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Marine Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geologist

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site +1

$74K - $116K/yr

... 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 ...

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams to produce engineering, geological, and ... Serve as Project Manager for marine geophysical and geotechnical survey projects of varying size ...

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Marine Geologist information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do marine geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for marine geologist 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine geologist?

To thrive as a Marine Geologist, you need a solid background in geology, oceanography, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as geology, marine science, or earth sciences. Familiarity with specialized tools like GIS software, seismic interpretation systems, and experience operating or analyzing data from remote sensing and marine sampling equipment is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams on field projects and research initiatives. These abilities are crucial for successfully conducting marine geological surveys, interpreting complex data, and contributing valuable insights to environmental or resource management projects.

What is the work of a marine geologist?

A marine geologist studies the Earth's crust beneath the ocean, analyzing geological formations, sediments, and processes to understand oceanic structures and history. They often conduct fieldwork using specialized equipment, interpret data from sonar and core samples, and work in environments that require knowledge of geology, oceanography, and sometimes environmental regulations.

What does a typical workday look like for a marine geologist?

A Marine Geologist typically divides their time between fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and office tasks. Fieldwork may involve collecting sediment samples, operating research vessels, and using specialized equipment to map the seafloor. In the lab or office, they analyze data, prepare reports, and collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders on ongoing projects. This balance of hands-on and analytical work offers variety, and frequent collaboration fosters a dynamic, team-oriented environment where communication is key.

What is a marine geologist?

A Marine Geologist studies the geological features of the ocean floor, including sediments, rocks, and tectonic activity. They analyze seafloor structures, coastal processes, and underwater hazards to understand Earth's history and predict future changes. Their work is essential for environmental conservation, resource exploration, and understanding geological hazards like tsunamis and earthquakes. Marine Geologists often conduct fieldwork on research vessels, using specialized tools like sonar mapping and sediment sampling.

How much do marine geologists make?

Marine geologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized roles can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced skills and certifications in geophysical tools and data analysis.
More about Marine Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Marine Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Marine Geologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Marine Geologist jobs? The most popular types of Marine Geologist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Marine Geologist jobs? The top employers for Marine Geologist jobs are:
What states have the most Marine Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Geologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Geologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Geologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Marine Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


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