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Geophysics Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will start on an internship basis, but we welcome you to dive right in--as any valued team member would--and immerse yourself in the world of geophysics. We provide a dynamic, fast-paced and ...

The SUE Graduate Trainee Technician will work closely, in an entry-level, probationary capacity ... geophysical prospecting for underground utilities. The SUE Technician will also support overall SUE ...

The SUE Graduate Trainee Technician will work closely, in an entry-level, probationary capacity ... geophysical prospecting for underground utilities. The SUE Technician will also support overall SUE ...

The Graduate Geologist Program at Northern Star Resources, Pogo Mine Operation is designed to be a ... Develop basic geological map skills, work with geophysical and GIS data * Build and maintain ...

Students completing the last year of their Master's or Doctorate Thesis program or with less than 2 years post-graduate degree experience in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, or related ...

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Geophysics Graduate information

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$48.5K

$95.4K

$144K

How much do geophysics graduate jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for geophysics graduate in the United States is $95,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geophysics Graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geophysics Graduate, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, earth sciences, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with geophysical data analysis software (such as MATLAB, GIS, or seismic interpretation tools) and sometimes GPR or remote sensing equipment is typical. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills enable accurate scientific analysis, effective problem-solving, and successful collaboration on complex geoscientific projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Geophysics Graduates in their first professional role?

Geophysics Graduates often encounter the challenge of adapting theoretical knowledge to practical fieldwork, which can involve using complex instruments and interpreting large datasets in real-world environments. Working in multidisciplinary teams with geologists, engineers, and data scientists requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, field assignments may involve travel or remote locations, demanding flexibility and adaptability. Over time, these experiences help graduates develop a well-rounded skill set and open up opportunities for advancement into specialized or leadership roles.

What are Geophysics Graduates?

Geophysics graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in geophysics, the scientific study of the Earth using physical methods. They learn about the Earth's structure, composition, and processes by applying principles of physics, mathematics, and geology. Geophysics graduates often work in fields like natural resource exploration, environmental consulting, research, and engineering. Their skills are valuable for understanding earthquakes, mapping underground resources, and monitoring environmental changes. These graduates typically possess strong analytical, computational, and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Geophysics Graduate vs Geoscientist?

AspectGeophysics GraduateGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in geophysics or related fieldBachelor's or higher in geology, geophysics, or earth sciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, research labsField surveys, laboratory work, data interpretation
Industry UsageEntry-level roles in exploration, environmental consultingExploration, resource management, environmental assessment

While both roles involve earth sciences and data analysis, a Geophysics Graduate typically focuses on geophysical methods and data collection, often in exploration or environmental projects. A Geoscientist has a broader scope, including geology and earth processes, and may work in diverse settings like resource exploration or environmental consulting. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in specialization and job focus.

More about Geophysics Graduate jobs
What cities are hiring for Geophysics Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Geophysics Graduate job openings:
What states have the most Geophysics Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Geophysics Graduate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Geophysics Graduate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% As Needed, 11% Full Time, 31% Contract, 4% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $95,411 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Intern, Technical Graduate Year-Round - Geophysics, Hybrid

Intern, Technical Graduate Year-Round - Geophysics, Hybrid

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

What Your Job Will Be Like
The Geophysics Department is seeking a dedicated and hardworking Geophysicist, Seismologist, or Acoustic Seismologist graduate intern with interest and experience in seismic field campaign proposals, planning, design, execution and analysis and computational modeling. The selected candidate will be supporting a wide variety of national security projects. Examples include border security/surveillance, ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring and treaty verification, waste disposal monitoring, and site characterization. We seek individuals with experience in geophysical methods.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Support high impact geophysical field experiments and campaigns
  • Work in teams to carry out field campaigns and establish new and creative techniques and methodologies for solving complex problems.
  • Effectively present information to internal and external sponsors.
  • Produce high-quality results, which can include limited-distribution deliverables, publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, conference presentations, reports, etc., depending on sponsor requirements

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here .
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
  • Earned bachelor's degree
  • Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
  • U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.

Qualifications We Desire
  • B.S. in earth sciences, engineering, mathematics, physics or a related area.
  • Enrolled in a M.S. or Ph.D. program in geophysics or other earth sciences, physics or a related area.
  • Basic PC computer skills, e.g. Word, Excel, etc; basic computer administration skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational, written, oral, and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and results at multiple levels;
  • Demonstrated research experience in geophysics or seismology
  • Demonstrated experience in data processing methods
  • Knowledge of various seismic and infrasound data formats and respective analysis methodologies;

Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Geophysics department performs research and development in support of Sandia's mission as a national security laboratory. This support includes climate and energy systems, nuclear explosion monitoring and nonproliferation, global and national security, and nuclear weapons. The department has a broad range of expertise in field deployments, computational modeling, seismic and electromagnetic subsurface characterization, atmospheric and infrasound modeling, sensor and system-level calibration and testing, and the processing, analysis, and interpretation of geophysical data. The department serves as a leading resource for geophysics expertise, and our technical work spans the spectrum from theoretical to applied.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.