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Geologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsGeologist JobsGeologist Jobs in Reston, VA

Geologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$80.1K

$129.5K

How much do geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for geologist in Reston, VA is $80,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $96,800.00 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.
More about Geologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Geologist jobs in Reston, VA? For Geologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geologist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Geologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Geologist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Geologist job openings:
Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geologist job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,139 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Geologist - Mid

Nalley Consulting

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position: 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 past seven years will be prioritized.
Required experience: At least 5 years
Required education: Bachelor's degree in Geoscience, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, and 5+ years of experience
Description
Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Geologist to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for functional characterization of WMD facilities and their associated design.
Join us as a Geologist and become a key player in characterizing large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in reverse engineering structural processes, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The successful candidate will:
    • Characterize the structure of WMD facilities, some of which are clandestine
    • Conduct reverse engineering
    • Design and calculate precise load calculations, system sizing, and performance predictions
    • Create and refine detailed technical drawings and schematics
    • Spearhead projects from vision to reality, delivering on time and within budget
    • Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors
    • Present compelling project reports and updates to stakeholders
    • Dive deep into geologic science analysis to uncover fault exploitation opportunities
    • Advance reverse engineering capabilities
    • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and continuous learning environment
    • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Geology or similar
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives
  • Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results
  • Practical experience in geology
  • Research and Development of new tools and methodologies to understand and reverse engineer processes and support systems at remote WMD-related facilities
Other desired skills:
  • Demonstrated ability writing ICD 203 and ICD 206-compliant finished intelligence production
  • 7 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems
  • Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities
  • Experience conducting analyses of hard and deeply buried underground facilities and the surrounding geology under applied loads, environmental conditions, and weapons effects.
  • Experience examining seismic, electrical, or electromagnetics data to characterize underground facilities and hard and deeply buried targets.

 

ABOUT NALLEY CONSULTING

Nalley Consulting is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business working with prime partners to staff Department of Defense and Intelligence Community positions. Created by a U.S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in several states.

Nalley Consulting fringe benefits include:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • PTO
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid military-reserve leave
  • Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
  • 401k matching up to 5 percent of the base salary
  • Flex time
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

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