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Geologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Geologist 3 under the direction of an Engineering Geology Manager for the Geotechnical Engineering Group in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, PA, Canton, OH ...

Geologist LCAT: Mid Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the ...

Geologist LCAT: Mid Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the ...

Geologist LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the ...

Geologist LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the ...

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Geologist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for the federal ...

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Geologist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for the federal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Geologist information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$76.4K

$123.4K

How much do geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for geologist in Virginia is $76,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of jobs do geologists do?

Geologists study the Earth's materials, processes, and history to understand natural resources, environmental issues, and geological hazards. They work in fields such as mineral and oil exploration, environmental consulting, natural hazard assessment, and academic research, often using tools like geological maps, core samples, and GIS software. Many geologists work outdoors in the field and may require certifications or licenses depending on their specialization.

What are some typical challenges a Geologist might face when working on field assignments?

Geologists frequently encounter challenges in the field such as working in remote or harsh environments, unpredictable weather conditions, and complex terrain that can impact data collection. They must also ensure accurate sampling and documentation while adhering to safety protocols. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and adapting to project changes are essential for overcoming these obstacles and delivering reliable geological insights.

What does a geologist do?

A geologist studies the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes to understand its history and predict future changes. They analyze rocks, minerals, and fossils to learn about natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of natural resources. Geologists may work in the field collecting samples, in labs conducting tests, or in offices interpreting data and creating reports. Their expertise is crucial for industries such as environmental consulting, oil and gas, mining, and government research.

What Do Geologists Do?

Geologists study physical earth materials and processes, including rocks, gases, minerals, sediment, and fossil fuels. Environmental geologists survey natural resources and advise mining, engineering, and petroleum sectors on how to find and safely extract earth materials and remediate human impact on groundwater supply and waste management. Geologists in research investigate patterns in earth phenomena hazardous to populations and ecosystems. Geologists conduct field studies for agencies like the USGS, model solutions for geological firms, and supervise environmental safety for city planning, conservation, and sustainability. They may specialize in fields like oceanography, seismology, and volcanology.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the United States, high-paying roles for geologists typically include senior or executive positions such as exploration managers, chief geologists, or consulting firm partners, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills. These roles may involve leadership, project management, and expertise in mineral, oil, or gas exploration, with compensation reaching or exceeding $500,000 annually in some cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geologist, you need a solid understanding of earth sciences, fieldwork methodologies, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, geophysical instruments, and geological modeling tools is often required, along with certifications such as the Professional Geologist (PG) license in some regions. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing geological formations, ensuring safety, and providing valuable insights for resource management and environmental protection.

Is it hard being a geologist?

Being a geologist can be challenging due to the need for strong analytical skills, fieldwork in remote or difficult environments, and understanding complex scientific data. It often requires a bachelor's degree or higher, physical stamina, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. The job can involve irregular hours and travel, but it also offers opportunities for discovery and working outdoors.

What is the difference between Geologist vs Hydrogeologist?

AspectGeologistHydrogeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geology, often with certifications in geological surveyingBachelor's or higher in Hydrogeology, Geology, or Environmental Science, with specialized training in groundwater
Work EnvironmentField sites, laboratories, offices; studying rocks, soil, and landformsField sites, laboratories, offices; focusing on groundwater and aquifer systems
Industry UsageMining, oil & gas, environmental consulting, academiaWater resource management, environmental consulting, government agencies

Geologists and hydrogeologists share foundational geology knowledge, but geologists focus broadly on Earth's materials and processes, while hydrogeologists specialize in groundwater systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different industry needs.

What is the work of a geologist?

A geologist studies the Earth's materials, processes, and history to understand its structure and composition. They analyze rocks, minerals, and soil samples, often using tools like microscopes and geological mapping techniques, and may work in the field or laboratory to assess natural resources or environmental conditions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Geologist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Geologist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Geologist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Geologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Geologist jobs in VA? For Geologist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Geologist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,370 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Design Engineering Geologist

Quanta Services

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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.


Design Engineering Geologist within QISG is involved in a variety of geo-structural engineering projects with a focus on foundation engineering and geological risk evaluation with 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 Design Geologist plays a crucial role in providing geo-structural design solutions on projects; responsibilities include geologic data collection and interpretation supporting design production, and geologic support during construction.

This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing both pre-construction geotechnical investigations, geologic hazard assessments, and construction-phase monitoring services. A successful candidate is able to utilize geologic judgment, field observations, and digital technologies such as LiDAR and GIS to assess and quantify geologic conditions. Periodic fieldwork is also expected, related to activities such as geological characterization of materials in the field, and quality control and assurance of construction projects. The Design Geologist will perform under the direct oversight of a Professional Engineering Geologist and/or Geotechnical Engineer, to solve complex problems. The position involves use of sound geotechnical and geologic judgement, field data collected by themselves or others, and digital technologies to develop economical solutions to support civil construction and communicate effectively with project management, technical, and construction personnel.


  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data in support of geotechnical studies, foundation engineering designs, and site investigations as required by a project.
  • Perform desktop-based geologic research, organizing, data analyses, interpreting and concisely presenting research data collected from a variety of public and private sources.
  • Manage and operate geotechnical and geophysical instruments, track test results, process and interpret data, and troubleshoot when issues arise.
  • Interface closely with project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, and civil engineering, GIS, and construction management team members.
  • Provide information on geologic conditions, hazard assessments and apply geologic engineering principles to solve complex problems
  • Participate in 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 level Geotechnical Engineer or Geologist in a professional office setting.
  • Perform occasional site visits to project sites located throughout North America.
  • Participation in sector focused professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events. 
  • Performs special projects and completes other job-related duties as assigned

  • Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Geologic Science.
  • Academic qualification for geologic licensure, via completion of the
  • Fundamentals in Geology (FE), or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) certifications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, working with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Completion of a 4-6 week capstone field camp as part of the academic curriculum
  • Master’s degree or upper division coursework in geotechnical engineering preffered or engineering geology, or experience in the geotechnical field.
  • Familiarity with use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and associatedsoftware for collection and analysis of large geological and geotechnical data sets.
  • Experience supporting construction-phase services preferred, such as qualitycontrol/assurance testing and contractor interface in an active construction environment.

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

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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