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Geophysics Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$89.24/hr

OR - Master's in geology, geophysics, earth sciences, meteorology, oceanography or paleontology OR ... must be 12 graduate level semester units. See Applying Through Equivalency for forms and ...

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Lodi, CA · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

May supervise field staff including graduate/field engineers, engineering technicians, exploration ... From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration ...

From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration ... Supervise graduate, field and project engineering staff. * Work under the supervision of a Terracon ...

From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration ... Supervise graduate, field and project engineering staff. * Work under the supervision of a Terracon ...

Showing results 21-40

Geophysics Graduate information

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.

What is a geophysics graduate?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geophysics graduate?

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 cities in California are hiring for Geophysics Graduate jobs? Cities in California with the most Geophysics Graduate job openings:
Infographic showing various Geophysics Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$50K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Todd Butler at todd.butler@usda.gov.Qualifications:

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement:
GS-1315 Series:

Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- coursework as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement listed above, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-07 level:
Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:

  • Gathered, consolidated, and prepared data for charts, lists of study findings, and statistical tables;
  • Operated technical equipment or instruments to take readings and perform routine testing tasks, under the direction of a supervisor;
  • Assisted in the preparation of technical reports, including assisting in the analysis of data and test findings; and/or
  • Assisted in analysis of environmental effects of earth disturbing or other human activities on hydrologic resources.
OR
Applicants must have one full year of graduate level education (coursework directly related to position being filled);
OR
An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience;
OR
Superior Academic Achievement (click the link to determine if you are eligible: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/
For the GS-09 level: Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Assisted senior hydrologists by carrying out routine projects;
  • Assisted in implementing well-established hydrology programs or projects;
  • Helped in assessing the water resource capability/suitability and identifying goals and concerns for water resource management;
  • Conducted water resource inventories and prepared the resulting data for application into the land management planning process; and/or
  • Assisted in water resource inventories following established procedures to assemble databases required to support management programs and planning.
OR
A Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related;
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.Employment Type: OTHER