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Geology Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Geologist

Indianapolis, IN

$67K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Geology with an emphasis on Hydrogeology or Engineering Geology, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related area and Six (6) years of work experience in geology ...

State of Indiana

Geologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$67K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Geology with an emphasis on Hydrogeology or Engineering Geology, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related area and Six (6) years of work experience in geology ...

Sesco Group

Field Geologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology, or related field. * Experience with environmental field work (internships, co-ops, or 1-3 years full-time experience preferred)

Stantec

Project Geologist/Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

At least eight years of experience in the environmental consulting field with an educational background that includes a bachelor's degree or higher in geology, environmental science, engineering or ...

Stantec

Project Geologist/Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

At least eight years of experience in the environmental consulting field with an educational background that includes a bachelor's degree or higher in geology, environmental science, engineering or ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGeology JobsGeology Jobs in Indiana

Geology information

See Indiana salary details

$34.3K

$73.3K

$118.5K

How much do geology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for geology in Indiana is $73,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying geology job?

The highest paying geology jobs are often in executive roles such as Chief Geologist or Geoscience Director, or in specialized consulting positions for energy and mineral companies. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually.

What jobs fall under geology?

Jobs in geology include roles such as geologist, hydrogeologist, environmental consultant, petroleum geologist, and mining geologist. These positions often require skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of geological tools and software, with many roles involving field investigations and reporting.

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 background in earth sciences, geological mapping, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and laboratory analysis techniques is commonly required, along with certifications like Professional Geologist (PG) in some regions. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help geologists excel in both fieldwork and reporting findings. These skills are crucial for accurately interpreting geological data, ensuring safety, and supporting resource management or environmental projects.

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

In the field of geology, high-paying roles such as senior geoscientists, exploration managers, or executives in energy and mineral companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, industry connections, and sometimes work in remote or challenging environments.

What do geologists do?

Geologists study the Earth, including its materials, processes, physical structure, and history. They analyze rocks, minerals, and fossils to understand how the planet has changed over time and to predict future geological events. Geologists often work in the field collecting samples, in laboratories conducting tests, and sometimes consult on construction projects, environmental issues, or resource exploration. Their work is vital in identifying natural resources, assessing natural hazards, and helping protect the environment.

What are some common challenges a geologist faces when working in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Geologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote sites while conducting fieldwork. To address these issues, they must prepare thoroughly by reviewing site conditions, bringing appropriate gear, and coordinating closely with team members for safety. Additionally, adapting data collection methods and maintaining flexibility in scheduling can help manage unforeseen obstacles. Communication with colleagues and clear planning are essential for overcoming these common challenges.

Where Do Geologists Work?

Geologists can work in a wide range of settings in a variety of industries. Almost all geology careers require a mixture of field work, office work, and lab sessions. As a geologist, you may work at a university or other research institution to study changes in rock formations or soil content. If you choose a corporate career path, you can work in the energy industry, construction, or mining. Government and environmental organizations often hire staff geologists to study the environmental effects of different projects. You may also work in a very specialized field, such as mud logging, which involves assessing the content of boreholes.

What is the difference between Geology vs Geophysics?

AspectGeologyGeophysics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geology, often with certificationsBachelor's or higher in Geophysics or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, labs, offices, often outdoorsFieldwork, labs, offices, often outdoors
Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, oil & gas, academiaOil & gas, mineral exploration, environmental studies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding earth materials, landforms, resourcesStudying Earth's physical properties, subsurface structures

Both Geology and Geophysics involve studying Earth's processes, but Geology focuses on rocks, minerals, and landforms, while Geophysics emphasizes Earth's physical properties using physics-based methods. They share similar work environments and credentials, but their applications differ based on industry needs.

More about Geology jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Geology jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Geology jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Geology jobs in Indiana? For Geology jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geology jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Geology jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Geology jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Geology job openings:
Geology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geology job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,299 per year, or $35.2 per hour.
Geologist

Geologist

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN

$67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation: 
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:
The Geotechnical Engineering Geologist is required to assist the geotechnical engineers with Indiana' s geologic interpretations, maintain the state-wide geologic hazard management program, serve as technical expert for geotechnical instrumentation and supervises SPT & CPT drilling operations, including schedules for the crews and assuring that projects are done correctly and in a timely manner. Employee also inspects geotechnical consultants’ laboratories to comply with INDOT, AASHTO/ASTM procedures. Individual directly reports to the Director of Geotechnical Services Division.

Location:
This position is with INDOT’s Materials & Test department.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

  • Provide geological consultation utilizing technical expertise regarding engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geology. 
  • Understand, interpret, and employ applicable State and Federal regulatory rules, guidance, and policies related to geological investigations and contaminant remediation. 
  • Lead or assist field teams during site investigations.  
  • Offer solutions to issues/complaints using data analysis and test data. 
  • Facilitate the creation and editing of staff reports and correspondence to ensure consistency in application of laws and regulations. 
  • Educate staff regarding implementation of geological policies and programs.  
  • Review and evaluate technical guidance documents, reports, journals, and related articles. 
  • Create internal schedules and work scopes, milestones, deliverables, and end products. 
  • Maintain organized site files and program databases. 
  • Assist in geological enforcement actions. 
  • Participate in pre-hearing conferences, provide testimony as expert witness in pre-trial depositions and hearings, and testify in administrative or court hearings. 
  • Propose revisions to existing regulations and identify new needs in agency or program operations and develop long-term strategies to deal with these new needs. 
  • Manage resources for strategy implementation. 
  • Report findings and make recommendations of building structures (including dams, bridges, highways etc.) material aggregates and soils for construction.  

These additional duties may be performed if this position is at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 

  • Oil & Gas exploration: Process and evaluate applications, and issue permits for all oil- and gas-related wells and county test holes. Review all processing, exploration, and applications of mine, oil wells, dams, and other related water resource structure plans to determine and ensure that the plans are accurate and meet legal and technical requirements. 
  • Water: Perform complex data analysis and interpretation to determine location and extent of underground sources of drinking water.

These additional duties may be performed if this position is at the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 

  • Administer INDOT’s ledge and pit sampling program. Conduct and analyze the sampling tests and publish results to ensure compliance with specifications and compatibility with the uses recommended. 
  • Serve as technical expert for geotechnical instrumentation and supervise SPT & CPT drilling operations ensuring that projects are done correctly and in a timely manner. 

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Must be registered as a Licensed Professional Geologist in Indiana.
  • Broad knowledge of the principles, practices, theories, and methodologies applied to geologic/hydrogeologic science and related fields. 
  • Thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply all applicable federal and state laws, environmental regulations, acts, and guidelines. 
  • Broad knowledge of applied statistics, environmental design, geologic sampling, and interpretation of geologic analysis. 
  • Thorough knowledge of remedial and corrective action as it relates to various program areas. 
  • Ability to conduct intensive research for geologic and hydrogeological advancement of the program area. 
  • Ability to determine resolutions and new approaches to various geotechnical problems. 
  • Specialized knowledge of well hydraulics, ground water modeling, drinking water management, waste and wastewater management, and related regulations.

Bachelor’s degree in Geology with an emphasis on Hydrogeology or Engineering Geology, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related area and Six (6) years of work experience in geology, hydrogeology, environmental management, or related fields. 

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR): 

  • Working knowledge of history and practices of the oil and gas industry, the construction of oil and gas related wells, underground injection, petroleum resource management, oil and gas related remediation, and the principles of GIS and surveying for site location. 

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 

  • Knowledge of American Association of State Highway Transportation (AASHTO), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), Indiana Test Methods, and INDOT specifications. 
  • Advanced knowledge of, and ability to operate, geologic field instruments and construction testing equipment such as LWD, DCPT, etc. 
  • Advanced knowledge of survey and mapping techniques. 
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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