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Operations Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Geologist

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Ability to interact effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Ability to interact effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

Geologist

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Ability to interact effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

Geologist

Fairfield, CA ยท On-site

Analyze geological data and prepare detailed technical reports. * Evaluate potential environmental ... Ability to effectively interact with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

Analyze geological data and prepare detailed technical reports. * Evaluate potential environmental ... Ability to effectively interact with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

Geologist

Fairfield, CA ยท On-site

Analyze geological data and prepare detailed technical reports. * Evaluate potential environmental ... Ability to effectively interact with clients, regulatory agencies, field operations, technical ...

Senior Geologist

Walnut Creek, CA ยท Hybrid

$123K/yr

... operations including core logging and sample preparation; utilize geologic software to interpret ... Master's degree in Engineering Geology, or Geological Engineering. * 2 years of field experience in ...

Senior Geologist

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$123K/yr

... operations including core logging and sample preparation; utilize geologic software to interpret ... Master's degree in Engineering Geology, or Geological Engineering. * 2 years of field experience in ...

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Operations Geologist information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$76K

$122.9K

How much do operations geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations geologist in California is $76,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an Operations Geologist?

As an Operations Geologist, your daily responsibilities typically include monitoring drilling progress, analyzing real-time geological data, and providing operational recommendations to drilling teams. You will collaborate closely with drilling engineers, wellsite geologists, and other technical experts to ensure that drilling remains on target and complies with safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication and quick decision-making are important as you often relay critical geological information during drilling operations. The role may also involve preparing daily reports, managing well logs, and participating in team meetings to review project status and plan the next steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Operations Geologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Geologist, you need a solid background in geology or geoscience, strong analytical skills, and relevant experience in drilling operations, often supported by a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with geological software (such as Petra, GeoGraphix, or WellCAD), wellsite data collection tools, and regulatory requirements is essential, and certifications like Well Control may be preferred. Excellent communication, decision-making, and teamwork abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting drilling operations, ensuring safety, and providing accurate, real-time geological guidance to maximize well productivity.

What does an Operations Geologist do?

An Operations Geologist plays a key role in the planning and execution of drilling projects in the oil and gas industry. They analyze geological data, monitor well operations, and provide real-time geological advice to ensure safe and efficient drilling. They collaborate with drilling engineers, geophysicists, and other specialists to optimize well placement and reduce geological risks. Additionally, they evaluate drilling cuttings, mud logs, and other data to adjust strategies during operations. Their expertise helps maximize resource recovery while minimizing environmental and operational risks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Geologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Operations Geologist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Operations Geologist jobs in California? For Operations Geologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Geologist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Geologist jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Operations Geologist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 71% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 14% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,022 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Project Geologist, Staff Geologist, Senior Staff Geologist

Project Geologist, Staff Geologist, Senior Staff Geologist

AGS Inc.

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 hours ago


Job description

Position Overview


We are seeking a motivated Geologist at entry-level to project geologist level to join our

geotechnical engineering /geology team in downtown San Francisco. This position offers hands-on

experience in construction observation, subsurface exploration, and laboratory testing in an urban

environment. The role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals as well as

experienced geologist looking to build a strong technical foundation in geotechnical and

engineering geology practice.


This position includes project management, proposal and report writing, fieldwork on active

construction sites across the Bay Area, with responsibilities that directly support foundation

construction, earthwork operations, and geotechnical investigations. Clients include San

Francisco Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco Department of Public Works, US Army Corp

of Engineers, San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, San Francisco

Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District, and East Bay Municipal Utilities District.


Primary Responsibilities (varies with experience)

Field Responsibilities (approximately 30 to 70%):

โ€ข Perform field sampling and logging during drilling operations, including:

o Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs), Modified California (Mod Cal) sampling, Shelby

tube sampling, and Bulk sampling for laboratory testing

โ€ข Perform infiltration/percolation tests

โ€ข Observe and document deep foundation installations, including:

o Micropiles, Auger-cast piles, Push-in piles, etc.

โ€ข Observe tieback installations and testing

โ€ข Observe backfill placement and compaction operations

โ€ข Prepare daily field reports, field boring logs, and field installation logs

โ€ข Coordinate with drillers, contractors, and project engineers in the field

โ€ข Reviewing construction documents such as plans and specifications


Office Responsibilities (approximately 30% to 70%):

โ€ข Support laboratory testing in the in-house geotechnical laboratory

โ€ข Assist with permits, workplans, site-specific data review, proposals, and report preparation

โ€ข Compile boring logs and field documentation

โ€ข Support geotechnical analyses and project deliverables


Minimum Qualifications

โ€ข Bachelorโ€™s degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geological Sciences, or a related

field / Graduate degree is a plus

โ€ข Strong interest in engineering geology, geology, geotechnical and environmental site

assessments and investigations, and construction observation

โ€ข Willingness and ability to perform regular fieldwork in urban construction environments

โ€ข Ability to work flexible hours as required by construction schedules

โ€ข Strong written and verbal communication skills

โ€ข Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

โ€ข Detail oriented, resourceful, well organized, and self-motivated

โ€ข Valid driverโ€™s license


Preferred Experience (Not Required)

โ€ข Prior geotechnical field experience

โ€ข Geologist-In-Training certification

โ€ข Familiarity with Bay Area geology

โ€ข Familiarity with drilling operations and soil sampling methods

โ€ข Experience with construction observation or inspection

โ€ข Basic laboratory testing experience


What We Offer

โ€ข Hands-on field experience on major urban construction projects for public sector clients

โ€ข Direct mentorship from licensed geotechnical engineers and geologists

โ€ข Exposure to a wide range of foundation systems and ground improvement methods

โ€ข Training in both field and laboratory procedures

โ€ข Career development in geotechnical and engineering geology practice


Work Environment

This position involves regular work on active construction sites and includes:

โ€ข Outdoor work in varying weather conditions

โ€ข Physical activity including standing, walking, and lifting field equipment

โ€ข Urban construction environments


Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package for full-time employees

including:

โ€ข Annual increases & bonus pay

โ€ข Medical, dental, and vision (optional)

โ€ข Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Accounts (optional)

โ€ข 401(k) and 401(k) matching after 1 year of employment (up to 4%)

โ€ข Vacation, Sick time, and 7 paid holidays

โ€ข LTD, Life, and AD&D Insurance

โ€ข Professional development opportunities


Salary Range:

Annual Salary Hourly Salary

Title Min Max Min Max

Staff Geologist $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 $33.65 - $40.86

Senior Staff Geologist $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 $38.46 - $48.07

Project Geologist $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 $52.88 - $67.30

Commitment to Diversity

AGS is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an

opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their

skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and

the way we do business at AGS and is an important principle of sound business management.


AGS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer


Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified

applicants with arrest and conviction records.