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Principal Engineering Geologist Jobs in California

Apex Companies

Environmental Principal

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

Environmental Principal Signal Hill, CA Apex Companies is a national leader in water resources ... Licensure as Professional Geologist or Engineer. * Established client relationships and an active ...

WSP

Vice President Environmental Geologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

WSP's Irvine office provides a broad range of services in engineering and environmental sciences ... Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level ...

WSP

Vice President Environmental Geologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

WSP's Irvine office provides a broad range of services in engineering and environmental sciences ... Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Engineering Geologist JobsPrincipal Engineering Geologist Jobs in California

Principal Engineering Geologist information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal engineering geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineering geologist in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal engineering geologist?

Principal Engineering Geologists are highly experienced professionals who assess geological factors that can impact engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, buildings, and roads. They analyze soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials to provide recommendations for safe and effective construction. Their role often involves leading teams, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also liaising with clients and other engineers. Principal Engineering Geologists play a critical part in minimizing geological risks and ensuring sustainable development.

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

To thrive as a Principal Engineering Geologist, you need advanced expertise in geology, geotechnical analysis, and risk assessment, typically supported by a relevant degree and significant field experience. Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GIS systems, and experience with site investigation techniques and reporting standards is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers by enabling effective collaboration and client interactions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, compliance, and success of complex engineering projects involving ground conditions and environmental risks.

How does a principal engineering geologist typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large infrastructure projects?

A Principal Engineering Geologist works closely with civil engineers, environmental scientists, project managers, and contractors to assess site conditions and advise on ground-related risks. They often lead geotechnical investigations, interpret data, and present findings to ensure that geological factors are fully integrated into design and construction plans. Effective communication and coordination are crucial, as their recommendations can directly impact project safety, cost, and timelines. Regular meetings and site visits are common, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and aligned throughout the project.

What is the difference between Principal Engineering Geologist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Engineering GeologistGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsGeology degree, professional geology license, advanced certificationsGeotechnical engineering degree, engineering license, certifications in geotechnical analysis
Work EnvironmentField investigations, site assessments, geological mappingLaboratory testing, design of foundations, slope stability analysis
Industry UsageMining, environmental consulting, natural resource explorationConstruction, infrastructure projects, civil engineering firms

The Principal Engineering Geologist primarily focuses on geological assessments, site investigations, and environmental considerations, often working in natural resource and environmental sectors. In contrast, Geotechnical Engineers concentrate on soil and rock mechanics to design foundations and support structures. Both roles require specialized credentials and are vital in construction and environmental projects, but they differ in their core expertise and typical work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineering Geologist jobs in California?

For Principal Engineering Geologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Engineering Geologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Engineering Geologist jobs in California are:

Principal Engineering Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineering Geologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Assistant Vice President Environmental Geologist

WSP

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is looking for an Assistant Vice President, Environmental Geologist for our Irvine, California Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) team with experience in consulting, selling, managing, designing and implementing environmental multi-media remediation programs for a variety of clients in the Industrial, Government, Energy, Oil & Gas and Transportation sectors.
We are looking for a candidate who is excited and motivated about the opportunity to help expand our environmental consulting business in California and the West. WSP's Irvine office provides a broad range of services in engineering and environmental sciences including environmental assessment and remediation, water/wastewater engineering, water resources, environmental compliance, geotechnical design, stormwater infrastructure design, materials testing, and decision analysis.
Your Impact
  • Perform business development within the various sectors for environmental remediation, engineering and related services
  • Perform design, oversight, mentorship and direct the efforts of staff- and project-level geologists and environmental scientists
  • Assist preparation of technical reports and proposals
  • Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level employees in the office and firm-wide
  • Manage multiple projects, being responsible for ensuring that deliverables, schedules and budgets are achieved
  • Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
  • Travel to project(s) as needed, for the execution of project goals and business development
  • Meet sales, revenue and delivery goals
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • BS in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related science field
  • 12+ years related environmental investigation/remediation and sales experience
  • Strong work ethic
  • Must be a self-starter, team oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Previous experience working with remediation/assessment projects involving the California Regional Quality Water Quality Control Board, DTSC and/or one of the local CUPAs
  • Ability to work with, mentor, and direct geologists, scientists, and technicians
  • Consulting experience with investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, including sites impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, chlorinated solvents, PCBs, and/or PFAS. Must have consulting experience in soil gas and vapor intrusion issues
  • Oversee remedy construction and operation and maintenance of environmental project work
  • Project management experience with mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
  • Works independently and provides guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency with office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most cost-effective responses that will minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources.
  • Ability to interact with a wide variety of sources, including project managers, clients, and sector-wide staff.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
  • Must pass drug test, physical, background check and
  • Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Geology
  • California Professional Geologist's License
  • PMP Certification
  • 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120)
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR

WSP Benefits
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation
Expected Salary (California): $118,900 - $176,550
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-AB2
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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