1

Exempt Geologist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Geologist II

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position out of our Bellevue or Seattle, Washington office ... What You'll Bring * Bachelor's or master's degree in geology or a related field required.

Wetland Scientist (PWS)

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... Ecologist / Wetland Scientist Full-time exempt Professional Kirkland, WA, US PACE Engineers, A ...

Wetland Scientist (PWS)

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... Ecologist / Wetland Scientist Full-time exempt Professional Kirkland, WA, US PACE Engineers, A ...

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: C1 : PROTEC17-DES, DLS, DNRP Full- or Part-Time: Full Time Hours/Week ... geology, planning, and environmental science. Success in this role requires technical curiosity ...

Sr. Project Manager-Transportation

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

$138K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... Civil Engineer, Sr. Project Manager-Transportation (PE Required) Full-time exempt Professional Lake ...

Exempt Geologist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$41K

$87.7K

$141.7K

How much do exempt geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt geologist in Seattle, WA is $87,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $105,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 high demand and specialized skills required. Experienced geologists with advanced certifications, such as Professional Geologist (PG) licensure, and those in managerial or consulting roles also typically earn higher wages. Salary can vary based on industry, location, and level of experience.

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 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 professional standards and licensing criteria for an exempt geologist position. Relevant skills such as fieldwork, data analysis, and certifications may supplement qualifications but do not replace the educational requirement.

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 most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Exempt Geologist jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Exempt Geologist job openings:

Associate Geologist II

Farallon Consulting LLC

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Why Farallon?

As a 100% employee-owned firm, Farallon is built on a shared purpose and long-term commitment. Our people are the reason clients trust us with their most complex environmental challenges—from high-stakes remediation projects to regulatory negotiations that shape communities. When you join Farallon, you join a team of scientists and engineers who take pride in delivering technically sound, defensible, and practical solutions.


You’ll work alongside industry leaders who are shaping the future of environmental consulting across the West Coast. Your expertise will directly influence project outcomes, client relationships, and the continued growth of our employee-owned firm.


The Role

We are looking for a motivated and talented Associate Geologist to join our firm in our Bellevue or Seattle, Washington office. If you are looking to advance your career while working alongside industry experts, this opportunity is for you! You will be collaborating with colleagues from across our organization to provide environmental solutions to our clients’ environmental challenges.


You should be a self-starter and possess strong technical and writing skills to support a wide range of environmental projects. Our ideal candidate will also be detail-oriented, have excellent verbal communication skills, and a positive attitude.


Core job responsibilities will include working with Farallon’s technical teams to support a broad range of projects that reflect Farallon’s core practices in contaminated site investigation and remediation, environmental due diligence, litigation support, and regulatory coordination. Work is often fast paced and requires a commitment to both quality and client service. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position out of our Bellevue or Seattle, Washington office.


Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements:

What You’ll Bring

  • Bachelor’s or master's degree in geology or a related field required.
  • Professionally licensed in Washington.
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in environmental consulting, including planning and performing site investigation, characterization, and remediation in Washington.
  • Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, both internal and external, to perform cleanup actions with varying degrees of complexity and/or overall scope.
  • Well-versed working knowledge of applicable state and federal environmental regulations and guidance.
  • Experience performing remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and cleanup actions on PFAS-, petroleum-, metals-, and/or chlorinated solvent-contaminated sites.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to independently prepare proposals, summary reports, and formal cleanup documentation including Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study reports, Cleanup Action Plans, and Cleanup Action Reports.
  • Commitment to safety, including working knowledge of State and Federal health and safety requirements.

Bonus Skills

  • Experience communicating with Local, State, and Federal regulators.
  • Previous experience with independent cleanups and closure through the Voluntary Cleanup Program.
  • Experience working on grant funded projects and projects under agreed orders or consent decrees.
  • Other specialized knowledge including PFAS cleanup experience, compliance experience, or sediment cleanup experience.
  • Ability to work with Farallon’s team of scientists and engineers on business development objectives.

Owner-Level Benefits

We believe taking care of our people is the best way to take care of our clients and Farallon is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

  • Ownership: Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for employees.
  • Retirement: 401(k) with up to a 4% company match.
  • Time Off: Flexible vacation (10–30 days), 9 paid holidays, and a dedicated paid day for volunteering.
  • Growth: Tuition reimbursement and paid renewals for professional certifications.

Additional benefits may include performance-based incentives, life, AD&D, disability benefits, parental leave, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, employee assistance program, spot bonus, charitable donation matches, paid parking or transit, employee referral programs, service recognition awards, and a one-time reimbursement for home office setup.


Pay Range

Our best estimate of the base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $130,000, located in the Bellevue or Seattle, Washington area.

Employees are eligible for an annual cash bonus based on firm and individual performance. Actual compensation will depend on experience, education, and internal equity.


The Fine Print

Farallon Consulting, L.L.C. is an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, age (except for bona fide occupational qualifications), sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, veteran status, participation in EEO-protected activity, or any other status protected by law.


Reasonable accommodation may be?made?to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.


Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We?are not able to?sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

Don’t?meet every single requirement? We know that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Farallon, we value diverse perspectives and encourage you to apply even if your experience?doesn’t?align perfectly. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.