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Graduate Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Field Geologist

Clovis, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

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This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands ... Education: BS in Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology or Civil Engineering * Certification:

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Graduate Geologist information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$76K

$122.9K

How much do graduate geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate geologist in California is $76,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate geologist?

A Graduate Geologist is an entry-level professional who assists in geological investigations, data collection, and analysis for projects in industries like mining, environmental consulting, and oil and gas. They work under the guidance of senior geologists to conduct fieldwork, interpret geological data, and prepare reports. This role helps develop practical skills in geological mapping, sampling, and software applications while gaining industry experience.

What does a graduate geologist do?

As a Graduate Geologist, you’ll typically be involved in a variety of fieldwork activities such as collecting and analyzing soil, rock, and water samples, participating in geological surveys, and assisting with environmental assessments or resource exploration. Your daily tasks may also include data entry, interpretation of laboratory results, and preparing technical reports or presentations for internal teams and clients. You’ll frequently collaborate with experienced geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists both in the office and on-site, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities. This hands-on experience is foundational for developing your expertise and advancing your career in geology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate geologist?

To thrive as a Graduate Geologist, you need a degree in geology or earth sciences as well as a solid understanding of geological mapping, fieldwork, and data analysis. Familiarity with GIS software, core logging systems, and possibly basic certifications in workplace safety or first aid are often expected. Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help set candidates apart. These abilities are vital for effectively gathering, interpreting, and presenting geological data while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Geologist jobs in California?

For Graduate Geologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Geologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Geologist jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Geologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,022 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

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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 Jorge Enriquez at jorge.enriquez@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-1350 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: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. Experience that involved only one phase of geology work, e.g., collecting samples, would not be acceptable as providing the required professional knowledge of the theory and principles of geology. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. Examples include some positions in geophysics, mining engineering, soils science, physical oceanography, hydrology, climatology, biology, analytic or experimental chemistry, metallurgy, and comparable fields where the normal duties or results of investigations have been extended to the solution of geologic problems by the applicant. Ordinary functions of positions such as seismic, computer, petroleum or mining engineer, mine superintendent, or metallurgist generally are not considered professional geological experience. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.
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 specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Assisted in the preparation of documents related to geological studies/programs or mineral resource studies or assessments; Assisted in the routine observation, measurement, inventorying, and recording of scientific data used to support geological studies; and/or Gathered information and researching data for geological studies using a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques where tasks involved research and analysis of data.
OR
One full year of graduate level education that is directly related;
OR
An appropriate combination of related 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/;
The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GS 09 level: Applicants must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Collected, analyzed, and reviewed soil and rock sample data and reported findings in response to a geologic inquiry or as a result of reviewing a geologic map or report; Assisted with administering mineral locatable & saleable activities and provided standard data to higher level specialists; Assisted with inspecting mineral operations for compliance and resource impacts; and/or Conducted studies or investigations on projects where minerals and geology activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources.
OR
Successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level related graduate-level education leading to a master's degree and the study was obtained.in an accredited college or university.
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

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