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Part Time Geologist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Geologist information

How much does a geologist get paid per hour?

A part-time geologist typically earns between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialized skills, and the work environment, such as fieldwork or laboratory analysis.

What is a Part Time Geologist job?

A Part Time Geologist is a professional who applies geological principles to projects on a reduced or flexible schedule. They may work in environmental consulting, natural resources, or academia, conducting fieldwork, analyzing samples, and preparing reports. This role is ideal for those seeking work-life balance or supplemental income while still contributing expertise to geology-related tasks. Responsibilities vary by industry but often include data collection, site assessments, and geological mapping.

What are 5 potential jobs for geology?

A geologist can work in fields such as mineral and energy exploration, environmental consulting, groundwater and hydrology studies, natural hazard assessment, and geological surveying. These roles often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of geological tools and software. Opportunities exist in government agencies, consulting firms, and resource companies.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Geologist, you typically need a degree in geology or earth sciences along with strong analytical and fieldwork abilities. Familiarity with GIS software, geotechnical instruments, and relevant environmental or safety certifications is important for accurate data collection and analysis. Strong communication, organization, and adaptability are crucial for balancing project deadlines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities enable precise geological assessments and effective contributions within part-time and project-based work settings.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Part Time Geologist, and how flexible are the work hours?

Part Time Geologists often assist with collecting and analyzing soil, rock, or water samples, conducting site assessments, supporting environmental monitoring, and providing technical reports for ongoing projects. Work hours can be quite flexible, depending on project needs and deadlines—some roles may require set field days while others allow remote data analysis and reporting. You may collaborate with full-time geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists, contributing to both routine monitoring and specialized studies. This flexibility makes the role a great fit for those seeking to balance professional experience with other personal or academic commitments.

Is a BA in geology worth it?

A Bachelor of Arts in geology provides foundational knowledge for entry-level geology positions, but many roles prefer a Bachelor of Science due to the technical skills involved. The degree can lead to careers in environmental consulting, resource exploration, or research, often requiring additional certifications or field experience.

Is there a high demand for geologists?

The demand for geologists, including part-time roles, is generally steady due to ongoing needs in natural resource exploration, environmental assessment, and hazard analysis. Employment opportunities can vary by industry and region, with skills in data analysis and fieldwork being valuable. Overall, geologists are expected to have stable job prospects, especially with relevant certifications and experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Part Time Geologist jobs in Utah? For Part Time Geologist jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Part Time Geologist jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Geologist jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Part Time Geologist jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Part Time Geologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Geologist job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Field Paleontologist - Project Geologist

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$36.04 - $46/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

FIELD PALEONTOLOGIST (PROJECT GEOLOGIST)This position may be filled at the geologist or project geologist level depending on experience and qualifications.
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $36.04 - $46.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - HybridRecruiter - Karen Weir kweir@utah.gov 8015387425
Application Deadline - 8/6/2026
Job DescriptionThe GeologicMapping and Paleontology Program of the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is seekinga full time permanent Preparator - Field Paleontologist. This is a unique opportunity to build a career focused on FieldPaleontology in Utah. This position will be focused on fulfilling Utahpaleontology regulation regarding the documentation, preservation, andpromotion of Utah's vast paleontological resource. Funded by UGS base fundingsupplemented by Federal projects at multiple scales including projects for NPS,BLM, USFS, and Statemap. Theincumbent will be responsible for overseeing paleontological field work and thepreparation lab for a variety of paleontological projects with a focus on resourceinventory, salvage, and research in support of understanding Utah's geologicalhistory and stratigraphic framework. Maintenance of Utah's ever growingPaleontological Locality Database is a critical part of the program and with25,000 records it is unrivaled anywhere.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:
  • Oversee fossil preparation in UGS preparation lab by insuring equipment is operational, preparing significant fossils, overseeing volunteers, organizing the transfer of prepared specimens into appropriate repositories.
    Supervise paleontological field work by overseeing base camp operations, excavations, volunteers, collecting field data, and creating digital paleontological locality files.
  • Perform geologic field work that includes putting paleontological field data into geological context stratigraphically and geographically.
  • Prepare paleontological permit applications, supporting materials, and final reports for federal and state agencies as needed working with State Paleontologist.
  • Review paleontological reports and publications for UGS, external scientists, and students.
    Address review comments and complete reports on time for contract deliverables, provide timely reviews of geologic publications in collaboration with other UGS staff and outside geoscientists.
  • Work closely with the State Paleontologist to address issues related to paleontological resource management on public lands.
  • Develop paleontological and geologic expertise for Utah and share this expertise via conferences, publishing, and public interaction.
  • Collaborate with other Utah Geological Survey staff and external scientists investigating the geological heritage of Utah.

Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
  • B.S. in Geology or Biology (Paleontology) required;M.S. or Ph.D. in Geology or Biology (Paleontology) is preferred.
  • May underfill based on candidates experiencelevel.
    • Project Geologist - must be licensed as a geologist in the state of Utah.
    • Geologist - doesn't require licensure, but the incumbent is generally working toward becoming licensed.
  • Must have experience in vertebrate fossilpreparation and field excavation.
  • Need to be able to assure personal safety in avariety of remote wilderness and urban settings.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
  • A track record of fossil preparation at both the micro and macro scale documented by portfolio of past fossil preparations.
  • Experience in both paleontological inventory investigations and overseeing large scale vertebrate fossil excavations.
  • Creating high quality digital quarry maps using ArcGIS (ArcPro), and other map related software.
    Experience conducting paleontological field work including fossil prospecting, site evaluation and documentation, excavation, quarry mapping, and stratigraphy.
  • Experience developing 3-D paleontological data through photogrammetry and other means.
  • Experience with field work that involves safe travel through various remote wilderness and urban settings, and remote four-wheel driving.
  • Experience preparing reports, papers, and presentations including supporting figures, tables, and summary materials.
  • Experience reviewing reports and providing constructive feedback to collaborators and coworkers.
  • Experience with Utah paleontology and geology.

About the Role
Location -
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B - Competitive Career Service
Work Schedule - Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week
Special Working Conditions or Physical Requirements -
  • The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas, defending oneself and/or others against physical attack.
  • Participate in remote fieldwork that involves cross-country hiking and travel on and off trails onfoot with a pack and equipment.
  • Current valid drivers license
  • Position will require frequent travel; occasionally overnight for up to several weeks at a time. Overnights often require camping.
  • Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.

Project Geologist - (Salary Range $36.04 - $54.12) This is a lead level job. Incumbents require limited direction and provide functional supervision to staff. Incumbents exercise independent judgement and utilize advanced expertise in geology to perform professional geologic duties. Conduct assigned research-oriented geological projects, implementing and monitoring plans and budgets on assigned projects. Must be Licensed as a Professional Geologist in the State of Utah.
Geologist - (Salary Range $32.32 - $48.56) This is a working level job. Under general supervision, incumbents exercise independent judgement and utilize training in geology to perform professional geologic duties. Conduct assigned research-oriented geological projects, implementing and monitoring plans and budgets on assigned projects.
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyUtahpreserves the most complete fossil record of the entire history of life ofnearly any place on Earth and is particularly known for its spectaculardinosaur record. Utah is a geological wonderland from its well-known red rockcanyon country to its complicated basin and range geology, upland plateaus andmountains. This position is a uniquechance to build a career studying and documenting the unique paleontologicalrecord of Utah. The applicant will be joining one of the most successful StateGeological Survey programs in the U.S. with a long track record of publishingstandard setting geologic andpaleontological reports and peer reviewed journal articles. The Utah Geological Survey is a diverse earth science organization that includes groups working on Energy and Mineral Resources, Geologic Hazards, Information and Outreach, and Hydrologyand Wetlands. The Utah GeologicalSurvey believes that an ethical, motivated, and experienced work force arecornerstones of institutional,scientific, and creative excellence and are inextricably linked with ourmission, vision, and values.
Utah Geological Survey
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Paleontology Program
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.