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Field Geologist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Vice President, Environmental Geologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

Who You Are Required Qualifications * BS in Geology, Earth Sciences or related science field * 15+ years related environmental remediation and sales experience * Strong work ethic * Must be a self ...

Verdantas

Field Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... Verdantas is seeking a Field Technician to join our team in the Irvine, CA location. This role ...

Verdantas

Field Technician

Irvine, CA

$24 - $26/hr

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... Verdantas is seeking a Field Technician to join our team in the Irvine, CA location. This role ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsField Geologist JobsField Geologist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Field Geologist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$41.2K

$64.5K

$88.2K

How much do field geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for field geologist in Riverside, CA is $64,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $74,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Field Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Field Geologist, you need a solid background in geology, earth sciences, and field mapping, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, GIS software, rock and soil sampling equipment, and often certifications in field safety or HAZWOPER are important. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication enhance performance in dynamic and sometimes remote environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring safe, effective, and scientifically sound fieldwork.

What is the difference between Field Geologist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectField GeologistGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology or Earth Sciences; often requires field experienceBachelor's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; often requires engineering licensure
Work EnvironmentField sites, outdoor terrain, geological formationsConstruction sites, laboratories, engineering projects
Industry UsageMining, oil & gas, environmental consultingConstruction, infrastructure, foundation design
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Field Geologists primarily focus on studying geological formations in outdoor environments, gathering data for resource exploration or environmental assessments. In contrast, Geotechnical Engineers apply engineering principles to analyze soil and rock stability for construction projects. While both roles require earth science knowledge, their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What field of geology makes the most money?

In geology, petroleum geologists and geophysicists working in the oil and gas industry tend to have the highest salaries due to the high demand for their expertise in exploration and production. These roles often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience in subsurface analysis and seismic interpretation. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and industry demand, but energy sector positions generally offer the highest compensation for geologists.

Is there a high demand for geologists?

Field geologists are in moderate demand, especially in industries such as oil and gas, mining, environmental consulting, and natural resource exploration. Employment opportunities depend on industry trends, commodity prices, and regional projects, with strong skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting being valuable for job prospects.

What Does a Field Geologist Do?

A field geologist studies the composition of the earth’s crust and works to understand the history and structure of the planet. Also known as geoscientists, field geologists study earth processes such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions and survey land to understand the changes over time. Job duties typically include mapping rock formations, collecting samples and fossils, measuring the earth, interpreting data, and writing reports. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, or a related field with courses in geology, as well as some field and laboratory experience. Strong communication, writing, interpersonal, and outdoor skills and physical stamina are essential because field geologists mostly work outdoors as part of a team.

What does a Field Geologist do?

A Field Geologist studies the Earth's physical properties by collecting samples, mapping geological features, and analyzing rock, soil, and mineral data in outdoor environments. They often use tools like GPS devices, geological hammers, and microscopes, and may need certifications such as OSHA safety training. Their work supports resource exploration, environmental assessment, and geological research.

What are 5 potential jobs for geology?

Field geologists can pursue various careers such as mineral exploration, environmental consulting, petroleum geology, groundwater investigation, and geotechnical engineering. These roles often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of geological tools and software. They are typically based in outdoor or site environments and may require certifications or specialized training.

What are some common challenges faced by field geologists during site investigations, and how are they typically addressed?

Field geologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and remote locations that can complicate site investigations. To address these, they conduct thorough pre-trip planning, use specialized equipment for navigation and sampling, and follow strict safety protocols. Effective teamwork and clear communication with both field and lab colleagues are essential to ensure accurate data collection and reporting, despite these obstacles. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for success in this dynamic work environment.
More about Field Geologist jobs
What are popular job titles related to Field Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Field Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Field Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Field Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Field Geologist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Field Geologist job openings:
Field Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Geologist job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,512 per year, or $31 per hour.
Vice President, Environmental Geologist

Vice President, Environmental Geologist

WSP

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is looking for a Vice President, Environmental Geologist for our Irvine, California Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) team with experience in consulting, selling, managing, designing and implementing environmental multi-media remediation programs for a variety of clients in the Industrial, Government, Energy, Oil & Gas, and Transportation sectors. We are looking for a candidate who is excited and motivated about the opportunity to help expand our environmental consulting business in California and the West. WSP's Irvine office provides a broad range of services in engineering and environmental sciences including environmental assessment and remediation, water/wastewater engineering, water resources, environmental compliance, geotechnical design, stormwater infrastructure design, materials testing, and decision analysis.
Your Impact
  • Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the scientific discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
  • Perform business development within the various sectors for environmental investigation/remediation, engineering, and related services
  • Perform oversight, mentorship and direct the efforts of staff- and project-level geologists and environmental scientists
  • Assist preparation of technical reports and proposals
  • Ensure that scientific discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition is developed and continuously improved.
  • Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys to align the scientific discipline's function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.
  • Serve as one of the scientific discipline's lead representatives/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
  • Interpret and summarize data, including reports and documents that result in sound scientific and regulatory conclusions.
  • Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level employees in the office and firm-wide
  • Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
  • Manage multiple projects and multi-disciplinary teams, being responsible for ensuring that deliverables, schedules and budgets are achieved
  • Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • Meet sales, revenue and delivery goals
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • BS in Geology, Earth Sciences or related science field
  • 15+ years related environmental remediation and sales experience
  • Strong work ethic
  • Must be a self-starter, team oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Previous experience working with multi-disciplinary remediation/assessment projects involving the California Regional Quality Water Quality Control Board, DTSC and/or one of the local CUPAs
  • Candidate should have experience with CERCLA, RCRA, DTSC, Water Board and other CalEPA Programs
  • Consulting experience with investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, including sites impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, chlorinated solvents, PCBs, and/or PFAS.
  • Must have consulting experience in soil gas and vapor intrusion issues
  • Developing and managing complex engineering design and design-build projects
  • Oversee remedy construction and operation and maintenance of environmental project work
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Tactical lateral thinking and strong analytical skills with attention to detail and prioritization of responsibilities in a pressure work environment.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, clients, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exits.
  • Advanced proficiency with office automation and communication software, technology, and tools used in the corporate environment.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to quickly adapt to change.
  • Travel to project(s) as needed, for the execution of project goals and business development
  • Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening.
  • Must pass drug test, physical, background check in accordance with the Company's policy

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Geology or related science field
  • California Professional Geologist's License
  • PMP Certification
  • 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120)
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation
Expected Salary (California): $144,700 - $214,900
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-MC2
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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