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Geology Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Geology Lab Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$20

$30

How much do geology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for geology lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Geology Lab Assistant vs Geoscience Technician?

AspectGeology Lab AssistantGeoscience Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, some certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in geology or earth sciences, certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, field sites, educational institutionsFieldwork, laboratories, environmental agencies, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research labs, environmental firmsMining, oil & gas, environmental consulting, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support geological research and fieldwork, Geology Lab Assistants typically work in educational or research labs with less emphasis on technical analysis, whereas Geoscience Technicians often perform more technical field and lab tasks, requiring higher education and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

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

To thrive as a Geology Lab Assistant, you need a solid background in geology or earth sciences, often with coursework or a degree in the field. Familiarity with laboratory tools, sample analysis equipment, and data management systems like GIS is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in supporting research and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining safety standards, and contributing to successful laboratory operations.

What is a geology lab assistant?

Geology Lab Assistants are professionals who support geologists and researchers by preparing and organizing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and assisting with experiments and data collection. They may also help analyze rock, mineral, and soil samples, record results, and ensure laboratory safety protocols are followed. These assistants play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of geological research projects and educational labs.

What are some typical challenges a geology lab assistant might face in their daily work?

As a Geology Lab Assistant, you may encounter challenges such as managing multiple sample analyses simultaneously, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of test results, and maintaining laboratory equipment. It's common to work under tight deadlines, especially when supporting research projects or academic coursework. Effective communication with geologists, professors, and fellow assistants is essential to coordinate tasks and troubleshoot any issues that arise during testing or sample preparation.
What job categories do people searching Geology Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Geology Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Geology Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Consultant, Engineering/Geology/Science

The ERM International Group Limited

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$74K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Lead the Future of Environmental Solutions with ERM
Are you ready to make a measurable impact on sustainability and environmental stewardship? At ERM, we don't just manage projects-we shape the future of how industries interact with the environment. Join our growing team in Rolling Meadows, IL as a Consultant, Engineering/Geology/Science, and play a strategic role in delivering innovative solutions that protect ecosystems, ensure compliance, and drive client success across diverse landscapes in the Western U.S.
Why This Role Matters
This position is more than fieldwork-it's about influencing environmental outcomes that matter. You'll collaborate with ERM's global network of technical experts, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges. Your work will directly contribute to cleaner water, safer soil, and sustainable development, while building the expertise to advance your professional credentials.
What Your Impact Is
  • Support critical remediation and investigation projects that safeguard communities and ecosystems.
  • Deliver compliance solutions that help clients meet regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
  • Contribute to ERM's reputation for excellence by ensuring quality, safety, and innovation in every project.

What You'll Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in environmental consulting or related field.
  • Strong commitment to safety and adherence to Health & Safety protocols.
  • Effective communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with flexibility to travel and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
  • Willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote locations and varying weather conditions.
  • This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred
  • Experience performing Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments (ASTM standards).
  • Groundwater gauging and sampling expertise.
  • MSHA safety training.
  • 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct field investigations: soil, water, air, and dust sampling; remedial pilot tests; construction support; and system O&M.
  • Perform biological and ecological assessments, including wetland delineation and species monitoring.
  • Coordinate field activities: surveying, lab services, equipment calibration and maintenance.
  • Compile and analyze environmental data; assist in technical report preparation.
  • Support development of compliance plans, permits, and reports for air quality, hazardous waste, stormwater, and wastewater.
  • Execute Phase I & II site assessments for property transactions.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance across federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Communicate effectively with subcontractors, regulatory agencies, and clients during field activities.
  • Deliver projects within scope, budget, and schedule expectations.

For the Consultant, Engineering/Geology/Science position, the anticipated annual base pay is $74,250-$103,128 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.
Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
#LI-Hybrid

ERM logo

About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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