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Environmental Geophysics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics. * Minimum 8-11 years' experience. * Master's degree preferred or ...

TERRACON

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$102K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics. * Minimum 8-11 years' experience. * Master's degree preferred or ...

Terracon

Senior Geophysicist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120.80 - $187.20/hr

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics. * Minimum 8-11 years' experience. * Master's degree preferred or ...

Atlas

Environmental Program Manager

Bakersfield, CA

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including environmental scientists, engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, construction/field managers, and outside contractors. * Provide senior ...

Atlas

Environmental Program Manager

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$170 - $200/hr

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including environmental scientists, engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, construction/field managers, and outside contractors. * Provide senior ...

Atlas

Environmental Program Manager

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including environmental scientists, engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, construction/field managers, and outside contractors. * Provide senior ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Geophysics JobsEnvironmental Geophysics Jobs in California

Environmental Geophysics information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$66.2K

$96.2K

How much do environmental geophysics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental geophysics in California is $66,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental geophysicist?

To thrive as an Environmental Geophysicist, you need a solid background in geophysics, geology, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant degree such as geophysics, geology, or earth sciences. Familiarity with geophysical survey equipment, data analysis software (like GIS and MATLAB), and potentially certifications like Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) are important. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help in interpreting data and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for accurately assessing environmental conditions and informing decisions on issues like contamination, land use, and resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by environmental geophysicists when conducting field surveys?

Environmental geophysicists often encounter challenges such as varying site conditions, equipment malfunctions, and data interpretation complexities during field surveys. Weather, terrain, and accessibility can significantly impact survey planning and execution. Additionally, ensuring data quality while minimizing environmental disturbance requires careful coordination with clients and other environmental professionals. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams helps address these challenges and ensures accurate and actionable results.

What is the difference between Environmental Geophysics vs Geotechnical Engineering?

AspectEnvironmental GeophysicsGeotechnical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics, Geology, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentField surveys, data analysis, environmental consulting firmsSite investigations, construction projects, consulting firms
Industry UsageEnvironmental assessment, contamination detection, groundwater studiesFoundation design, slope stability, earthworks

Environmental Geophysics focuses on subsurface investigations using geophysical methods for environmental purposes, while Geotechnical Engineering emphasizes soil and rock analysis for construction stability. Both roles require related credentials and often work in field environments, but their applications differ significantly.

Are environmental geophysics jobs in demand?

Environmental geophysics jobs are in demand due to increasing environmental concerns and the need for subsurface investigations in areas such as pollution assessment, resource exploration, and site characterization. Professionals with skills in geophysical methods like seismic, electromagnetic, and ground-penetrating radar are sought after in consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions.

What is environmental geophysics?

Environmental geophysics is a field within geophysics that applies physical methods to investigate subsurface conditions related to environmental issues. It involves techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, and seismic surveys to locate contaminants, groundwater, or buried objects, often requiring specialized equipment and data interpretation skills.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Geophysics jobs in California?

For Environmental Geophysics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Geophysics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Geophysics jobs in California are:

Environmental Geophysics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Geophysics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,195 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor in Geophysics

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$143K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor in Geophysics

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: Doerr School of Sustainability

We invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Geophysics (https://geophysics.stanford.edu/) in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. We welcome applications from any field of geophysics, broadly defined.

The Department of Geophysics is one of seven departments within the Doerr School of Sustainability (https://sustainability.stanford.edu/school/departments). Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. The Department of Geophysics is unified through a common interest in physical processes and properties and the collection and use of geophysical data. Our interests span Earth's interior, near-surface, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as planetary science.

The successful candidate will teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advise students, and participate actively in the department and school communities. An overview of our degree programs can be found on our website.

Application materials need to be submitted online at this link. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, October 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications must include:
  1. Cover letter
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Contact information for three or more reference letter writers. Also, to ensure that our search process avoids real or perceived conflicts of interest, we require Stanford-affiliated candidates (those who obtained their PhD or completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford) to provide a minimum of four reference letters, with at least three coming from individuals not affiliated with Stanford. 
  4. Research statement (maximum 2 pages)
  5. Teaching statement (maximum 1 page). We encourage applicants to review our degree programs and propose courses that draw upon their research expertise and interests, especially new courses that are complementary to our existing offerings.

The Department of Geophysics, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $143,500 - $180,000. Stanford University has provided a base pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

For general questions regarding this position, please contact the Geophysics Department's Director of Finance and Operations, Ronda Fenton, at dfo-geophysics@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 07 Jul 2026 4:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 20 Oct 2026 12:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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