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Mining Geologist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologist / Geologist

John Day, OR · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

Apply geologic principles to methods of prospecting, exploration, development, and mining and their ... Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics ...

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, or in an associated technical field such as Geology, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering. PE/CEG preferred. Experience: Minimum 5 years full-time ...

Mining Geologist information

See Oregon salary details

$38.1K

$81.4K

$131.6K

How much do mining geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for mining geologist in Oregon is $81,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $98,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Mining Geologist’s typical day can involve a mix of fieldwork, such as collecting and analyzing rock samples, and office-based tasks, like interpreting geological data and creating resource models. You will frequently collaborate with engineers, surveyors, and mine planning teams to ensure geological findings inform safe and efficient mining operations. Fieldwork can sometimes mean working outdoors in remote locations, while office work utilizes specialized software for data analysis and reporting. This blend of hands-on and technical responsibilities makes the role both dynamic and essential to mining project success.

What does a mining geologist do?

A Mining Geologist studies and analyzes mineral deposits to determine their value, location, and feasibility for extraction. They conduct geological surveys, collect and interpret rock and soil samples, and collaborate with engineers to optimize mining operations. Their work helps ensure efficient resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

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

Mining Geologists require a solid background in geology, mineralogy, and earth sciences, usually supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with geological modeling software, GIS systems, and often certifications such as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) designation are important for technical work. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating within teams and reporting findings. These competencies enable Mining Geologists to accurately assess mineral deposits, ensure safe exploration practices, and optimize resource extraction for mining operations.

Are mining geologists in high demand?

Mining geologists are in steady demand due to ongoing mineral exploration and resource extraction activities. Employment opportunities often depend on commodity prices, industry investment, and environmental regulations, with skills in geological mapping, sampling, and data analysis being highly valued.

How much do mining geologists make?

Mining geologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with active mining industries.
What job categories do people searching Mining Geologist jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Mining Geologist jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Mining Geologist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,443 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

This position is located Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6, Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Ann Niesen at ann.niesen@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.

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.
Basic Requirements:
GS-1315 Series:

A. Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Experience: Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
Applicants with related experience in hydrology gained through earlier Federal Government employment might have gained that experience in one or more occupational series. Such series include Soil Conservation, GS-457; Forestry, GS-460; Soil Science, GS-470; Civil Engineering, GS-810; Chemistry, GS-1320; Meteorology, GS-1340; and Geology, GS-1350. Comparable non-Federal experience may be given similar credit.
Basic Requirements:
GS-1350 Series:

Degree: 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. General/Specialized Experience (HR/SME): Review statement suggested by HR and/or describe the specialized experience required upon entry for the position. If you are recruiting for two or more grade levels, please describe the specialized experience requirements for each grade level. Note that your suggestion(s) may be edited by the HR practitioner to ensure it meets the guidelines and best practices for writing specialized experience statements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09. Specialized experience is defined as 2 or more of the following:
  • Conducted geological studies and investigations on a variety of projects where geology and mineral activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources;
  • applied geologic principles to methods of prospecting, exploration, development, and mining, including investigating and determining the geologic limitations and capacities of projects in a specific geographical area;
  • developed and analyzed data and prepared reports related to the responsiveness of implementation plans for environmental protection programs, including reviewing and coordinating the preparation of comments on complex environmental impact statements;
  • Select standard methods and procedures to plan and carry out routine hydrologic projects;
  • Collect and analyze data regarding water characteristics, rainfall, etc. used to make forecasts;
  • Write hydrologic reports for NEPA documents.
OR
Completed 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and the study wasobtained.in an accredited college or university.
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.) and the education was obtained in an accredited college or university.
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