Geophysics Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
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Job Description
AECOM's growing Water business is seeking a motivated Geologist/Geophysicist/Geoscientist to join our Geotechnical and Geophysics Group in Germantown, Maryland.
This position offers a unique combination of field investigation, technical analysis, and office-based project work. Team members participate in projects from field data collection through data processing, interpretation, mapping, and development of technical deliverables. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop experience across multiple geophysical and geoscience disciplines while working alongside experienced geologists, geophysicists, engineers, surveyors, and GIS professionals.
The position is based in our Germantown, Maryland office and includes a combination of office and field assignments. While this is primarily an in-person position, hybrid work opportunities may be available following completion of the initial training period and once the employee has demonstrated the ability to work effectively and independently. Depending on project needs, up to approximately 50% travel may be required for field investigations, although the balance between field and office work will vary throughout the year. Field assignments may range from local day trips to occasional multi-week assignments throughout the United States and abroad.
Prior geophysics experience is beneficial but is not required. We place a high value on technical aptitude, curiosity, initiative, dependability, and a willingness to learn. The successful candidate should enjoy both solving technical problems in the office and being actively involved in collecting high-quality data in the field.
Our team supports a broad range of engineering and infrastructure projects involving renewable energy, pumped-storage facilities, tunnels, defense facilities, dams, data centers, bridges, roadways, and other complex infrastructure. This position provides exposure to projects ranging from initial site characterization through engineering design and construction.
This position is expected to begin in September 2026.
The job responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to:

• Supporting geophysical investigations from field data acquisition through processing, interpretation, mapping, and reporting.
• Supporting terrestrial, marine, and borehole investigations using methods including seismic refraction/reflection, MASW, ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetics, magnetics, electrical resistivity imaging, utility mapping, borehole geophysical logging, downhole/cross hole seismic, bathymetric surveying, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and marine magnetics and seismic.
• Performing technical office work including geophysical data processing and interpretation, GIS analysis and mapping, CAD development, data management, quality control, technical documentation, and report preparation.
• Performing field investigations, including setup and operation of specialized geophysical and survey instrumentation, deployment of sensors and cables, operation of seismic sources, field data quality control, troubleshooting, and equipment mobilization.
• Supporting geodetic, geological, and geotechnical services including surveying, GIS mapping, geologic mapping, vibration and settlement monitoring, soil borings, and rock coring.
• Operating specialized geophysical, survey, and data-acquisition equipment and progressively developing the skills necessary to independently perform increasingly complex field and office assignments.
• Conducting specific phases of projects and assigned field activities under the general supervision of a Project Manager or senior technical team member.
• Evaluating field data in real time, identifying potential problems or unexpected conditions, and working with senior staff to determine appropriate solutions.
• Reviewing collected data for completeness and quality and identifying data that may require additional investigation or collection.
• Maintaining organized field documentation and digital data and performing appropriate quality-control checks.
• Preparing technical documentation, figures, maps, summaries, and portions of technical reports.
• Working collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary project teams and small field crews.
• Traveling up to approximately 50% as project needs require.
• Taking ownership of assigned tasks and progressively assuming greater responsibility for field activities and technical assignments.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS in Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography/GIS or related field + 2 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 50% to support field investigations, including occasional multi-week assignments
• Ability to perform physically active field work outdoors, including prolonged standing and walking over uneven terrain, repeated bending and lifting, and lifting and carrying field equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and occasionally work extended field days or non-standard schedules based on project requirements
• Valid US Driver's License and as a condition of employment must pass the AECOM Motor Vehicle screening
• As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a drug screening
• As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a medical screening
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography/GIS or related field
• Previous geophysics experience is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, reliability, technical aptitude, and a strong desire to develop both field and analytical skills
• Experience involving geology, geophysics, geotechnical investigations, environmental investigations, surveying, GIS, engineering, or other related technical work
• Demonstrated ability to complete assigned field and technical tasks with appropriate guidance from senior staff
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to learn new equipment, software, and technical procedures
• A hands-on mindset and willingness to participate fully in field assignments as part of a small project team
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and follow them through to completion
• Hands-on experience with surveying, construction, environmental field work, geotechnical investigations, outdoor field work, research, military service, trades, or similar experience is beneficial
• Strong mechanical or technical aptitude and an interest in understanding, operating, and troubleshooting specialized instrumentation
• Experience collecting, reviewing, organizing, and documenting scientific or engineering field data.
• Ability to recognize potential field equipment, data-quality, or site-condition issues and assist in developing practical solutions
• Ability to balance physically active field assignments with detailed technical and analytical office work
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
• Familiarity with GIS, CAD, surveying, electronics, programming, data acquisition, or technical instrumentation is beneficial
• Familiarity with software such as ArcGIS Pro, Surfer, EarthImager, SeisImager, RADAN, or AutoCAD experience

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.