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Geotechnical Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

GFT's Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on ... inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our ...

GFT.

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Roseville, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

GFT's Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on ... inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our ...

NV5

Project Engineer - Geotechnical

Truckee, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... NV5 is looking for experienced engineers with a geotechnical background to join our expanding ...

Socket.dev

Project Geotechnical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$97.65 - $140/hr

... inspections; * Prepare technical documents and manages the preparation of the proposals, reports ... Master's degree with Geotechnical emphasis; * Professional Engineer licensure; * 6+ years of ...

NV5

Project Engineer - Geotechnical

Chico, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... NV5 is looking for experienced engineers with a geotechnical background to join our expanding ...

NV5

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... Direct and execute geotechnical project assignments including, engineering analysis and report ...

Socket.dev

Project Geotechnical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$96.75 - $140/hr

... inspections; * Prepare technical documents and manages the preparation of the proposals, reports ... Master's degree with Geotechnical emphasis; * Professional Engineer licensure; * 6+ years of ...

NV5

Project Engineer - Geotechnical

Truckee, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... NV5 is looking for experienced engineers with a geotechnical background to join our expanding ...

NV5

Project Engineer - Geotechnical

Nevada City, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... NV5 is looking for experienced engineers with a geotechnical background to join our expanding ...

NV5

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Truckee, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... Direct and execute geotechnical project assignments including, engineering analysis and report ...

langan

Project Geotechnical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $133K/yr

... inspections; * Prepare technical documents and manages the preparation of the proposals, reports ... Master's degree with Geotechnical emphasis; * Professional Engineer licensure; * 6+ years of ...

NV5

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Truckee, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... Direct and execute geotechnical project assignments including, engineering analysis and report ...

NV5

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences ... Direct and execute geotechnical project assignments including, engineering analysis and report ...

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All JobsGeotechnical Inspector JobsGeotechnical Inspector Jobs in California

Geotechnical Inspector information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do geotechnical inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for geotechnical inspector in California is $23.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geotechnical inspector?

Geotechnical Inspectors are professionals responsible for evaluating soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at construction sites to ensure safety and compliance with engineering standards. They perform field tests, collect samples, and analyze data to determine the suitability of sites for building foundations, roads, and other structures. Their work helps prevent structural failures by identifying potential geotechnical issues like soil instability, erosion, or subsidence. Geotechnical Inspectors often work closely with engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout construction projects.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a geotechnical inspector?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Inspector, you need a solid background in soil mechanics, construction materials, and site investigation, often supported by a degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment, report-writing software, and certifications such as NICET or ACI are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate field assessments, effective reporting, and compliance with safety and engineering standards.

What challenges does a geotechnical inspector face on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Geotechnical Inspectors often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, variable weather, and coordinating with multiple contractors on tight schedules. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability. Inspectors must be prepared to quickly assess site conditions, document findings accurately, and relay information to engineers and site managers to ensure safety and compliance. Building good relationships with the project team and staying up to date with industry standards can also help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Inspector vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical InspectorGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with certifications like OSHA or NICETRequires a bachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering or related field, with professional engineer (PE) licensure
Work EnvironmentField sites, construction sites, soil testing locationsDesign offices, project planning sites, field inspections
Industry UsageCommonly employed in construction, foundation, and site development projectsInvolved in design, analysis, and project management in geotechnical projects

While both roles work within the geotechnical industry, Geotechnical Inspectors focus on field inspections and ensuring safety compliance during construction, whereas Geotechnical Engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing soil and foundation systems. The roles complement each other but differ in education, responsibilities, and scope of work.

What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Inspector jobs in California?

For Geotechnical Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Inspector jobs in California are:

Geotechnical Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,966 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

GFT.

Roseville, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

GFT is seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer to join our Dams & Hydraulics team in California! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in Roseville or Oakland, CA.
GFT's Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team
Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on the most challenging geotechnical assignments. We provide innovative solutions for foundations; underground construction; earth structures, including dams and levees; groundwater resources; and marginal building sites. Our geotechnical engineers and geologists also specialize in landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, seepage, expansive soils, and seismic activity. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and geophysical projects across the U.S. - from small-scale projects to large, complex dams, highways, bridges, and underground structures.
What you'll be challenged to do:
This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate directly with civil and structural engineers and geologists to implement innovative geotechnical solutions through all phases of a project's lifecycle. The role emphasizes a customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering the highest quality results on every project
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Determining client requirements and developing suitable scopes of work, schedules, and budgets to achieve project objectives.
  • Developing and managing subsurface investigation and laboratory testing programs, with occasional participation in field exploration activities.
  • Logging soil borings and collecting field data.
  • Observing geotechnical aspects of construction.
  • Performing routine and complex data analysis and engineering calculations, including slope stability, seepage, liquefaction potential, foundation support, and lateral earth pressures.
  • Preparing high-quality reports, drawings, and specifications to meet scope, schedule, cost, and regulatory requirements.
  • Designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation systems.
  • Collaborating with clients, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate designs and project solutions.
  • Reviewing contractor drawings, evaluating the need for design changes, and providing appropriate geotechnical recommendations.
  • Traveling up to 30% to GFT offices, client locations, or project sites, which may include overnight stays.

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • 5-10 years of direct work experience in geotechnical engineering.
  • Proven expertise in advanced geotechnical software applications, including, GeoStudio(Slope/W, SEEP/W), CLIQ, SETTLE3, gINT/Open Ground, APILE, LPILE, SHAFT and proficiency in numerical calculations using spreadsheets.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, and practices applied to geotechnical engineering, including foundation systems, levees, dams, and waterfront structures.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD.

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Roseville, CA; Oakland, CA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
"California Applicants"
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
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