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Principal Geologist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Summary You will serve as a Geologist. You may perform a broad range of geological studies and ... Serve as principal advisor to the Field Manager on technical and regulatory actions affecting the ...

Principal Geologist information

See Utah salary details

$33.2K

$99.6K

$165.7K

How much do principal geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal geologist in Utah is $99,588.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $113,800.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Principal Geologist job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,588 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Barrick - Exploration Principal Geologist

Barrick Gold Corporation

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Barrick Gold rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description


Position Description:
Would you like to have a career with a collaborative, diverse, and dynamic mining company? We have an exciting opportunity for you!
Barrick is seeking an engaged, Exploration Principal Geologist to support the identification and advancement of high-quality exploration opportunities across its portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the discovery of world-class ore bodies by supporting both desktop and field-based evaluations, including data compilation, geological modeling, and target generation.
The Principal Geologist will play a key role in shaping and advancing exploration opportunities at various stages of the pipeline. You will collaborate with talented, multidisciplinary exploration teams and technical leaders, contributing to exploration strategies while gaining exposure to a diverse range of geological settings and project types.
At Barrick, we are committed to a safe work environment, sending every person home safe and healthy every day and leaving a sustainable legacy on our host communities. We offer a generous benefits package which includes a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!
Responsibilities:
  • Provide a strong contribution to Barrick's safety culture and programs while encouraging and ensuring others do the same
  • Identify and support evaluation of third-party opportunities
  • Compile, clean, and analyze data using appropriate software platforms to develop and assess exploration targets
  • Develop 3D models to enable mineral exploration targeting and project assessment
  • Strong collaboration with technically skilled team to deliver Barrick's exploration strategy and growth ambitions
  • Generate new target concepts to expand Barrick's exploration footprint in North America
  • Collaborate with land and legal departments to facilitate the execution of confidentiality agreements
  • Work and communicate with potential business partners in a professional manner

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology or related field required
  • Master's Degree or PhD in related field preferred
  • Minimum 8 years progressive experience with a strong emphasis in exploration, mineral economics, and leadership required
  • A strong foundation of fundamentals of geology, exploration procedures, business acumen, and commercial skills required
  • Ability to work within a team environment and possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required
  • Broad knowledge of geology with experience across multiple terranes required
  • Broad experience across gold and copper deposit types required
  • Experience with a full range of targeting tools including, but not limited to geophysical, geochemical, remote sensing, and geologic field methods required
  • Ability to accurately develop complex 3D geologic models using Leapfrog required
  • Strong computer skills and proficient in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access) required
  • Excellent data and business analysis skills - ability to conduct detailed analysis, define milestones, and provide business logic and calculations required
  • Ability to deliver concise technical and business focused presentations and reports in simple to understand format to a broad audience of cross functional peers and stakeholders required
  • Organized, motivated self-starter with high standards expected of themselves and others required
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment required

What We Can Offer You
  • A comprehensive compensation package including a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution AND employer match, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
  • Endless opportunities to grow and learn with industry colleagues.
  • Access to a variety of career opportunities across the organization.
  • Barrick is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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About Us
Our mission is to be the world's most valued gold and copper mining business. We are committed to partnering with our host countries and communities to transform their natural resources into tangible benefits and mutual prosperity.
Barrick is a leading global mining, exploration and development company. With one of the largest portfolios of world-class and life-long gold and copper assets in the industry - including six of the world's Tier One gold mines - Barrick's operations an projects span 18 countries and five continents. Barrick is also the largest gold producer in the United States. We create real, long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible mining, strong partnerships, and a disciplined approach to growth. Barrick shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "B" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABX".
About the Team
Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is a joint venture between Barrick (61.5%) and Newmont (38.5%) that combined our significant assets across Nevada in 2019 to create the single largest gold-producing complex in the world. NGM produces approximately 3.5 million ounces of gold a year. The massive mining operation comprises eight mines along with their associated infrastructure and processing facilities and hosts three of Barrick's Tier One assets: Carlin, Cortez, and Turquoise Ridge. At NGM, our mission is to be the world's most valued gold mining business by finding, developing, and owning the best assets, with the best people, to deliver sustainable returns for our owners and partners.

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