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Environmental Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Vice President Environmental Geologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is looking for a Vice President, Environmental Geologist for our Irvine, California Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) team with experience in consulting, selling, managing ...

APTIM

Senior Environmental Geologist

Concord, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

APTIM Federal Services is currently seeking a Sr. Level Environmental Geologist to support the increasing growth of project work within our Remediation business line. The preferred candidate would be ...

APTIM

Senior Environmental Geologist

Concord, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

APTIM Federal Services is currently seeking a Sr. Level Environmental Geologist to support the increasing growth of project work within our Remediation business line. The preferred candidate would be ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Geologist JobsEnvironmental Geologist Jobs in California

Environmental Geologist information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$72.8K

$118.9K

How much do environmental geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental geologist in California is $72,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental geologist?

Environmental geologists study the earth’s structure, processes, and materials to address environmental challenges such as pollution, waste management, and land reclamation. They analyze soil, water, and rock samples to assess contamination and provide solutions for environmental protection and remediation. Their work often involves field investigations, laboratory analysis, and collaboration with engineers or regulatory agencies to ensure safe and sustainable use of natural resources.

What does an environmental geologist do?

As an environmental geologist, your duties are to evaluate and analyze data related to things such as groundwater, soil, and the mineral and geological components of mining operations or other industrial work. You split your time between the field, where you investigate potential contamination and collect samples of site contaminants, and the lab, where you analyze the samples’ composition. Based on your research and analysis, your responsibilities as an environmental geologist are to develop assessments of the contamination and implement remedial strategies designed to remove or manage pollution in the soil or groundwater.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Geologist, you need a solid background in geology, environmental science, and data analysis, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental sampling techniques, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing environmental risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and clearly conveying findings to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges environmental geologists face when working on site assessments and remediation projects?

Environmental Geologists often encounter challenges such as unexpected subsurface conditions, changing regulatory requirements, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like engineers, regulators, and property owners. Fieldwork can present logistical difficulties, including adverse weather, remote locations, and ensuring safety compliance. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication to keep projects on track and compliant with environmental standards.

What is the difference between Environmental Geologist vs Hydrogeologist?

AspectEnvironmental GeologistHydrogeologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, often with environmental focusBachelor's or Master's in Hydrogeology, Geology, or related field
Work EnvironmentField sites, environmental consulting firms, government agenciesGroundwater sites, research facilities, consulting firms
Industry UsageEnvironmental assessment, contamination studies, land use planningGroundwater flow, aquifer analysis, water resource management

Environmental Geologists and Hydrogeologists both work within the geology field, often with overlapping credentials and work environments. While Environmental Geologists focus on environmental assessments and contamination issues, Hydrogeologists specialize in groundwater and aquifer studies. Both roles are vital in environmental and resource management sectors, but their specific focus areas differ.

Are environmental geologists in demand?

Environmental geologists are in demand due to increasing focus on environmental protection, resource management, and pollution remediation. They often work in consulting firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations, utilizing skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and GIS tools. Job growth is expected to be steady as environmental regulations become more stringent worldwide.

How much do environmental geologists make?

Environmental geologists in Texas typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The job often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental assessment tasks.
More about Environmental Geologist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Geologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Environmental Geologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Geologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Geologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Geologist jobs in CA?

For Environmental Geologist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Environmental Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Geologist job openings in California 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 $72,783 per year, or $35 per hour.

Environmental Geologist

EKI Environment & Water Inc

Daly City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned environmental, water resources, and engineering consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States. If you are interested in improving the environment and advancing your career, then EKI is the place for you.


ROLE

The Environmental Geologist position reports to their Team Leader (TL) and is a hands-on role that involves supporting site characterization, environmental investigation, remediation, construction, and operations projects for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. Day-to-day work focuses on planning site investigations, collecting environmental samples and data, making field observations, overseeing contractors, logging soil boreholes, assessing and interpreting subsurface stratigraphy by preparing geologic cross sections, evaluating data and preparing environmental reports and technical documents. 


PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

  • Prepare for and plan field work, including preparation of documentation and equipment, participation in planning meetings with project teams, coordination with laboratories, and scheduling the work of subcontractors
  • Conduct field work at project sites including:
    • Soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air sampling
    • Site inspections
    • Observe and document the work of other parties
    • Construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of remedial systems
    • Manage drillers and subcontractors
    • Construction management
  • Review and follow project work plans and standard procedures to ensure samples and data are collected and handled correctly
  • Document field work by preparing detailed field notes, borehole logs, and photo logs
  • Collate, tabulate, and interpret data and develop conceptual site models to support identification of contaminant sources and routes of exposure to human health and the environment
  • Work with senior staff to prepare environmental investigation work plans, reports, and costs for the investigation and remediation of hazardous waste sites and brownfields
  • Perform Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance audits and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits
  • Implement stormwater compliance projects under the California Industrial General Permit for clients in a range of industries, including pollutant source assessments, identification of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for implementation, design of advanced BMPs for stormwater treatment, and preparation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Exceedance Response Action reports
  • Manage project schedules
  • Other duties as required


QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, or similar degree program; Master’s degree preferred


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Two (2) years of experience preferred as a geologist involved with site investigation and remediation planning and implementation
  • Ability to work towards state licensing preferred
  • Strong technical and mechanical skills
  • Effective communication skills, both written and oral
  • Comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions
  • Ability to calibrate, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain field equipment and instruments
  • Ability to work safely and effectively around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, and industrial facilities
  • Geologist-In-Training certification preferred but not required
  • OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour training preferred but not required
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro preferred but not required


Competencies

  • Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety
  • Comfortable adapting to changing field conditions and priorities
  • Must have ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate with various project teams
  • Must have a great attitude and eagerness to learn
  • Must have a current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  • Strong desire to grow personally as well as professionally



Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Work in a fast-paced environment with high-volume workload and frequent short deadlines
  • Perform physically active outdoor work involving lifting, carrying, climbing, digging, tool operation, equipment setup, and material handling
  • Work safely around drilling equipment, excavation activities, construction sites, industrial operations, traffic, and active remediation systems
  • Frequently load, unload, transport, and organize tools, supplies, personal protective and sampling equipment
  • Work in muddy, dusty, noisy, hot, cold, wet, or otherwise challenging field conditions
  • Obtain medical clearance to work on hazardous waste site(s)
  • Lift up to 35 lbs
  • Stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods during field work
  • With or without accommodation, work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, noise, and/or chemicals
  • Work in an environment with heavy, dangerous moving equipment
  • Work up to 10- to 12-hour days when field conditions require it
  • Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER and other applicable certifications including but not limited to ladder safety training, fall arrest training, etc.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed, such as safety glasses, hard hat, boots, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Use hand and powered tools to install field sampling devices, to conduct well and probe sampling, or to remove nuts and bolts on well and probe vaults, etc.
  • Ability to assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned

Travel Requirements

  • Must be able to travel for client meetings, site visits, and field work up to 75% of the time, predominantly within the Bay Area and occasionally outside the Bay Area 


As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.


EKI Environment & Water, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

EKI Environment & Water, Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

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