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Geologist Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis is seeking a Geologist to join our Resilience Environment team in Knoxville, TN. Role description: As a member of our Resilience Environmental team, you'll play a key role in improving the ...

Arcadis is seeking a Geologist to join our Resilience Environment team in Knoxville, TN. Role description: As a member of our Resilience Environmental team, you'll play a key role in improving the ...

Adjunct Faculty-Geology Employee Classification: Adjunct Faculty Institution: Roane State Community College Department: Math Science Campus Location: Roane State Community College (Harriman and Oak ...

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Geologist information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$31.2K

$66.8K

$108K

How much do geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for geologist in Oak Ridge, TN is $66,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $80,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Geologist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Geologist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Geologist jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Geologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Geologist job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,831 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Arcadis is seeking a Geologist to join our Resilience Environment team in Knoxville, TN. 

Role description:

As a member of our Resilience Environmental team, you'll play a key role in improving the quality of life. Drawing on your background in environmental science and geology, and your technical or sustainable expertise, you'll contribute to projects focused on soil, water, and air quality, as well as monitoring and remediation efforts. You'll also have the opportunity to work on pollution mitigation and control, materials management, and the protection of species and ecosystems. All in some of the world's most dynamic locations.

We work to protect our natural environment and water resources, while powering our world for future generations. Around the world, we're feeling the effects of climate change, rapid urbanization, and loss of biodiversity. The rate at which we're seeing large-scale, unforeseen events such as floods and wildfires, is becoming more frequent. We are here to protect our natural environment and water resources, while powering our world for future generations. We are committed to sharing expertise and institutional knowledge across diverse practice areas with our junior staff, fostering their development into the next generation of environmental leaders. We advance our understanding of emerging contaminants and are engaged in some of the most challenging projects in our industry.

Role accountabilities:

As part of this role, you will be responsible for assisting Project Managers (PMs) and Task Managers (TMs) in planning and executing environmental site characterization, investigation, and remediation tasks.

Fieldwork will be a central part of this position, providing you the opportunity to work outdoors while receiving training in the collection and documentation of soil, air/vapor, groundwater, and surface water samples. You will oversee subcontractors, including drilling operations and the installation of groundwater wells. Additional responsibilities include remedial system operation and maintenance checks and repairs, facility inspections, soil gas (vapor intrusion) surveys, among other tasks. A strong focus on health and safety is essential when performing fieldwork.   

  • Field preparation, equipment procurement, and analytical laboratory sampling coordination. 
  • Field activities may include conducting site visits, site characterization activities included, but not limited to, performing drilling oversight for soil sampling and/or groundwater well installation, groundwater sampling, and/or excavation oversight. Field activities may include oversight of remedial system installation activities.
  • Provide emergency response support (environmental sample planning and collection, rail client and state/federal regulator correspondence, onsite contractor oversight) for train derailments/HAZMAT spills, with the potential to travel throughout the US.
  • Writing and preparing technical reports, work plans, letters, and memoranda.
  • Office work will include task coordination, data analysis, proposal development and costing, health & safety plan preparation, report writing, regulatory and historical file review, project strategy development, schedule and budget management.
  • You will assist project managers with preparing subcontracts and overseeing their work.
  • Up to 50% travel is required across TN to visit client sites.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

  • Bachelor of Science in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, or closely related field (i.e., environmental science, physical science) 
  • 2 years of relevant work experience highlighted in your resume

Preferred:

  • Master of Science degree in Geology or closely related field 
  • Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training
  • Experience supervising environmental drilling

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part-time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $58,320 - $87,480. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

#LI-HYBRID 
#Resilience-ANA
#Environment-ANA 
#LI-AO1
 


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US