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Exempt Geologist Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Geology, or a related field, with 2+ years of ... Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and ...

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Geology, or a related field, with 2+ years of ... Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and ...

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Geology, or a related field, with 2+ years of ... Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and ...

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Geology, or a related field, with 2+ years of ... Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and ...

Exempt Geologist information

See Madison, WI salary details

$36.3K

$77.6K

$125.5K

How much do exempt geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt geologist in Madison, WI is $77,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $93,700.00 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Exempt Geologist jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Exempt Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Exempt Geologist job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,618 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Foth

Madison, WI • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Foth is seeking a team-focused, innovative, and results-oriented Hydrogeologist / Hydrologist, who has a desire to contribute to our clients' success and is looking for new learning experiences and opportunities for career growth. This position will be working out of our Green Bay, WI, Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN, or Duluth, MN office locations.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry
  • Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and geologic logging/mapping
  • Develop and apply numerical groundwater flow and transport models in support of project permitting, industrial development, and site remediation
  • Execute technical investigations for hydrologic characterization of groundwater systems in environments comprised of unconsolidated deposits, sedimentary rock, and fractured crystalline rock
  • Perform quantitative analysis of hydrologic and hydrogeological data, including probabilistic analysis and forecasting
  • Develop technical investigation plans for hydrologic characterization of groundwater systems in environments comprised of unconsolidated deposits, sedimentary rock, and fractured crystalline rock
  • Develop technical reports and memos to support the permitting of natural resource development projects
  • Be part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Water Resources Engineering or Geology with an emphasis in hydrogeology and/or surface water hydrology
  • Experience performing hydrogeological and hydrologic investigations, analysis, and modeling, through internships, co-ops or academics
  • Technical writing and report preparation experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Geology, or a related field, with 2+ years of experience in water resources or hydrogeology, preferably supporting mining applications
  • Experience developing and applying numerical groundwater flow, constituent transport, and surface water hydrology/hydraulic models, including work in unconsolidated, sedimentary, fractured rock, and deep bedrock environments
  • Proficiency with groundwater and surface water modeling tools, such as MODFLOW/MT3D, FEFLOW, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, or similar numerical codes
  • Experience planning, coordinating, and executing hydrogeologic and hydrologic field investigations, including packer testing, multi-well aquifer testing, and analysis of field and large data sets
  • Demonstrated ability to perform data analysis, statistical/probabilistic modeling, and time-series forecasting for hydrologic and hydrogeologic systems
  • Experience integrating hydrogeologic and hydrologic analyses with feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, and mine permitting efforts
  • Familiarity with NEPA processes and documentation and mine permitting in the United States
Compensation and Benefits

$50,000 - $70,000 a year

The base compensation listed for this job posting reflects a general range for the posted position. Base compensation will vary based on factors such as years of experience, location, level of responsibility, and licenses/certifications. In addition to base compensation, Foth members may be eligible to receive bonuses through our Earned Performance Incentive program. All employees are eligible for On-the-Spot bonuses. Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and part-time members will be offered medical, dental, vision insurance, employee assistance program, disability, retirement, holiday pay, paid time off, and several other voluntary benefits. Please reach out to the recruiting team to discuss any specific benefits or compensation questions.

Note: In some situations, we may consider an alternative position based on your skill set and experience. This may result in a different compensation range.

All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free.

Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance. Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies: Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.

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