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Exempt Geologist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Exempt Geologist information

See Ohio salary details

$34.2K

$73.2K

$118.4K

How much do exempt geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt geologist in Ohio is $73,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $88,400.00 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Exempt Geologist jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Exempt Geologist job openings:

Disposal Operations Management Trainee - Columbus, OH

Waste Management

Glenford, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 650 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description


I. Job Summary
The Disposal Operations Management Trainee (DOMT) position is part of a required developmental training program lasting up to 18 months. The duties and responsibilities are under the direction and supervision of WM frontline managers (e.g., Area Directors of Disposal Operations, Landfill District Managers, and Operations Managers) related to the operations of a landfill. The primary mentor for this position will be the Landfill District Manager at the training location to which the DOMT is assigned or the Area Director of Disposal Operations. The DOMT, through assigned work activities, a training curriculum, and hands-on projects, will develop a strong working knowledge of all aspects of the day-to-day disposal operations at a WM landfill, including but not limited to, safety, environmental protection and permitting, finance and accounting, personnel management, heavy equipment, community and customer service, construction and engineering, gas and leachate management, and waste streams and sales. The Disposal OMT training program is designed to develop individuals into Operations Managers and District Managers with a strong career path to Directors of Disposal Operations or other roles.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Successfully complete the Disposal OMT curriculum consisting of Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced level training. Complete all required training items through participation in the WM Learning Management System.
  • Attend and participate in all mandatory group training sessions.
  • Disposal Operations: Responsible for the knowledge development and progressive understanding and expertise in all aspects of day-to-day management of a landfill, including, but not limited to, fill sequencing, cover operations, waste placement and compaction operations, equipment and labor deployment, storm water management, and traffic flow.
  • Develop a working knowledge of heavy equipment functionality and maintenance care including actual operation and in-shop maintenance.
  • Learn how to effectively manage site personnel including non-exempt operators through experiential efforts and training.
  • Develop an understanding of landfill design and construction including cell excavation and earthwork, liner cross-sections, slope stability, geosynthetics deployment, leachate control and landfill gas control systems and final cover cross sections.
  • Develop proficiency and understanding in all aspects of leachate and landfill gas management. Develop general understanding of renewable energy operations and its relationship with the landfill gas systems.
  • Develop a strong sense of community affairs and community relations management through actual participation in public affairs events and processes.
  • Develop a complete understanding of environmental monitoring and environmental protection issues that exist at a landfill including interaction with various regulatory agencies. Review and understand regulatory requirements and site permits.
  • Develop understanding of financial, accounting, and forecasting processes and systems including experience in reporting to senior management and showing proficiency in operations of the scale house.
  • Develop understanding of how waste streams are sold and priced within WM sales and marketing organization, and its relationship to operations.
  • Develop a strong understanding and dedication to the WM Safety Program; work with Corporate and local safety teams to continue to create an increasingly aware and observant safety conscious culture.
  • Participate in landfill operational reviews and provide constructive feedback to operations staff.
  • Participate in Area mentor programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned that may include special projects and interim management assignments. Learning will be very action and experiential based.

III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree (accredited), or in lieu of degree
  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and 4 years of relevant work experience.
  • 5 years of relevant work experience with increased responsibility in construction, engineering, geology, operations management or heavy equipment (in addition to education requirement).

B. Preferred Qualifications
  • PE (Professional Engineer) certificate
  • RLS (Registered Land Surveyor) certificate
  • PG (Professional Geologist) certificate

IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including preemployment screening, postincident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US