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Geology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsGeology JobsGeology Jobs in Reston, VA

Geology information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$80.1K

$129.5K

How much do geology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for geology 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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Geology jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Geology jobs in Reston, VA? For Geology jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geology jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Geology jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Geology jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Geology job openings:
Geology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geology job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% 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

Posted 6 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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