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Graduate Petroleum Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$56K/yr

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

Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$56K/yr

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

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Petroleum Geologist information

See salary details

$46K

$88.3K

$142.5K

How much do graduate petroleum geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate petroleum geologist in the United States is $88,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graduate petroleum geologist do?

A Graduate Petroleum Geologist is an entry-level professional who studies the composition, structure, and processes of the Earth to help locate and assess potential sites for extracting oil and gas. They analyze rock samples, geological data, and use specialized software to interpret subsurface formations. Their work supports exploration and production teams in making decisions about drilling and resource management. Graduate Petroleum Geologists often work in offices, laboratories, and occasionally in the field, collaborating with engineers and other scientists.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate petroleum geologist expect during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Petroleum Geologist, you can expect to be involved in a variety of foundational tasks such as analyzing geological data, assisting with core sampling, and interpreting seismic surveys. You'll likely work closely with senior geologists and multidisciplinary teams to support exploration, reservoir characterization, and drilling projects. The work environment is typically collaborative, with a mix of office-based analytical work and occasional field assignments. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and industry knowledge, setting the stage for future advancement into more specialized or leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate petroleum geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Petroleum Geologist, you need a solid background in geology or geosciences, typically with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with geological modeling software, seismic interpretation tools, and GIS systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately identifying hydrocarbon reserves and supporting successful exploration and production projects.

What is the difference between Graduate Petroleum Geologist vs Petroleum Geologist?

AspectGraduate Petroleum GeologistPetroleum Geologist
QualificationsBachelor's degree in geology or related field; entry-levelBachelor's or master's degree; typically requires experience
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSeveral years of field and office experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, internships, entry-level rolesFull-time roles in exploration, production, or consulting
Industry UsageOften used for new graduates entering the industryUsed for experienced professionals conducting exploration and analysis

The main difference is that a Graduate Petroleum Geologist is an entry-level position for recent graduates, while a Petroleum Geologist is an experienced professional responsible for exploration, analysis, and decision-making in the oil and gas industry.

More about Graduate Petroleum Geologist jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Graduate Petroleum Geologist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Petroleum Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,266 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. 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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