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Exploration Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional ... Report any safety issues or concerns to management. * Be responsible for maintaining quality ...

Stellic

Product Lead, Explore

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Stellic's Explore product is our newest frontier. It's focused on the transfer experience - giving ... There's no inherited backlog to manage here. You'll do the discovery, identify the highest-leverage ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsExploration JobsExploration Manager JobsExploration Manager Jobs in California

Exploration Manager information

See California salary details

$227.7K

$243.8K

$258.3K

How much do exploration manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for exploration manager in California is $243,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $236,000.00 and $251,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an exploration manager do?

An Exploration Manager oversees the discovery and development of natural resources, such as minerals, oil, or gas. They lead geological surveys, analyze exploration data, and manage teams of geologists and engineers. Their role involves budgeting, project planning, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. They also assess potential sites for extraction and collaborate with stakeholders to support resource development strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exploration manager?

To thrive as an Exploration Manager, you typically need a strong background in geology, mining, or related earth sciences, supported by relevant degrees and hands-on field experience. Familiarity with geological modeling software, GIS tools, and safety management systems is essential, and certifications like PMP or relevant mining accreditations are often valued. Exceptional leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively overseeing exploration projects, ensuring safety, optimizing resource discovery, and motivating multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by exploration managers, and how can they be addressed?

Exploration Managers often encounter challenges such as remote work locations, shifting project priorities, regulatory compliance, and unpredictable exploration results. Effective planning, strong risk management, and open communication with both on-site teams and corporate leadership are essential for navigating these issues. Building resilient, adaptable teams and fostering relationships with local communities can also help address logistical, environmental, and social challenges. By anticipating obstacles and actively engaging with stakeholders, Exploration Managers ensure projects remain on track and meet both business and safety objectives.

What is an exploration manager?

An exploration manager oversees the process of locating and evaluating natural resources such as minerals, oil, or gas. They coordinate geological surveys, manage teams, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, often using specialized tools and data analysis skills.

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

The most popular types of Exploration jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Exploration Manager jobs in California?

For Exploration Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exploration Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Exploration Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Exploration Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exploration Manager job openings:

Exploration Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exploration Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $243,774 per year, or $117.2 per hour.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

TERRACON

Lodi, CA • On-site

$21.45 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in drilling operations, instrumentation, and monitoring well installation.

  • Collect soil and rock samples, log field data, and perform routine maintenance and repairs on equipment.

  • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and load/unload tooling and materials.

Terracon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Responsibilities
This is an entry level position. No experience is required. The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
  • Load tooling and materials.
  • Assist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.
  • Collect soil and rock samples and log field data.
  • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
  • Perform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.
  • Drive a medium-duty truck and trailer.
  • Learn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects.
  • Participate in pre-task planning.
  • Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Limited or no experience required
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

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