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Principal Engineering Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ITASCA North America

Principal Geochemist

Denver, CO

$150K - $200K/yr

Principal Geochemist ITASCA North America | U.S.-based About the role ITASCA North America is ... Experience integrating geochemistry with hydrogeology, geomechanics, engineering geology, numerical ...

ECS Ltd

Geotechnical Principal Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Responsibilities may also include mentoring Associate Principals * Responsibilities may also ... Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar ...

ECS Ltd

Geotechnical Principal Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

Responsibilities may also include mentoring Associate Principals * Responsibilities may also ... Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar ...

ECS Ltd

Geotechnical Principal Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Responsibilities may also include mentoring Associate Principals * Responsibilities may also ... Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar ...

NACCO Industries

Senior/Principal Geologist

Plano, TX · On-site

Knowledge of geostatistical principals and geostatistical modeling is required * Competent in basic ... geologists, mining engineers, marketing personnel, company management, contractors and other ...

ECS Ltd

Geotechnical Principal Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Responsibilities may also include mentoring Associate Principals * Responsibilities may also ... Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar ...

Terraphase Engineering Inc

Principal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Minimum of Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related discipline. * State professional licensing is preferred. * A strong understanding ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineering Geologist Jobs

Principal Engineering Geologist information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineering geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineering geologist in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of geologist gets paid the most?

Principal engineering geologists tend to earn higher salaries due to their advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, and experience in managing complex projects. Salaries can also vary based on industry, location, and certifications such as Professional Geologist (PG) licensure, with those working in consulting or resource extraction often earning more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Engineering Geologist, and why are they important?

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 are Principal Engineering Geologists?

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.

How much does a principal geologist make in the US?

A principal engineering geologist in the US typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior roles often include leadership responsibilities and require advanced certifications or specialized skills in geology and environmental assessment.

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 is the highest paid geologist?

Principal Engineering Geologists are among the highest-paid geologists, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications. Salaries can exceed $100,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and specialization in areas like environmental or geotechnical geology.

Is there a high demand for geologists?

The demand for geologists, including principal engineering geologists, is generally steady due to ongoing needs in environmental assessment, natural resource exploration, and infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities are often influenced by industry activity, regulatory requirements, and regional development, with specialized skills in site investigation and geotechnical analysis being highly valued.
More about Principal Engineering Geologist jobs
What states have the most Principal Engineering Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Engineering Geologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineering Geologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineering Geologist jobs are:
Principal Engineering Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineering Geologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Geochemist

Principal Geochemist

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site, Remote

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide senior technical leadership on mining geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mine water, and environmental projects.

  • Lead and review work involving geochemical characterization, water quality modeling, acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mine waste, tailings, pit lake modeling, seepage, closure planning, permitting support, and impact assessment.

  • Design, direct, and review field and laboratory programs, including static and kinetic testing, water sampling, material characterization, and geochemical data collection.

Job description

Principal Geochemist
ITASCA North America | U.S.-based
About the role
ITASCA North America is seeking a Principal Geochemist to provide technical leadership, grow client relationships, mentor staff, and strengthen our geochemistry practice across the U.S. and North America.
This role is suited for a senior geochemistry professional with strong technical credibility, practical judgment, and experience leading complex mining and environmental projects. Mining experience is strongly preferred, particularly in water quality modeling; geochemical characterization of mine waste, ore, and tailings; acid rock drainage; metal leaching; closure; and environmental support across the mine life cycle.
Why this role matters
Geochemistry plays a critical role in how mining projects are planned, permitted, operated, closed, and monitored over the long term.
As a Principal Geochemist, you will help clients understand how mined materials, water, geology, and environmental conditions interact, and what those interactions mean for water quality, risk, mine planning, waste management, permitting, operations, and closure.
You will also help grow ITASCA North America's integrated consulting practice by building trusted client relationships, mentoring staff, guiding technical teams, and connecting geochemistry with our hydrogeology, geomechanics, engineering geology, and numerical modeling capabilities.
What you'll do
  • Provide senior technical leadership on mining geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mine water, and environmental projects.
  • Lead and review work involving geochemical characterization, water quality modeling, acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mine waste, tailings, pit lake modeling, seepage, closure planning, permitting support, and impact assessment.
  • Guide conceptual geochemical and hydrogeochemical models that connect source materials, water-rock interaction, transport pathways, and potential receptors.
  • Design, direct, and review field and laboratory programs, including static and kinetic testing, water sampling, material characterization, and geochemical data collection.
  • Translate complex geochemical information into practical recommendations for mine planning, environmental management, permitting, operations, and closure.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and senior client contact.
  • Develop client relationships, identify opportunities, and lead proposals, scopes, budgets, schedules, and project strategy.
  • Mentor technical staff and support high-quality project delivery through review, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

What you bring
Required
  • Advanced degree in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, environmental engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
  • 20+ years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proven technical excellence and sound professional judgment in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, or environmental geoscience.
  • Strong experience with mining-related geochemistry, including water quality prediction, geochemical characterization, acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mine waste, tailings, and closure.
  • Experience leading, managing, directing, and reviewing complex technical projects.
  • Strong client-facing communication skills.
  • Experience mentoring staff and contributing to business development.

Strongly valued
  • Established client relationships in mining, environmental, water resources, or related sectors.
  • Experience developing and winning consulting work.
  • Experience with PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench, MIN3P, and similar geochemical modeling tools.
  • Experience with groundwater/surface water quality, mine water management, pit lake chemistry, waste rock, tailings, heap leach facilities, and closure systems.
  • Experience integrating geochemistry with hydrogeology, geomechanics, engineering geology, numerical modeling, permitting, and regulatory engagement.
  • Professional registration by a recognized organization, or ability to obtain registration where required.
  • Recognition in the geochemistry, mining, mine water, or environmental consulting community.

Why ITASCA
For more than 45 years, ITASCA has helped clients solve complex geomechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology challenges through technical depth, practical judgment, and innovation.
At ITASCA, you will work on challenging projects where standard approaches are often not enough. Our work combines field experience, scientific and engineering interpretation, advanced analysis, and state-of-the-art ITASCA software to help clients make better decisions.
We are a collaborative, collegial, employee-owned company where technical excellence, curiosity, mentorship, mutual respect, and shared success matter. This is a place for senior professionals who want meaningful influence with clients, colleagues, and the direction of a growing North American consulting practice.
Location and travel
This is a full-time position based in the United States. The preferred location is Denver/Lakewood, Colorado, but other U.S. locations, including hybrid/remote work options, may be considered for the right candidate.
Travel will be expected for client meetings, site visits, conferences, business development, and internal collaboration.
ITASCA may provide employment-based visa sponsorship (e.g. H1-B, L-1, TN, etc.) for this role, subject to business needs, candidate qualifications, and immigration regulations.
Compensation and benefits
We value your contributions and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Performance bonuses, including cash and company stock
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
  • Generous paid time off from day one
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

The anticipated salary range is $150,000-$200,000. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.
Take the next step in your career and become a valued member of our employee-owned company. Join us at ITASCA, where innovation meets excellence!
ITASCA is an equal opportunity employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

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