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Geological Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Field Geologist/Geophysicist

Des Moines, IA

... engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from ... Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geophysics. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

TERRACON

Field Geologist/Geophysicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from ... Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geophysics. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

TERRACON

Field Geophysicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from ... Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geophysics. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

TERRACON

Field Geophysicist

Des Moines, IA

... engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from ... Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geophysics. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

USG Corporation

Mine / Mill Manager

Mediapolis, IA

Qualifications: - Mine or Quarry background with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. (Mining/Geological preferred.) Prior experience as a department manager is a plus but not required. - Previous ...

USG Corporation

Mine / Mill Manager

Mediapolis, IA · On-site

$7.6K - $10K/mo

Qualifications: - Mine or Quarry background with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. (Mining/Geological preferred.) Prior experience as a department manager is a plus but not required. - Previous ...

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All JobsGeological Engineer JobsGeological Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Geological Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$64.8K

$70.4K

$74.7K

How much do geological engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for geological engineer in Iowa is $70,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $72,800.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geological Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

Are geological engineers in demand?

Geological engineers are in steady demand due to their expertise in assessing natural hazards, resource extraction, and environmental protection. Employment opportunities are often found in consulting firms, government agencies, and energy companies, with a need for skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and geotechnical modeling.

What do you do as a geological engineer?

A geological engineer applies principles of geology and engineering to assess earth materials, design foundations, and evaluate natural hazards for construction and resource extraction projects. They often work with subsurface investigations, use tools like GIS and drilling equipment, and require knowledge of environmental regulations. Their work supports safe infrastructure development and resource management.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, professional certifications, and work in high-demand industries or executive-level positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software or data engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 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.

More about Geological Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Geological Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Geological Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geological Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Geological Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Geological Engineer jobs in IA? For Geological Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Geological Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geological Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,444 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Field Geologist/Geophysicist

Field Geologist/Geophysicist

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 73 rated business consultants

Job description

Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as geophysical logging in boreholes to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon's service lines.
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.
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients' project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geophysics.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
    • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in field of expertise preferred based on state specific requirements.
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Understand and practice quality acumen.
  • Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
  • Developing level Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
  • Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
  • Assists in geophysical data collection and tests to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
  • Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
  • May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.

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