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Forensic Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech

Senior Engineering Geologist

Diamond Bar, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Tetra Tech is adding an Engineering Geologist to our team based in Diamond Bar, CA. The group ... forensic services and peer review services. Our clients are well diversified between state and ...

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$77K

$124.5K

How much do forensic geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 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 are forensic geologists and what do they do?

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, and why are they important?

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.

How much do forensic serologists make?

Forensic serologists, who analyze biological evidence in criminal investigations, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized training, certifications, and working in government or private laboratories.

What does a forensic geologist do?

A forensic geologist analyzes geological evidence from crime scenes, such as soil, minerals, and rock samples, to help solve crimes. They use scientific techniques and tools like microscopes and spectrometers to identify and compare evidence, often working closely with law enforcement agencies. This role requires knowledge of geology, attention to detail, and often certification or specialized training.

How to become a forensic geologist?

To become a forensic geologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in geology, geology-related sciences, or forensic science. Gaining experience through internships or fieldwork, developing skills in mineral identification and soil analysis, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

What is the highest paid geologist?

The highest paid geologists are often senior-level professionals such as petroleum geologists or exploration geologists working in the oil and gas industry, where salaries can exceed $150,000 annually. Specialized skills, advanced degrees, and certifications like the Certified Petroleum Geologist (CPG) can also contribute to higher earnings.
More about Forensic Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Geologist job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Geologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Geologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Geologist jobs are:
Forensic Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Geologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Senior Engineering Geologist

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC

Boise, ID • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Us
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.
About this Role
A Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG is involved in a variety of geo-structuralengineering 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, GIS, construction management, and construction experts- a Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG plays a crucial role in providing geo-structurald esign solutions on large scale projects; responsibilities include overseeing and supportingdesign production, development of construction drawings and specifications, engineering support during construction, and interacting with key project stakeholders as a leader within the geostructural engineering team.
This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing pre-construction geotechnical investigations, geologic hazard assessments, geotechnical engineering calculationsand modeling, and design document development to support foundation, retaining wall, and/orgeneral civil construction. The Senior Engineering Geologist will be expected to apply standardand advanced engineering principles to solve complex problems. A successful candidate is able to utilize sound geotechnical engineering judgment, and digital technologies to develop economical solutions and communicate effectively with project management, technical, construction, and company personnel as well as company leadership.
What You'll Do
  • Support a team of engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, and staff, working on various types of civil engineering structures, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Execute assignments requiring application of standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out geo-structural engineering tasks.
  • Interface closely with other project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, substation, 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.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure cost-effective solutions.
  • Take responsible charge of geologic hazard modeling for geotechnical design, including seismic/fault characterization and flood/scour modeling.
  • Implement and oversee quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials.
  • Work under supervision of Engineering Director or Engineering Manager in a professional office setting.
  • Performs special projects and completes other job-related duties as assigned

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Geologic Science or related field
  • Professional Geologist (PG) and/or Specialty (ChG, EG) licensure
  • Minimum ten (10) years experience in the geotechnical, transmission, or substation engineering field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Familiarity with use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and associated software for collection and analysis of large geological and geotechnical data sets.
  • Familiarity with engineering analyses for soil and rock slope stability and design of deep foundations and retaining structures utilizing modern computer software (SLIDE, DIPS, Rocslope, LPILE, GROUP, SHAFT, etc.).
  • Experience with construction-phase geotechnical services, including quality control observation, contractor coordination, and execution of civil specifications

What You'll Get
QISG Benefits Highlights
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
  • 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
  • Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
  • Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Accident Insurance
    • Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
    • Critical Illness
    • Hospital Indemnity
    • Pet Insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer
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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