and integrity, geotechnical design, maintenance and protection of traffic, and other matters concerning public safety.

Prepares project feasibility and scoping studies, develops design criteria, prepares environmental studies, and develops highway designs. Performs structural inspections following policies and procedures set up by both State and Federal Law, sometimes needing the climbing of structures. Evaluates the condition of existing highways and bridges and structures by collecting and analyzing data and conducting field investigations.

Assists in setting up quality control requirements and quality assurance programs to assure that projects meet specified Department requirements concerning capacity, operational, and safety conditions of the highway corridor and to assure that designs and materials used in a project meet the specified quality requirements. Prepares hydraulic studies and foundation reports, and performs structural designs, including load rating analyses. Participates in preliminary and final review of project proposals.

Assists in Structures Safety Assurance activities. May be assigned to work on special engineering projects. This is an entry level position.

Specific duties and responsibilities would be equal with the experience of the person selected. Level of responsibility will increase over time. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Engineer Trainee: Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below; Or 2

proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below. As an Engineer Trainee, you will serve a 24-month traineeship that leads to Assistant Engineer, Grade 20. To advance to Assistant Engineer, you must have obtained proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and successfully completed the requirements of the traineeship to the satisfaction of the appointing authority.

At the discretion of the appointing authority, early advancement to the Assistant Engineer is possible if you have obtained your FE and have successfully completed twelve months of the traineeship. It is your responsibility to notify the appointing authority's personnel office upon obtaining proof of passing the FE. You may receive an increase in salary upon obtaining your FE.

Information about this increase will be provided by the appointing authority. Assistant Engineer: Either 1. proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; Or 2.

proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below. Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Technology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees. Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience with transportation projects related to highways/roadways, railroads, bridges, airports, waterways, building structures, or traffic management and safety systems.

Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Additional Comments Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency

A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The starting salary for an Engineer Trainee position is $66,951. The starting salary for an Assistant Engineer is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location

The maximum compensation for this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the standard job rate of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location. In addition, a Mid-Hudson Adjustment of $2,000 or a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000 may also apply depending on the location of the position.

________________________________________ DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. ________________________________________ In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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