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Exempt Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

West Yost

Principal Scientist I

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$131.40 - $205.21/hr

Status: Full‑time, Exempt Location: Davis or Sacramento, CA Hybrid role - 3 days in office, 2 ... It works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126.50 - $158.10/hr

This is a Senior Associate, salary, exempt position. A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Principal ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

Terraphase Engineering Inc

CEQA Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the ... Lead or oversee the research and preparation of CEQA documents, including Categorical Exemptions ...

West Yost

Principal Scientist I

Davis, CA

$131K - $205K/yr

Status: Full-time, Exempt Location(s): Davis or Sacramento, CA ( ). This is a Hybrid role with 3 ... Works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex ...

West Yost

Principal Scientist I

Sacramento, CA

$131K - $205K/yr

Status: Full-time, Exempt Location(s): Davis or Sacramento, CA ( ). This is a Hybrid role with 3 ... Works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex ...

West Yost

Principal Scientist I

Sacramento, CA

$131K - $205K/yr

Status: Full-time, Exempt Location(s): Davis or Sacramento, CA ( ). This is a Hybrid role with 3 ... Works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex ...

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All JobsExempt Geologist JobsExempt Geologist Jobs in California

Exempt Geologist information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$76K

$122.9K

How much do exempt geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt geologist in California is $76,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exempt geologist?

Exempt geologists are professional geologists whose job duties and salary structure qualify them to be 'exempt' from certain wage and hour laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This means they are not eligible for overtime pay and are typically paid on a salary basis. Exempt status is usually determined by their level of responsibility, required education, and independent decision-making authority. Exempt geologists often engage in tasks such as supervising projects, conducting complex geological studies, and preparing technical reports.

What are some typical challenges an exempt geologist might face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Exempt Geologists often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as managing competing deadlines, adapting to varying site conditions, and maintaining clear communication with multiple stakeholders. Balancing fieldwork with reporting and analysis requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies—demands effective teamwork and flexibility to adapt to shifting project requirements.

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

To thrive as an Exempt Geologist, you need a solid background in earth sciences, geological mapping, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and modeling systems is essential for accurate data interpretation and reporting. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in presenting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure precise geological assessments, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making on resource management projects.

Can I be an exempt geologist without a degree?

Exempt geologists typically need a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field to qualify for the role, as education is a key requirement for licensing and employment. Without a degree, it is generally not possible to meet the standard qualifications for an exempt geologist position, which often involves professional certification and technical expertise. Experience and additional certifications may supplement education but usually do not replace the need for a formal degree.

What type of exempt geologist makes the most money?

Among exempt geologists, those specializing in petroleum geology or working in the oil and gas industry tend to earn the highest salaries due to the demand for their expertise in exploration and production. Experienced geologists with advanced certifications, such as Professional Geologist (PG) licensure, and skills in seismic interpretation or reservoir modeling often command higher pay. Salary levels also depend on geographic location, industry sector, and years of experience.

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

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Exempt Geologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exempt Geologist job openings:

Exempt Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exempt Geologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,022 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Adjunct Associate Professor of Geology/Earth Sciences Pool

San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, CA • On-site

$72.73 - $108.56/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary: $72.73 - $108.56 Hourly
Location : Stockton, CA (Main Campus)
Job Type: Adjunct Faculty
Job Number: 2026-00035
Department: Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CTA
Calendar: Adjunct Faculty (Assigned by Department/TrAC)
Additional Salary Information: Initial annual salary within a given range varies, depending upon units/degrees completed at accredited institutions and experience.
Work Schedule: To be determined. The assignment may include day, evening, online, hybrid, weekend, and/or off-campus classes/hours.
Description
Under the general supervision of the Division Dean of Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Math, the Adjunct Associate Professor of Geology teaches organized classes primarily in the Earth Science discipline; the primary responsibility is to teach up to 10 units (part-time) in the assigned discipline.
Responsibilities and Duties
Duties and responsibilities may include, but not limited to the following:
  1. Instruct courses in Geology in accordance with credit course outlines approved by the Board of Trustees.
  2. Maintain expertise in current teaching methods, discipline knowledge, and discipline specific technologies.
  3. Assist students in achieving stated course objectives. Evaluate the progress of each student and notify students in need of counseling services and/or tutorial assistance. Track student learning outcomes and maintain records of student learning outcomes.
  4. Participate in the departmental process of curriculum review, modification, and the assessment of student learning outcomes in order to make the program successful.
  5. Support the Division Dean in cooperating with campus and community groups to provide programs, courses, and information relevant to the needs of the students and various programs.
  6. Coordinate with other faculty in the selection of textbooks, audiovisual and other instructional materials.
  7. Complete various reporting procedures as required for student evaluation, course reporting and budget development.
  8. Assist the Division Dean in the preparation of required reports by providing requested information.
  9. Attend various departmental, divisional and campus-wide activities and events as required.
  10. Plan and complete approved professional development flex activities each semester.
  11. Perform other necessary duties as assigned by the Division Dean and as outlined in Board Policy.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's in geology, geophysics, earth sciences, meteorology, oceanography, or paleontology, OR bachelor's in geology and master's in geography, physics, or geochemistry or the equivalent.
  • Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in teaching postsecondary courses in Geology.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt teaching strategies and techniques to different levels of students' ability and learning styles.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt teaching strategies and techniques to students from different cultures and ethnic groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to use innovative and creative teaching techniques and equipment, including the use of multimedia hardware and software and on-line instructional techniques.
  • Demonstrated leadership in developing curriculum for discipline specific courses and/or programs.
  • Demonstrated leadership, ability, and desire to stay current in the field.
  • Demonstrated leadership and ability to work with business and industry in order to coordinate the educational program with the needs of the community.
  • Interest in or knowledge of teaching online and other distance education courses.

Supplemental Information
Applicants in this pool will remain active for one year. After one year, applicants will receive an email with information on how to remain in the pool.
NOTES:
  • If your degree title differs from the minimum qualifications listed above, you are requested to apply under the "equivalent" provision.
  • Applicants applying under the "equivalent" provision must attach details and explain how their academic preparation and/or professional experience is the equivalent of the degrees/minimum qualifications listed above.
  • If you have already been granted equivalency for this discipline, you must attach a copy of your determination form or letter.
  • Per AP 4115 State Authorization, Distance Education - Effective July 1, 2014, faculty members residing out of state will not be assigned to teach internet courses.

Application Instructions
Applicants applying to this position are REQUIRED to complete and submit:
  1. A San Joaquin Delta College District Application
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  3. Letter of Interest
  4. Unofficial or Official Transcripts from College/University

NOTES:
  • Applications submitted without all required documents, listed above, will be disqualified.
  • Applicants indicating "see resume" on the application will not have that referenced experience considered for minimum qualifications, which may lead to the application being disqualified.
  • Only information (education, experience, etc.) listed on the application will be considered for minimum qualifications.
  • Applicants, including current San Joaquin Delta College District employees, are required to provide official transcripts if required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
  • Applicants are required to submit official transcripts within 60 days of the time of hire.
  • Graduate advising documents and grade reports will not be accepted as official transcripts.
  • Individuals who have completed college or university coursework at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents.
  • A foreign transcript evaluation is required any time foreign coursework is used to meet minimum qualifications and/or salary placement even if the foreign transcript has been accepted by a college or university in the United States.
  • Foreign transcript evaluations are ONLY accepted from NACES (The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) agencies or evaluators.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

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