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Geoscience Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hydrogeologist

Ashland, VA · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Geology or related geosciences field. * Minimum of 5 years of working experience in a consulting environment, regularly using and analyzing hydrogeologic data for ...

Bachelors' degree or equivalent in GIS, Geography, Geoscience, Environmental Science, or related field with demonstrated GIS training or coursework. * Will consider a recent graduate, however 1-3 ...

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Geoscience information

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$17

$43

$63

How much do geoscience jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for geoscience in Virginia is $43.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.64 and $56.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is geoscience?

Geoscience is the scientific study of the Earth, including its structure, processes, materials, and history. It encompasses various subfields such as geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. Geoscientists investigate natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change to better understand how the Earth works and to help manage natural resources and hazards. Careers in geoscience can involve research, fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental management.

What is geoscience?

Geoscience focuses on the study of subjects related to the earth. Your duties as a geoscientist may include studying geology, oceanography, volcanology, seismology, soil science, geophysics, or geochemistry. The responsibilities of some geoscientists include working to understand the atmosphere, climate, or natural resources, such as petroleum or precious metals. Any job that focuses on understanding, analyzing, or interpreting the physical characteristics of the earth is a geoscience career. You can also focus on studying past planetary conditions or making forecasts about the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in geoscience, and why are they important?

To thrive in geoscience, you need a solid background in earth sciences, geology, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and laboratory techniques is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help geoscientists interpret data and collaborate on projects. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing earth processes, informing decision-making, and addressing environmental and resource challenges.

What types of projects do geoscientists typically work on, and how do they collaborate with professionals from other disciplines?

Geoscientists often engage in projects such as environmental assessments, resource exploration, geological mapping, and hazard evaluation. These projects usually require close collaboration with engineers, environmental scientists, and GIS specialists to interpret data and design solutions. Teamwork is essential, as geoscientists provide geological expertise that informs broader project decisions, such as site selection or risk mitigation in construction and resource development. Effective communication and the ability to integrate findings from multiple disciplines are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Geoscience vs Geology?

AspectGeoscienceGeology
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geoscience or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Geology or Earth Sciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, labs, research institutions, environmental agenciesFieldwork, labs, mining, oil & gas industries
Industry UsageBroadly used across environmental, engineering, and research sectorsPrimarily used in mineral, oil, and gas exploration
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for career options and educational pathsCompared for specialization in Earth materials and processes

Geoscience is a broad field encompassing various Earth sciences, including geology, geophysics, and environmental science. Geology is a specific branch focusing on Earth's materials, structure, and processes. While both share similar credentials and work environments, geoscience offers a wider scope of careers, whereas geology specializes in Earth's physical aspects.

Are geoscientists in high demand?

Geoscientists are in moderate demand, especially in sectors such as energy, environmental consulting, and natural resource exploration. Employment growth is projected to be steady, with opportunities increasing for those with skills in GIS, data analysis, and fieldwork. Job prospects may vary by region and industry needs.

What careers are in geoscience?

Careers in geoscience include roles such as geologist, geophysicist, hydrologist, environmental consultant, and petroleum geoscientist. These positions often require knowledge of earth processes, fieldwork, data analysis, and proficiency with tools like GIS and seismic equipment.

What do you do in geoscience?

In geoscience, professionals study Earth's physical properties, processes, and materials, including rocks, minerals, and landforms. They often analyze data using tools like GIS and seismic equipment, conduct fieldwork, and interpret geological information to assess natural resources, hazards, or environmental impacts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geoscience jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Geoscience jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Geoscience jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Geoscience jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Geoscience jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Geoscience job openings:

Infographic showing various Geoscience job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,370 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Hydrogeologist

Stantec

Ashland, VA • On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 452 rated engineering


Job description


Your Opportunity
We have an immediate opening for a Hydrogeologist to join our Water Team in central Virginia. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and ready to engage in providing our clients with high-quality products while growing both as an individual and as part of a team.
As a Hydrogeologist, you will play a key role in a wide variety of physical and chemical hydrogeology projects, including groundwater supply development, groundwater resource monitoring, groundwater and surface water withdrawal permitting, aquifer testing, groundwater modeling, groundwater exploration, water supply planning, and water conservation and management planning. Your expertise will contribute to diverse initiatives that protect and enhance our most precious resource-water.
Why Choose Stantec?
We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Stantec has been named by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and America's Best Employers for Women. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that's critical to our clients and the communities they support.
Our people are at the core of everything we do. Driven by a culture of inclusion, we offer employee resource groups, growth opportunities, and flexible work arrangements. We understand that the tools for success look different for everyone, and we're committed to providing each employee with the support and flexibility they need to thrive.
Stantec invests in your long-term success by offering flexible hybrid work arrangements and a formal career planning and development framework designed to help you achieve your professional goals.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Promote a strong health and safety culture and actively participate in Stantec's Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Program
  • Develop well drilling, construction, and testing specifications for contractors.
  • Oversee and log drilling and construction of new water supply wells.
  • Monitor water levels on-site and remotely in Stantec client wellfields and respond quickly to changing conditions.
  • Conduct fracture trace and other remote sensing analyses to identify potential groundwater bearing zones in bedrock aquifers.
  • Coordinate and interpret geophysical data (e.g., electrical resistivity, seismic, etc.) for groundwater exploration.
  • Develop groundwater withdrawal permit applications.
  • Develop water conservation and management plans.
  • Conduct groundwater modeling in support of groundwater withdrawal permitting.
  • Conduct flow and impact analyses for surface water and groundwater withdrawal permitting.
  • Conduct analytical and/or numerical groundwater flow modeling.
  • Review field information from investigations; prepare reports, including the interpretation of geological/hydrogeological conditions
  • Conduct and interpret aquifer tests including field monitoring and analysis of results.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams on water supply development projects, baseline and impact assessment projects, feasibility studies, groundwater and surface water assessments, groundwater flow and transport models, and contaminant investigations.
  • Prepare technical reports and client presentations summarizing project work, findings, and recommendations.
  • Perform QA/QC of technical documents/deliverables
  • Travel as required to various field sites; overnight travel may be required.
  • Demonstrate sound understanding and application of established practices, standards, and guidelines.
  • Contribute to business development activities, including proposals, pre-qualifications, and relationship building with clients and prospective clients.

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Experience with water supply hydrogeological work including aquifer testing, withdrawal permitting, well drilling and construction, and data analysis/reporting.
  • Consistently produce high-quality and organized results.
  • Highly self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and make well-informed decisions.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills that include balancing immediate and long-term work commitments with varying priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with advanced technical report writing skills
    Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in Geology or related geosciences field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of working experience in a consulting environment, regularly using and analyzing hydrogeologic data for water supply projects. Candidates with additional years of experience will also be considered.
  • Preferred experience working for a variety of client types, including heavy industrial, private utility, municipal, state, and federal contracts; working within the US Mid-Atlantic and/or Southeastern regions with knowledge of local and regional hydrogeologic conditions preferred.
  • Existing Geologist in Training (GIT) certification or working toward GIT.

Valid Driver's License required
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Us
Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
About the Team
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

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