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Exempt Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

Wood Rodgers Inc.

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

This is a Senior Associate, salary, exempt position. * Develop and maintain internal and external ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, 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 or Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in ...

Wood Rodgers Inc.

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

This is a Senior Associate, salary, exempt position. * Develop and maintain internal and external ... Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology. * Master's degree (MS) in Geotechnical ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA

$126K - $158K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 19, 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.

Hydrogeologist, Mid-Career

GSI Water Solutions, Inc

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Hydrogeologist, Mid-Career
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Exempt
REPORTS TO: Practice Director
LOCATION: Sacramento
SALARY RANGE: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 (exclusive of bonuses and other rewards)
While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
GSI Water Solutions (GSI) is seeking a skilled Hydrogeologist who has project manager experience in California water supply issues to help manage a thriving and growing base of groundwater projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate, high-performing team of professionals making a positive impact in the water industry.
ABOUT GSI:
GSI Water Solutions is an employee-owned consulting firm specializing groundwater, environmental, and water resources with offices in Oregon, Washington, and California. At GSI, we take pride in being a company that treats its employees with respect and fairness and strives for all team members to feel they belong, have valuable insights, and can grow with us. We value work-life balance and are open to flexible work and scheduling arrangements.
As hydrogeologists, engineers, environmental scientists, and water experts, we focus on helping our clients protect our shared natural resources. We help develop and manage groundwater resources and ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of this invaluable resource.
Learn more on our website: https://gsiwatersolutions.com/
ABOUT OUR HYDROGEOLOGISTS:
Our Hydrogeologists, Mid-Career play a crucial role by combining technical expertise with strong managerial and leadership skills. They ensure the successful completion of projects through complex analyses, meticulous project management, insightful interpretation of data, and report writing. They typically manage smaller projects (or aspects of larger projects) with the potential to take on more complex projects as experience is acquired. Their ability to mentor junior staff and cultivate client relationships underscores their pivotal contribution to our continued growth and success in the industry.
IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:
  • Complete complex analyses and calculations.
  • Manage and organize field programs and conduct technical briefings to field staff.
  • Perform interpretation of subsurface data.
  • Generate complete proposals and technical reports.
  • Participate in technical review of project work and reports.
  • Develop project budgets and scopes for review by senior-level project manager.
  • Participate in contract review.
  • Develop and maintain client contact before and after completion of job.
  • Participate in marketing activities.
  • Mentor entry-level and other mid-career staff to develop skills in fieldwork, data interpretation and project management.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the required knowledge and abilities include:
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 6 years of professional experience;
  • -OR- a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 8 years of professional experience.
  • -AND- 2 years experience in managing projects.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
  • Professional geologist or certified hydrogeologist license within the state that work will be performed is preferred.
  • Current and valid driver's license and clean driving record.

VALUED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience in water resources planning, water supply development, and/or groundwater management in California.
  • Advanced coursework in hydrogeology.
  • Experience in groundwater supply, municipal production well design, construction, and testing, environmental groundwater characterization, and/or water resource management projects, including preparation of technical reports and proposals and budgets.
  • Thorough knowledge of groundwater flow and well hydraulics.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
  • An understanding of the technical complexities of groundwater management issues in California.
  • Proficient in all phases of business development activities.
  • Excellent technical skills with the ability to organize and manage work efforts of various types.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in teams.
  • A self-starter with an entrepreneurial character.
  • Emotional intelligence and humility.
  • Appreciation for diversity.
  • Service and action-oriented.

BENEFITS:
  • Flexible/hybrid work schedules
  • 401k with employer match, up to 4%
  • Potential for annual bonus based on company performance.
  • Employee-Owned company through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Highly competitive medical, dental, vision insurance plans for employees and their families with alternative care coverage included in medical plans.
  • Access to medical and dependent-care flexible spending accounts
  • Employer paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
  • 5 weeks of paid time off annually (pro-rated the first year based on start date)
  • Paid time off for certification and licensing exams
  • Paid attendance at professional conferences in support of career development
  • Paid memberships in professional organizations
  • Reimbursement for professional registrations and renewals
  • Cell phone stipend to assist with the cost of using a personal cell phone for business purposes
  • Discounts on Carhartt and Danner clothing and footwear

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the role.
We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. We value potential, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Research shows that many qualified candidates, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. We're interested in the whole person, not just a checklist.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The work performed is conducted primarily in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.
  • While performing the duties of the job, you will frequently be required to sit, talk, and hear. Visual acuity sufficient to view documents and computer screens, with or without correction, is required. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb short distances, balance and stoop, kneel and crouch.
  • Fieldwork activities may involve lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking over uneven terrain.
  • Fieldwork activities may include exposure to various environmental conditions, including but not limited to: inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and/or potential exposure to hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required for field activities to ensure safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
  • Travel to project sites, client meetings, and regulatory agencies as needed. Travel frequency will vary depending on project locations and requirements but, in general, will comprise approximately 30-50% of work time. Project areas are generally local, or within an approximately a two to three-hour drive.
  • Overnight stay may be required at the expense of GSI.

EEO STATEMENT:
We also support environmental justice, green practices, and carbon footprint reduction. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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