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Geophysicist Jobs in Alameda, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185 - $250/hr

The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration ...

SCOPE OF POSITION The Field Engineer / Geologist is responsible for the safe, efficient and accurate operation of geotechnical and geophysical site investigation equipment. Given significant ...

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Showing results 1-20

Geophysicist information

See Alameda, CA salary details

$55K

$108.1K

$163.2K

How much do geophysicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for geophysicist in Alameda, CA is $108,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $126,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geophysicist?

Geophysicists are scientists who study the physical properties and processes of the Earth using principles of physics, mathematics, and geology. They investigate phenomena such as earthquakes, magnetic and gravitational fields, and the Earth's internal structure. Geophysicists often work in the field, laboratories, or offices, and their research is vital for natural resource exploration, environmental protection, and understanding natural hazards. Their work supports industries like oil and gas, mining, environmental consulting, and government research organizations.

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

To thrive as a Geophysicist, you need a solid background in physics, geology, mathematics, and typically a degree in geophysics or a related field. Familiarity with geophysical data analysis tools, seismic interpretation software, and GIS systems is commonly required, as well as certifications such as Professional Geologist (PG) in some regions. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing subsurface conditions, supporting resource exploration, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What are some typical challenges geophysicists face when working on field projects?

Geophysicists often encounter challenges such as adapting to remote or harsh environments, managing complex equipment, and interpreting large volumes of data collected in the field. Weather conditions and logistical constraints can affect project timelines and data quality, requiring flexibility and problem-solving skills. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists—is essential for integrating findings and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Geophysicist vs Geologist?

AspectGeophysicistGeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in geophysics, geology, or related field; often requires specialized training in geophysical methodsBachelor's or master's in geology or earth sciences; focus on mineralogy, petrology, and structural geology
Work EnvironmentField surveys, data analysis, modeling; often in exploration, environmental, or research settingsFieldwork, laboratory analysis, mapping; in mineral, oil, gas, or environmental industries
Industry UsageUsed in oil & gas exploration, environmental consulting, and researchUsed in mineral exploration, environmental assessment, and academic research

While both geophysicists and geologists study Earth's processes, geophysicists focus on physical methods to explore subsurface features, whereas geologists analyze Earth's materials and history. Their roles often overlap in exploration projects, but their approaches and tools differ.

What do you do as a geophysicist?

A geophysicist studies the physical properties of the Earth using techniques such as seismic, magnetic, and gravitational surveys to locate resources or understand geological processes. They analyze data, create models, and often use specialized software and equipment to interpret subsurface conditions, supporting activities like resource exploration and environmental assessment.

What cities near Alameda, CA are hiring for Geophysicist jobs?

Cities near Alameda, CA with the most Geophysicist job openings:

Infographic showing various Geophysicist job openings in Alameda, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,136 per year, or $52 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Department of Geophysics, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$143.50 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Geophysics (https://geophysics.stanford.edu/) in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. We welcome applications from any field of geophysics, broadly defined.

The Department of Geophysics is one of seven departments within the Doerr School of Sustainability (https://sustainability.stanford.edu/school/departments). Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. The Department of Geophysics is unified through a common interest in physical processes and properties and the collection and use of geophysical data. Our interests span Earth’s interior, near-surface, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as planetary science.

The successful candidate will teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advise students, and participate actively in the department and school communities. An overview of our degree programs can be found on our website.

The deadline to submit your application is Monday, October 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications must include:
  • 1. Cover letter
  • 2. Curriculum vitae
  • 3. Contact information for three or more reference letter writers. Also, to ensure that our search process avoids real or perceived conflicts of interest, we require Stanford-affiliated candidates (those who obtained their PhD or completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford) to provide a minimum of four reference letters, with at least three coming from individuals not affiliated with Stanford.
  • 4. Research statement (maximum 2 pages)
  • 5. Teaching statement (maximum 1 page). We encourage applicants to review our degree programs and propose courses that draw upon their research expertise and interests, especially new courses that are complementary to our existing offerings.

The Department of Geophysics, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives.

Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $143,500 - $180,000. Stanford University has provided a base pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

For general questions regarding this position, please contact the Geophysics Department’s Director of Finance and Operations, Ronda Fenton, at dfo-geophysics@stanford.edu.

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