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Geological Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Staff Geologist

Lombard, IL · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Develop detailed subsurface maps, geologic models, and cross-sections while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists on complex infrastructure ...

TERRACON

Staff Geologist

Lombard, IL · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Develop detailed subsurface maps, geologic models, and cross-sections while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists on complex infrastructure ...

Terracon

Geotechnical Senior Staff Engineer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$84.92 - $108.24/hr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field. * Engineer-in-Training certification required. * 3 to 5+ years of ...

TERRACON

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Lombard, IL · Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field. * Professional Engineer license required. * 5 to 8+ years of geotechnical ...

TERRACON

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$94K - $146K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering field. * Professional Engineer license required. * 5 to 8+ years of geotechnical ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Staff Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering or Environmental Engineering required * Proficiency MS Word and Excel. * Excellent ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Staff Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering or Environmental Engineering required * Proficiency MS Word and Excel. * Excellent ...

Weaver Companies

Staff Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering or Environmental Engineering required * Proficiency MS Word and Excel. * Excellent ...

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Geological Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$66.9K

$72.7K

$77K

How much do geological engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for geological engineer in Illinois is $72,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geological engineer?

As a geological engineer, you find mineral deposits and other natural resources to extract. Your job duties include designing structures like mines and tunnels. You also inspect the geological conditions of mining sites to ensure safety. You’re responsible for implementing action plans to minimize the negative environmental impact of mining and exploration activities and leading proper erosion control, water maintenance, and waste disposal efforts.

What does a geological engineer do?

A Geological Engineer applies principles of geology and engineering to solve problems related to earth materials and processes. They are involved in the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources, design of foundations for structures, assessment of natural hazards like landslides or earthquakes, and environmental protection. Geological Engineers work on projects such as mining, tunneling, dam construction, and site remediation, ensuring safety and sustainability. Their work often includes field studies, laboratory analysis, and using specialized software for modeling and analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geological engineer?

To thrive as a Geological Engineer, you need a solid background in geology, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in geological or geotechnical engineering. Familiarity with GIS software, geological modeling tools, and industry-specific certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate site assessments, safe project designs, and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges geological engineers face when working on field projects?

Geological Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited accessibility to remote sites during fieldwork. They must adapt to changing project requirements and ensure that all safety protocols are followed while collecting geological data. Additionally, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—such as environmental scientists, civil engineers, and regulatory agencies—requires strong communication and project management skills to keep projects on track and compliant with industry standards.

What is the difference between Geological Engineer vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeological EngineerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in geology or geological engineering; often requires licensureBachelor's in civil or geological engineering; often requires licensure
Work EnvironmentField sites, exploration, environmental assessmentsConstruction sites, foundation design, soil testing
Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, resource explorationConstruction, infrastructure, foundation engineering

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and licensure, but Geological Engineers focus on understanding Earth's processes and resource exploration, while Geotechnical Engineers specialize in soil and foundation stability for construction projects.

Are geological engineers in demand?

Geological engineers are in demand due to ongoing needs in natural resource exploration, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries seek expertise in assessing geological hazards and sustainable resource management, often requiring skills in GIS and geotechnical analysis.

How much do geological engineers make in the US?

Geological engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $100,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized fields earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, education, experience, and industry sector, such as mining, environmental consulting, or oil and gas exploration.
More about Geological Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Geological Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Geological Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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For Geological Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Geological Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Geological Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Geological Engineer jobs in IL?

For Geological Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Geological Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geological Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,676 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Senior Mining Engineer

Vulcan Materials Company

Naperville, IL • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Vulcan Materials rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary
A Mining Engineer leads engineering projects and initiatives for both surface and underground aggregate mining operations. This senior-level position requires exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing mining processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in productivity and safety. Provides support primarily to Plant and Area Managers and the Geological Services staff.
Essential Functions
Proficient in the use of Excel, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Carlson Software.
Gather and utilize geologic drill data and mine planning data (stripping ratios, stone reserves, quality of stone, hydrology data, rock mechanics, etc.) to design mining schedules and 3-D mine plans, including mine configuration and final wall slopes.
Make design recommendations to operations and Geological Services staff.
As directed, may interact with outside consultants for mine planning and mining engineering projects.
Assist operations personnel to assure compliance with permit conditions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and maintenance requirements of the systems necessary for compliance.
Develop short-term and long-term underground mine plans and assist with ground control activities.
Assist with maintaining and reviewing survey data.
Identify, propose and justify projects which will improve costs and efficiency.
Assist and consult with operations managers with assessments geared toward lowering operating costs in both underground and open pit extraction areas.
Assist in preparation of stripping bid packages.
Maintain an updated life-of-mine site plan for all locations.
Assist in preparation of presentations, documentations, reports and maps as needed.
Maintain topographic maps/site maps on the network server in an up-to-date and current status.
Critical Competencies
Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, while actively listening and adapting the message to the audience.
Team Player - Works cooperatively and effectively with team members to achieve shared goals, willingly assisting others and fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Interpersonal Savvy - Engages openly and comfortably with diverse groups, demonstrating tact, sensitivity, and consideration to ease interpersonal situations. Quickly establishes rapport and fosters positive connections.
Safety Awareness - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
Technical Expertise: Maintains cutting edge awareness of latest development in a specific field by scanning multiple sources of information or data (e.g. periodicals, networks of contacts.)

Compensation. This is a salaried position. The salary range for this role is between $100,000-$120,000 annually. When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data. This position will be provided with a company vehicle. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package, which also applies to this position.

Education
Mining Engineering degree strongly preferred, but Geology, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering or other Engineering degree with mining experience would be considered
Experience
5-7 years of geology, mining engineering or mining operations experience.
Strong background in underground mining required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary.
Must have the ability, either through formal training or experience, to create mine plans and schedules, compute stone reserves, draw and interpret topographic maps, identify cost savings opportunities, and understand and assist with financial analyses.
Proficiency needed in 3D-CAD design and other computer related software, as well as basic surveying, mining engineering, and geologic concepts of quarrying, particularly as they relate to underground room and pillar mining.
Must have strong understanding of how federal, state and local regulations and statutes affect mine planning affairs.
Knowledge of hydrogeology and water management is helpful.
Other Requirements
Some travel and periodically requiring overnight stay.
Work environment will be both indoors in an office and outside in a quarry or vacant land.
Must be able to work at a desktop computer for several hours a day while in the office.
Must be able to walk and carry computer field equipment or survey equipment when working outside.
The outside setting will expose the employee to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity and will require walking on uneven and sometimes steep ground surfaces.
May be required to climb slopes, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, crawl or reach above shoulders to accomplish functions of the job.
Position will require ability to operate a motor vehicle within a quarry area as well as on the open road, which would require the use of both hands and feet.
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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