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Graduate Mining Geology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative ... One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ...

... mining and water systems. We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a ... Are you a recent geology graduate or early-career professional looking to build your experience in ...

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Graduate Mining Geology information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do graduate mining geology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mining geology in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by a graduate mining geologist during their first year on site?

As a Graduate Mining Geologist, one of the primary challenges during your initial year is adapting to the fast-paced, often remote site environment while managing a steep learning curve. You may encounter difficulties in balancing fieldwork with data analysis and reporting, as well as integrating safety protocols into daily routines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as engineers and surveyors, is essential and requires effective communication skills. Additionally, you’ll need to quickly become proficient with geological software and sampling techniques. Support is typically available through mentorship and structured graduate programs, helping you build confidence and expertise.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Mining Geologist, you'll need a degree in geology or earth sciences, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of mineral exploration and mining processes. Familiarity with geological modeling software (such as Surpac or Micromine), GIS tools, and possibly relevant safety certifications is expected. Strong teamwork, communication abilities, and adaptability help you work effectively on-site and communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams. These skills are critical for ensuring accurate resource assessments, safe operations, and effective collaboration in dynamic mining environments.

What is the difference between Graduate Mining Geology vs Graduate Geotechnical Engineering?

AspectGraduate Mining GeologyGraduate Geotechnical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related fieldBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentMining sites, exploration projects, geological surveysConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, soil and rock stability assessments
Industry UsageMining companies, exploration firms, resource developmentConstruction, consulting engineering, infrastructure development
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Graduate Mining Geology focuses on mineral exploration, resource assessment, and geological mapping within the mining industry. In contrast, Graduate Geotechnical Engineering emphasizes soil and rock stability analysis for construction and infrastructure projects. Both roles require earth science backgrounds but serve different industry needs and work environments.

What is a graduate mining geologist?

Graduate Mining Geologists are recent university graduates who specialize in the study of minerals, rocks, and earth processes relevant to mining. They typically assist with exploration, mapping, sampling, and analysis of geological data to help locate and evaluate mineral resources. In this entry-level role, they often work under the supervision of experienced geologists, gaining practical experience in both fieldwork and laboratory settings. Graduate Mining Geologists play a crucial part in ensuring mining operations are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible.
More about Graduate Mining Geology jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Mining Geology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

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