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Principal Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Senior Principal Geologist

Redmond, WA · On-site

Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager (P6) This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager to join our Pacific Northwest Site Investigation ...

WSP

Senior Principal Geologist

Redmond, WA · On-site

Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager (P6) This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager to join our Pacific Northwest Site Investigation ...

WSP

Senior Principal Geologist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$126 - $175/hr

Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager (P6) This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager to join our Pacific Northwest Site Investigation ...

NACCO Industries

Senior/Principal Geologist

Plano, TX · On-site

Regular The senior geologist will be responsible for organizing and interpreting geologic data as ... Knowledge of geostatistical principals and geostatistical modeling is required * Competent in basic ...

Sawtooth Mining

Geologist

Winnemucca, NV

Reporting to the Principal Geologist, the Geologist will collaborate closely with mining operations, environmental teams, contractors, and technical personnel across the site. Work Location: Thacker ...

Sawtooth Mining

Geologist

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

Reporting to the Principal Geologist, the Geologist will collaborate closely with mining operations, environmental teams, contractors, and technical personnel across the site. Work Location: Thacker ...

Fugro

Senior Geologist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$123K/yr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direction of the Principal Geologist, demonstrate proficient report/proposal writing and verbal communication skills. Work on geologic hazard assessment and site ...

Fugro

Senior Geologist

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$123K/yr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direction of the Principal Geologist, demonstrate proficient report/proposal writing and verbal communication skills. Work on geologic hazard assessment and site ...

Fugro-Geoteam AS

Senior Geologist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$110.92 - $135.56/hr

Under the direction of the Principal Geologist, demonstrate proficient report/proposal writing and verbal communication skills. Work on geologic hazard assessment and site characterization for ...

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Principal Geologist information

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How much do principal geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal geologist in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal geologist?

A Principal Geologist is a senior-level geoscientist who leads geological projects, provides technical expertise, and manages teams within organizations such as mining companies, environmental consultancies, or government agencies. They are responsible for designing and overseeing geological investigations, interpreting data, and making recommendations based on their findings. Principal Geologists often play a key role in project planning, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Their extensive experience allows them to mentor junior staff and contribute to strategic decision-making within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Geologist, you need advanced expertise in geological science, extensive fieldwork experience, and a relevant degree such as geology or earth sciences, often supplemented by professional registration (e.g., P.Geo or CPG). Proficiency with geological modeling software, GIS tools, and data analysis platforms is commonly required, alongside familiarity with regulatory and reporting standards. Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills help you guide teams and effectively liaise with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and successful execution of complex geological projects.

What are some typical challenges principal geologists face when leading multidisciplinary projects?

Principal Geologists often oversee complex projects that require collaboration with engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies. Coordinating these diverse teams can be challenging due to differing priorities and communication styles. Additionally, Principal Geologists must ensure that geological assessments align with project goals, budgets, and timelines while adhering to safety and environmental standards. Strong leadership, clear communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and deliver high-quality outcomes.

What is the difference between Principal Geologist vs Senior Geologist?

AspectPrincipal GeologistSenior Geologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, often with 10+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Geology, typically with 5-10 years experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, and coordinate with clientsConduct fieldwork, data analysis, and support project execution
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, oil & gas, mining, environmental companiesMining companies, environmental agencies, consulting firms

The Principal Geologist typically holds a senior leadership role, overseeing projects and teams, while the Senior Geologist focuses more on technical fieldwork and data analysis. Both roles require strong geological expertise, but the Principal Geologist has greater managerial responsibilities and client interaction.

How much does a principal geologist make in the US?

A principal geologist in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior-level roles often include leadership responsibilities and require advanced geological knowledge and certifications.

What does a principal geologist do?

A principal geologist leads geological research and exploration projects, overseeing fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting. They often coordinate teams, utilize geological software, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This role typically requires extensive experience in geology and relevant certifications.
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Principal Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Senior Principal Geologist

WSP

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as a senior technical expert and reviewer for site investigation, remediation, groundwater, and environmental compliance projects.

  • Lead development of conceptual site models, investigation strategies, remedial alternatives analyses, and corrective action approaches.

  • Lead technical aspects of complex site investigation and remediation projects from planning through implementation.

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


Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager (P6)
This Opportunity
WSP is seeking a Senior Principal Geologist / Senior Technical Manager to join our Pacific Northwest Site Investigation & Remediation Team. This role is designed for a recognized technical leader with extensive experience in environmental investigation, remediation, regulatory strategy, and client advisory services.
The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor for complex environmental projects involving contaminated sites, groundwater, sediment, and remedial actions. Working closely with clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary project teams, they will provide senior technical leadership, support strategic project pursuits, and help deliver innovative, practical solutions to challenging environmental problems.
Based in Redmond, Washington or Portland, Oregon, this position offers opportunities to lead high-visibility projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and collaborate with WSP experts nationwide.
Your Impact
Technical Leadership and Subject Matter Expertise
  1. Serve as a senior technical expert and reviewer for site investigation, remediation, groundwater, and environmental compliance projects.
  2. Lead development of conceptual site models, investigation strategies, remedial alternatives analyses, and corrective action approaches.
  3. Provide technical oversight of complex environmental assessments and remedial programs under MTCA, CERCLA, RCRA, and related regulatory frameworks.
  4. Interpret complex environmental, hydrogeologic, geochemical, and regulatory data to support sound technical and business decisions.
  5. Deliver technical excellence through peer review and quality assurance of project work products.

Client and Regulatory Advisory Services
  1. Serve as a trusted advisor to public- and private-sector clients on environmental liability, remediation strategy, compliance, and risk management.
  2. Maintain productive working relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local regulatory agencies.
  3. Support remedy selection, regulatory negotiations, permit compliance, and long-term site management decisions.
  4. Effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to clients, regulators, stakeholders, and project teams.

Project Leadership and Delivery
  1. Lead technical aspects of complex site investigation and remediation projects from planning through implementation.
  2. Collaborate with project managers to develop scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and technical approaches.
  3. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, chemists, toxicologists, risk assessors, GIS specialists, and data managers.
  4. Support successful project execution while maintaining technical quality, safety, and client satisfaction.

Business Development and Market Growth
  1. Leverage existing client relationships to support continued growth of WSP's Site Investigation & Remediation practice.
  2. Contribute technical leadership to proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits.
  3. Identify opportunities to expand services for existing clients and develop new client relationships.
  4. Represent WSP at industry conferences, professional organizations, and regulatory forums.

Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
  1. Mentor junior and mid-level staff in technical practices, problem solving, and client service.
  2. Support development of future technical leaders within the organization.
  3. Promote collaboration, innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Required Qualifications
  1. B.S. degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
  2. 12+ years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience.
  3. Professional registration as a Licensed Hydrogeologist (LHG), Professional Geologist (PG), or equivalent credential.
  4. Demonstrated expertise with Washington MTCA, Oregon environmental regulations, CERCLA, RCRA, and associated regulatory programs.
  5. Significant experience leading contaminated site investigations and remedial actions.
  6. Strong technical writing, data interpretation, and communication skills.
  7. Proven ability to manage complex technical issues and client relationships.
  8. Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
  9. Commitment to safety, quality, and professional excellence.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. M.S. degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
  2. Recognized technical expertise in remediation, groundwater investigations, contaminated sediment, or environmental compliance programs.
  3. Established relationships with Pacific Northwest industrial, utility, municipal, state, or federal clients.
  4. Experience supporting large, multi-stakeholder remediation programs.
  5. OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
  6. History of successful proposal support and project capture activities.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a 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 (all locations): $125,600 - $175,000
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.
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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