Independent Contractor Geologist Jobs in California

NV5 provides full-service geotechnical assistance throughout all phases of the development process, from feasibility and preliminary studies to geotechnical design, evaluations, and construction oversight.

Our team of qualified geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing (CMT), and contractor quality control (CQC) professionals assist owners and contractors in identifying geohazards and developing the safest, most cost-effective, and resilient earthwork and foundation solutions. We provide geotechnical reconnaissance, assessment, and investigations, as well as conventional and advanced laboratory testing, geotechnical engineering analysis and design, grading observations, soil testing, and forensic evaluations.

We specialize in soil compaction testing using drive ring, sand cone, and nuclear density gauge methods, as well as deep foundation assessments, including pile observations for timber, concrete, steel, and auger cast foundations. Our services also cover rammed aggregate and vibro-pier installation observations, shallow foundation subgrade evaluations via Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, and pavement testing to ensure long-term stability.

We are seeking a Project Geologist or Project Engineer to support our geotechnical engineering and engineering geology practice while taking primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of our soil and materials laboratory.

This is a hands-on project-level position combining laboratory management, field investigation, construction observation and testing, engineering/geologic analysis, report preparation, and project coordination. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between the field, laboratory, and office and can independently manage routine geotechnical assignments while working under the direction of senior licensed professionals.

The position will support a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, municipal, transportation, utility, retaining wall, slope stabilization, pavement, and infrastructure projects throughout Northern California and the Sierra Nevada region.

The strongest candidate will be a practical, technically capable geologist or engineer who enjoys varied work and does not want to spend every day performing only one function.

We are particularly interested in someone who can:

• Take ownership of the soils laboratory without being limited to a laboratory-only role.
• Recognize when laboratory or field results do not make engineering sense.
• Independently perform routine field investigations and construction observations.
• Turn field and laboratory information into useful engineering recommendations.
• Write clear and defensible technical reports.
• Communicate comfortably with contractors and clients in the field.
• Manage smaller projects from proposal through investigation, analysis, reporting, and construction.
• Know when a technical issue requires involvement from a senior engineer or geologist.
• Help mentor junior staff and field/laboratory technicians.
• Adapt to the variety and changing priorities typical of a busy geotechnical consulting office.

Within this role, the Project Geologist / Project Engineer will become a key technical member of the local office who can independently keep laboratory operations moving, support and manage geotechnical projects, provide reliable construction-phase services, and reduce the amount of day-to-day technical and operational oversight required from senior staff.

The position offers an opportunity for increasing responsibility in project management, technical analysis, client relationships, staff supervision, and ultimately senior-level geotechnical or engineering geology work.

Geotechnical and Engineering Geology

• Plan and perform geotechnical and geologic field investigations.
• Coordinate drilling, excavation, sampling, and subcontractors.
• Log soil and rock encountered in borings, test pits, trenches, and excavations.
• Perform geologic mapping and evaluate site geology, geomorphology, groundwater, bedrock conditions, and geologic hazards.
• Develop subsurface profiles and engineering interpretations from field and laboratory data.
• Assist with evaluation of:
  • Foundation conditions and allowable bearing pressures
  • Settlement
  • Expansive and collapsible soils
  • Slope stability
  • Retaining walls and lateral earth pressures
  • Seismic hazards and liquefaction
  • Pavement sections
  • Cut and fill slopes
  • Excavation and temporary construction conditions
  • Drainage and groundwater conditions
  • Rock and weathered-bedrock conditions
• Perform calculations and analyses using appropriate engineering methods and software.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering reports, engineering geology reports, technical memoranda, letters, field reports, and construction recommendations.
• Assist with preparation of plans, details, specifications, and construction recommendations.
• Review grading plans, foundation plans, retaining wall designs, civil plans, and other project documents for conformance with geotechnical recommendations.
• Provide construction-phase geotechnical consultation and respond to contractor, client, and design-team questions.
• Observe foundation excavations, retaining wall excavations, subgrades, cuts, fills, and other earthwork.

Take primary responsibility for operation and organization of the local geotechnical soils laboratory, including:

• Schedule and prioritize laboratory testing based on project requirements.
• Perform and/or oversee routine geotechnical laboratory testing.
• Review laboratory results for accuracy and engineering reasonableness before use in reports.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, test forms, sample logs, and quality-control documentation.
• Maintain proper sample identification, storage, and disposal procedures.
• Train and oversee technicians performing laboratory testing.
• Coordinate equipment calibration, maintenance, and repair.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and identify equipment needs.
• Help maintain laboratory procedures consistent with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, Caltrans, and company standards.

Laboratory testing may include:

• Moisture content
• Dry density and unit weight
• Moisture-density relationships / Proctor compaction
• Sieve analysis and particle-size distribution
• Hydrometer analysis
• Atterberg limits
• Sand equivalent
• R-value
• Expansion index
• Specific gravity
• Direct shear testing
• Unconfined compression or other strength testing, as applicable
• Corrosivity-related sample preparation and coordination
• Other geotechnical index and classification testing

The successful candidate should understand not only how to perform laboratory tests but also how the results affect geotechnical engineering recommendations.

• Perform and oversee earthwork observation and compaction testing.
• Evaluate subgrade and foundation excavation conditions.
• Observe fill placement and verify compliance with project recommendations.
• Perform field density and moisture testing.
• Document field conditions through photographs, sketches, field notes, and Daily Field Reports.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, inspectors, clients, and design professionals regarding field conditions.
• Recognize conditions that differ from those anticipated in the geotechnical report and elevate significant issues to the project manager or responsible licensed professional.
• Assist with preparation of final compaction reports, construction observation summaries, and geotechnical completion letters.

• Manage small to moderately sized geotechnical projects with limited oversight.
• Develop scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Track project budgets and communicate potential scope or budget changes.
• Coordinate field staff, laboratory testing, drilling contractors, and other subcontractors.
• Communicate directly with clients, contractors, architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and public agencies.
• Assist with preparation of proposals and cost estimates.
• Review work performed by staff-level geologists, engineers, and technicians.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation.
• Balance multiple active projects and changing field priorities.

One of the following:

• B.S. or M.S. in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related geoscience field; or
• B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Approximately 3 to 7+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, construction materials testing, or consulting experience preferred.
• Prior experience working in a geotechnical consulting environment strongly preferred.
• Experience independently performing field investigations and preparing technical reports.
• Experience with soil laboratory testing and interpretation of laboratory data.
• Experience with construction observation and field density testing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work with limited day-to-day supervision.

For geology candidates:

• California Professional Geologist (PG) preferred, or ability to obtain PG registration in the near future.
• Experience working toward a California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) is a plus.

For engineering candidates:

• California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• California Professional Engineer (PE – Civil) registration strongly preferred for more experienced candidates, or ability to obtain registration in the near future.

Registration is not necessarily required for an otherwise strong candidate with appropriate project-level experience.

Experience with some of the following is desirable:

• Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
• Soil and rock logging
• ASTM and Caltrans geotechnical testing procedures
• Nuclear density gauge operation
• Earthwork and compaction testing
• Geotechnical foundation recommendations
• Retaining wall and lateral earth pressure evaluation
• Pavement design using R-value and Traffic Index
• Slope stability evaluation
• Seismic and liquefaction evaluation
• ArcGIS / GIS mapping
• AutoCAD or Civil 3D
• GEO5, Slide2, CLiq, LPile, or similar geotechnical software
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and standard engineering calculation/documentation tools

Experience with all of these programs is not required. The ability to understand geotechnical principles and learn new analytical tools is more important.

This is not a strictly office-based position. The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Walk undeveloped sites, slopes, construction sites, and uneven terrain.
• Perform fieldwork throughout Northern California and the Sierra Nevada region.
• Occasionally work early mornings or extended days to accommodate drilling or construction schedules.
• Lift and transport soil samples and field equipment.
• Operate a company vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Obtain applicable nuclear density gauge and other field-testing certifications as required.

The pay range for this position in California is $90,000 to $120,000 per year. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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