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Geological Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our geotechnical engineers and geologists also specialize in landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, seepage, expansive soils, and seismic activity. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and ...

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$135K - $198K/yr

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$135K - $198K/yr

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

Geologist

Orange, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Harrington Geotechnical Engineering Inc. (HGEI), a QAI company, has over 50 years of experience in the geotechnical and geological engineering field. With our experts, professional skilled staff, and ...

Geologist

Orange, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Harrington Geotechnical Engineering Inc. (HGEI), a QAI company, has over 50 years of experience in the geotechnical and geological engineering field. With our experts, professional skilled staff, and ...

Geologist

Orange, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Harrington Geotechnical Engineering Inc. (HGEI), a QAI company, has over 50 years of experience in the geotechnical and geological engineering field. With our experts, professional skilled staff, and ...

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Geological Engineer information

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$79.5K

How much do geological engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for geological engineer in the United States is $75,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $77,500.00 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 geologist engineer do?

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 tools like geological mapping, soil testing, and computer modeling, and may require certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Their work environment includes field sites and laboratories, and they typically collaborate with geologists, engineers, and environmental specialists.

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 available in mining, oil and gas, construction, and environmental consulting firms, with a need for strong skills in geology, engineering principles, and data analysis.

What do you do as a geological engineer?

A geological engineer applies principles of geology and engineering to assess earth materials, evaluate geologic hazards, and design solutions for construction, mining, or environmental projects. They often analyze soil and rock properties, use specialized tools like GIS and modeling software, and work in the field and office to ensure safe and sustainable development.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve 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.

What cities are hiring for Geological Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Geological Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Geological Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Geological Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Geological Engineer jobs? The top employers for Geological Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Geological Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Geological Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Geological Engineer jobs? For Geological Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Geological Designer

GFT.

Roseville, CA • Hybrid

$78K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Senior Geologic Designer to join our Geotechnical, Dams and Hydraulics team in Roseville, CA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office.

Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on the most challenging geotechnical assignments. We provide innovative solutions for foundations; underground construction; earth structures, including dams and levees; groundwater resources; and marginal building sites. Our geotechnical engineers and geologists also specialize in landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, seepage, expansive soils, and seismic activity. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and geophysical projects across the U.S. - from small-scale projects to large, complex dams, highways, bridges, and underground structures.

What you'll be challenged to do:The Roseville office primarily supports hydroelectric clients and their related projects. As a Senior Geologic Designer, you will support geologic investigations to characterize and evaluate geologic/geotechnical conditions and to identify geologic factors that could impact the design, construction, and/or long-term performance of engineered structures. Project work performed and supported by this role includes geologic field reconnaissance mapping to identify and characterize geologic hazards, logging and sampling geotechnical borings, developing geologic models through interpretation of available surface/subsurface data, and preparing technical reports. You will assist with a wide variety of projects, including rockfall evaluation and mitigation, storm damage assessment and repair, post-fire assessment and debris flow mitigation, fault hazard evaluation, seismic source characterization, geotechnical and structural instrumentation, and water conveyance inspections (canals, tunnels, penstocks).

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

  • Compiles and synthesizes geologic data from a variety of sources, including geologic maps, aerial photographs, construction records, and other background document information.
  • Performs geologic field reconnaissance and mapping for the identification of geologic hazards and site characterization.
  • Prepares field exploration work plans and job hazard assessments.
  • Participates in subsurface exploration programs, including logging of soil borings, rock coring, fault trenching and test pits.
  • Applies standard practices and techniques, interprets and correlates geologic and laboratory data, prepares geologic cross-sections and maps.
  • Prepares technical reports or sections of reports.
  • Performs construction observation activities including site grading/earthwork, foundation preparation, instrumentation installation, scaling of rock slopes, and rockfall mitigation measure installation.
  • Adheres to project quality assurance/quality control, and health and safety protocols.
  • Performs periodic client coordination and attends project meetings
  • Concurrently supports multiple small projects and/or responsible for tasks within larger projects; management includes tracking of project resources, scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables in accordance with quality management system.
What you will bring to our firm: 
  • BA/BS degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, or related discipline.
  • 1 to 3 years of direct professional work experience in geology, engineering geology, or related discipline.
  • Experience in conducting field investigation activities/tasks independently or as part of a larger technical team.
  • Ability to perform supervised geologic research, prepare tables, figures, and reports with focus on detail and accuracy.
  • Knowledge of geology, engineering geology, or hydrogeology concepts and processes with ability to apply skills to projects within civil and geotechnical engineering disciplines.
  • Strong, professional level oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficient use of standard office software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
 What we prefer you bring: 
  • MS degree or higher in Geology, Engineering Geology, or related discipline.
  • Current Geologist in Training Certification.
  • Experience primarily related to water conveyance/storage, hydropower, and infrastructure projects.
  • Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation equipment including interpretation of results.
  • Experience with field mapping and assessing rock stability (e.g., natural and cut slopes and within tunnels), performing computer-based stereonet/kinematic analysis and rockfall simulations, to support of design of rockfall stabilization and support/rockfall mitigation.
  • Proficient use various professional software tools (Agisoft, Rocscience suite, RockWorks, LeapFrog, OpenGround, LiDAR/photogrammetry software, GIS, etc.).
  • OSHA 40-hr. HAZWOPER Certification.
  • Rope access training or certification, SPRAT Level I.
 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $78,000 - $97,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location: Roseville, CACore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-TimeSalary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

"California Applicants"Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME