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Forensic Geologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Geologist information

See Arizona salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$116K

How much do forensic geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic geologist in Arizona is $71,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a forensic geologist typically collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams during an investigation?

Forensic geologists work closely with law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, and legal professionals to analyze earth materials that may link suspects to crime scenes. They often participate in multidisciplinary teams, providing expert interpretation of soil, rock, and mineral evidence. This collaboration involves presenting scientific findings in clear, understandable language, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes testifying in court as expert witnesses. Effective communication and the ability to translate technical data for non-specialists are crucial in these interactions.

What is a forensic geologist?

Forensic geologists are specialists who apply geological science to legal investigations. They analyze soil, rocks, minerals, and other earth materials to help solve crimes or resolve civil disputes. Their work often involves comparing soil samples from crime scenes with those found on evidence or suspects to establish connections. Forensic geologists can also help determine the provenance of materials, reconstruct accident scenes, or provide expert testimony in court. Their expertise is valuable in cases involving environmental law, land disputes, and criminal investigations.

What is the difference between Forensic Geologist vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic GeologistForensic Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in geology, certification in forensic geologyBachelor's or master's in forensic science, certification in forensic science
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, field investigations, crime scenes involving earth materialsCrime labs, hospitals, crime scenes involving biological or physical evidence
Industry UsageLegal cases involving soil, minerals, or geological evidenceLegal cases involving biological, chemical, or physical evidence

Forensic Geologists specialize in analyzing geological evidence like soil and minerals at crime scenes, while Forensic Scientists handle a broader range of evidence types. Both roles require relevant certifications and often work in crime labs or on-site investigations, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic geologist?

To thrive as a Forensic Geologist, you need a strong background in geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry, typically supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, GIS software, and forensic sampling techniques is vital. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication are essential soft skills for interpreting evidence and preparing reports. These abilities ensure accurate, legally defensible analyses that support investigations and judicial processes.
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Geologist jobs in Arizona? For Forensic Geologist jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Geologist jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Geologist jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forensic Geologist jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Forensic Geologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Geologist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,784 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Project Geotechnical Engineer

Quanta Services

Scottsdale, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

QISG leverages Quanta’s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.


Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.


Title: Project Geotechnical Engineer

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG) is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary engineering company within the Quanta Services (Quanta) family of companies. Quanta Services ranks #1 on the ENR 2024 Top 600 Specialty Contractors list, designing and building some of the largest infrastructure projects in North America. QISG is seeking project level geotechnical engineering professionals interested in working to support large-scale engineering and construction projects throughout North America by providing geo-structural design solutions to our construction partners and clients.

A Project Geotechnical Engineer within QISG is involved in a variety of geo-structural engineering projects with a focus on foundation engineering and an emphasis on design-build delivery methods for large-scale energy generation and transmission-related projects. Collaborating with an in-house, multi-disciplinary engineering and construction team — including civil, structural, geotechnical, construction management, and construction experts — a Project Geotechnical Engineer plays a crucial role in providing geo-structural design solutions on projects; responsibilities include overseeing and supporting design production, contributing to the development of construction drawings and specifications, and engineering support during construction.


This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing pre-construction geotechnical investigations, geotechnical and structural engineering calculations and modeling, and design document development to support foundation, retaining wall, and/or general civil construction. A successful candidate is able to utilize sound engineering judgement, field data collected by themselves or others, and digital technologies to develop economical solutions to support civil construction. He/she will receive guidance and mentoring from senior level professionals, as well as provide guidance and mentoring to junior engineers. The Project Geotechnical Engineer will develop leadership skills and will take on increasing responsibilities to communicate with project management, technical, construction, and company personnel as well as company leadership and to keep the project in scope, on schedule, and within budget.


  • Execute assignments requiring application of standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out geo-structural engineering tasks.
  • Perform engineering analyses for design of deep foundations (helical piers, drilled shafts, micropiles, driven piles, anchors, and others) and retaining structures.
  • Oversee and/or manage engineering analyses performed by other QISG staff and/or project professional for various types of civil engineering structures.
  • Perform limit equilibrium and finite element stability modeling for soil and rock slopes and retaining structures.
  • Interface closely with other project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, and civil engineering, GIS, and construction management team members.
  • Participate in oversight and management of field subcontractor activities, such as geotechnical drilling and testing and/or forensics studies.
  • Develop written reports and/or provide verbal communication of information in a professional and appropriate manner under the direct supervision of a Senior Professional Engineer.
  • Perform occasional site visits to project sites located throughout North America.
  • Participation in sector focused professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
  • Work under supervision of Engineering Director and/or a Senior Engineer in a professional office setting.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure
  • Minimum 5 years design experience in the geotechnical, structural, transmission, or substation engineering field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Ability to work with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting
  • Master’s degree in the field of geotechnical engineering or engineering geology
  • Familiarity with the use of the following computer software: LPILE, GROUP, FAD, SHAFT, APILE and SLIDE, RS2, Plaxis, RISA, INVENTOR, or SPColumn

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to lift 40 lbs at times.
  • Must be able to bend, lift, climb, and walk on uneven surfaces.

Travel Requirements
Varies based on seasonal and project requirements: estimated as up to 25% of the work year.


  • Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Discount Program

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


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