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Environmental Geophysics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Manager Regional Services - Geophysics

Lodi, CA · On-site

... environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our ... Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients ...

TERRACON

Manager Regional Services - Geophysics

Lodi, CA · On-site

$122K - $189K/yr

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics and a minimum of 10 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a ...

Terracon

Manager Regional Services - Geophysics

Lodi, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics and a minimum of 10 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a ...

hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc.

GEOPHYSICAL DATA MANAGER

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

S. degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering (with a water or environmental resource emphasis) or a B.A. with upper math and physics. M.Sc. in a ...

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

$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 ...

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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 Sep 5, 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.

Manager Regional Services - Geophysics

TERRACON

Lodi, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Terracon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

Oversee and provide near-surface geophysical (geophysics) technical expertise in the management of an experienced technical regional team. Provide direction and lead efforts to grow revenue, standardize policies, practices and procedures among our eight geophysical employees in the Northern California Region. Monitor the performance of teams and facilitate training, site visits, quality audits and safety incident investigation. Will participate in marketing activities and recruitment of new team members.
This role can be based out of our Lodi or Sacramento office.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients' project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics and a minimum of 10 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 14 years' related experience.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
  • Master's degree preferred or PhD preferred.
  • Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certification or licensure in field of expertise.
  • Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer status preferred.
  • Oversee, provide leadership and direction and ensure consistent operations and practices of regional teams for geophysics by providing training, inspections, and workforce/equipment utilization.
  • Partner with National Manager, Director of Regional Operations, and Operations Managers across region to grow revenue, and develop and deliver coordinated and consistent services. 
  • Monitor the performance of regional team through site visits, safety incident investigation, quality audits and metrics.
  • Execute the initiatives of the geophysics business for the offices in the Northern California Region.
  • Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to National Manager and Director of Regional Operations.
  • Partner with regional marketing and oversee geophysical marketing activities for the Northern California Region including pricing and planning.
  • Lead, participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview and selection process for team members in the offices and Northern California Region.
  • Manage risk related to projects.  Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work.  Monitor adherence to corporate risk policies and practices.  Hold team accountable for mitigating or eliminating risk.    
  • Communicates safety initiatives, rules and guidelines for Office or Region.  Holds Managers and Employees accountable for following safety rules and guidelines.
  • Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects.  Ensure best practices are being followed and hold Managers accountable for quality control standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

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