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Geology Forensics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Socotec

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Austin, TX

... geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, soil and materials testing, special inspection, soil and ... Manage geotechnical, forensic, and construction projects * Interact directly with clients and ...

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How much do geology forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for geology forensics in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Geology Forensics specialist, you need a strong background in geology, chemistry, and forensic science, generally supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and GIS software, along with certifications in forensics or laboratory techniques, is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help in analyzing evidence and presenting findings clearly in legal contexts. These skills are crucial for accurately interpreting geological evidence and supporting investigations in criminal or civil cases.

How does a Geology Forensics professional typically collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams during an investigation?

Geology Forensics professionals play a crucial role in investigations by collecting, analyzing, and presenting geological evidence, such as soil or mineral samples, to help answer critical questions in legal cases. They often work closely with law enforcement officers to guide evidence collection at crime scenes and ensure proper handling of geological materials. Additionally, they frequently consult with attorneys to explain the significance of their findings and may be called upon to testify as expert witnesses in court. This collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical data into understandable information for non-scientists.

What is geology forensics?

Geology forensics is a specialized field that applies geological principles and techniques to assist in criminal investigations and legal cases. Forensic geologists analyze soil, minerals, rocks, and other earth materials to provide evidence about the location, movement, or activities related to a crime. Their work can help link suspects or objects to specific places and provide critical information in environmental and civil cases. They often collaborate with law enforcement, lawyers, and other forensic experts to interpret geological evidence.

What is the difference between Geology Forensics vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeology ForensicsGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geology, Geoscience, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, laboratories, field investigationsConstruction sites, laboratories, project planning
Industry UsageLegal cases, environmental disputes, forensic investigationsConstruction, infrastructure projects, foundation design
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Geology Forensics focuses on investigating geological evidence in legal and forensic contexts, often at crime scenes or environmental disputes. In contrast, Geotechnical Engineers apply geological principles to design foundations and ensure the stability of structures. While both roles require geology knowledge, their work environments and applications differ significantly.

More about Geology Forensics jobs
What cities are hiring for Geology Forensics jobs? Cities with the most Geology Forensics job openings:
What states have the most Geology Forensics jobs? States with the most job openings for Geology Forensics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Geology Forensics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Geology Forensics jobs are:
Geology Forensics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geology Forensics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.
Digital Forensic Examiner

Digital Forensic Examiner

Department of Justice

Dallas, TX

$52.73K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in a career with the FBI as a Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)? At the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Digital Forensic Examiners apply their technical skills and experience to preserve and analyze digital evidence related to FBI investigations. As key members of the Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART), Digital Forensic Examiners work with advanced technologies, forensic concepts, software, and tools to solve the Bureau's most challenging cases.Qualifications:GS-9: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
  • Planned and completed assignments while adhering to established instructions, policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Established and maintained working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to exchange information, assisting in research while providing recommendations to methods and techniques to evaluate data, digital evidence, a variety of technologies and/or analytical support.
  • Utilized computer related hardware and software to preserve, extract and analyze data and/or digital evidence.
GS-11: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
  • Conducted routine examinations of data and/or digital evidence, using established policies, procedures and precedent techniques.
  • Utilized computer related hardware and software to identify, collect, examine, preserve, and duplicate data and/or digital evidence.
  • Communicated orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, of information and findings obtained during investigations.
  • Provided guidance to a variety of internal and external stakeholders in the examination and retrieval of data and/or digital evidence, ensuring proper established practices and protocols are followed.
Education:BASIC REQUIREMENT
All personnel must have at least 24 college level semester hours from an accredited college or university in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Information Science
  • Information Systems Management
  • Mathematics
  • Operations Research
  • Statistics
  • Technology Management
  • Information Systems Analysis
  • Computer/Digital/Electronic Forensics
  • Science/Technology (other than physical sciences)
    • Acceptable:
      • Physics/Astrophysics
      • Chemistry/Organic Chemistry
    • Unacceptable:
      • Astronomy
      • Geology
      • Biology
  • Management Information Systems
  • Information Technology Systems
  • Data Structure and Design
AND
  • A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
OR
Technical Experience:
Four (4) years of full-time experience working as either a technician or forensic examiner (consistent with FBI digital evidence program definitions) within a digital evidence facility that supports criminal investigations and has an external accreditation or internal quality assurance framework.
Hybrid:
Consideration for admission under the Hybrid path is a combination of education and work experience equal or greater than four (4) years. The Digital Evidence Staffing Education & Development Unit (DESED) will combine the full-time work experience, time given for Work Time Experience (WTE) based on certificates/certifications, and time given for academic credit hours to calculate the required four (4) years:
  • Full-time experience working as either a technician or forensic examiner (consistent with FBI digital evidence program definitions) within a digital evidence facility that supports criminal investigations, and has an external accreditation or internal quality assurance framework.
  • Technical and computer forensic industry accepted professional certificates/certifications will be reviewed and assign equivalent WTE based on difficulty of the certificate/certification received, DESED will document and maintain a list of accepted and denied certificates/certifications and their assigned WTE.
  • Two (2) weeks per credit hours will be given for any course over 200 level or equivalent in the following disciplines:
    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Information Science
    • Information Systems Management
    • Mathematics
    • Operations Research
    • Statistics
    • Technology Management
    • Information Systems Analysis
    • Computer/Digital/Electronic Forensics
    • Science/Technology (other than physical sciences)
    • Management Information Systems
    • Information Technology Systems
    • Data Structure and Design
Personnel who hold a current FBI Digital Forensic Examiner certification, are up to date with all requirements for a current FBI Digital Forensic Examiner, and have been continuously certified as an FBI Digital Forensic Examiner for more than one (1) year.
All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:
GS-9: Applicant must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
GS-11: Applicant must have a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements provided you can show foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.
Employment Type: OTHER

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