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Geology Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Geologist

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

You'll combine cutting-edge marine geology techniques with practical drilling operations experience to unlock the vast energy potential beneath the ocean floor. This role requires deep technical ...

Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or ...

Managing Geologist (MS/PhD)

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

In this role, you will work as part of a team responsible for providing professional services in the areas of engineering geology, remote sensing, GIS, mapping, and geophysics for a range of projects ...

S. degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or related discipline. * 12+ years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience. * Professional registration as a ...

Senior Principal Geologist

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$126 - $175/hr

S. degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or related discipline. * 12+ years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience. * Professional registration as a ...

S. degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or related discipline. * 12+ years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience. * Professional registration as a ...

S. or higher in Geology, Hydrogeology, or related discipline Minimum 1 or more years post-education environmental consulting experience Experience supporting environmental sampling, drilling ...

S. or higher in Geology, Hydrogeology, or related discipline Minimum 1 or more years post-education environmental consulting experience Experience supporting environmental sampling, drilling ...

Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or closely related discipline. * 5 to 7 years of experience working as a Geologist. * Analytical skills, and proficient with geological research techniques ...

Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or closely related discipline. * 5 to 7 years of experience working as a Geologist. * Analytical skills, and proficient with geological research techniques ...

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Geology information

See Renton, WA salary details

$40.5K

$86.6K

$140K

How much do geology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for geology in Renton, WA is $86,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geologist?

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 can you get in geology?

Geology offers a variety of careers including roles such as geologist, environmental consultant, petroleum geologist, hydrogeologist, and mining analyst. These jobs often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of geological tools and software, with opportunities in industries like energy, environmental protection, and natural resource exploration.

What does a geologist 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geology jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Geology jobs in Renton, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Geology jobs in Renton, WA? For Geology jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Geology jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Geology job openings:
Infographic showing various Geology job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,646 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

$56K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
About the Position: The Army Fellows Program provides an exciting opportunity to embark on a developmental, accelerated career path as an Army Civilian including continued training and educational opportunities, with no military obligation. Fellows may also receive paid training, certifications, and rotational assignments. Apply now to start your Civilian Army career today!
1st Year Salary $56715-$73731
2nd Year Salary $69373-$90190
3rd Year Salary $83935-$109122
4th Year Salary $100602-$130786
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Apply geological sciences to civil works and environmental projects.
  • Solve geologic and hydrogeologic problems at contaminated waste sites, dams, levees and other civil works and navigation projects.
  • Perform foundation investigations and geological evaluation of data.
  • Perform geological field work to study site soil and bedrock.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must sign a mobility agreement if selected.
  • Must sign an Army Fellows Participant Agreement if selected.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • A Personnel Security Investigation is required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Geologist:
A. Degree:
Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.(Note:Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.)
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes conducting investigations for sampling of soils, groundwater, surface water, or sediments; or, performing geological field work to study site soil and bedrock; or, preparing sketches and subsurface geologic cross-sections for environmental reports, plans, and specifications. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: geology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, or cartography.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:
(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achshonor.org/).
NOTE: Grade point averages will be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0, and 2.94 will round to 2.9.
NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your S.A.A. claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society and you must provide evidence of your class standing or honor society membership with your application.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
  • This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Field (CF) position..
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • If selected, official college or university transcripts must be submitted. However, unofficial transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.
  • This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to the target grade of the position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management.
  • Incumbent works under closer supervision and works in a developmental capacity performing assignments and completing training, both of which are aimed in preparing the incumbent to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties outlined in the aforementioned job description. The incumbent receives progressively more responsible assignments as experience and training are received to the next higher level position.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.