Entry Level Mapping Designer Jobs in Columbia, MD

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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. 

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. 

• 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.