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Professional Geologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to a wide range of geological settings ...

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to a wide range of geological settings ...

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to a wide range of geological settings ...

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to a wide range of geological settings ...

Geologist DEPARTMENT: Engineering LOCATION: Carlota Copper Company - Miami AZ POSITION REPORTS TO ... professionals. * Career Pathways: Exposure to a variety of career opportunities across the ...

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The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu ... The position operates with minimal supervision, exercises sound professional judgment, and ...

The Senior Geologist will lead core logging, geological interpretation and modeling, drilling ... We connect experienced professionals with career opportunities across the mining, heavy civil ...

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The Senior Geologist will lead core logging, geological interpretation and modeling, drilling ... We connect experienced professionals with career opportunities across the mining, heavy civil ...

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Senior Geologist Employment Type: Direct Hire Location: Arizona Recruiting Partner: Turner Staffing ... We specialize in connecting experienced professionals with career opportunities across the mining ...

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The Senior Geologist will lead core logging, geological interpretation and modeling, drilling ... We connect experienced professionals with career opportunities across the mining, heavy civil ...

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Senior Geologist Employment Type: Direct Hire Location: Arizona Recruiting Partner: Turner Staffing ... We specialize in connecting experienced professionals with career opportunities across the mining ...

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Professional Geologist information

See Arizona salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$116K

How much do professional geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional geologist in Arizona is $71,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional geologist?

Professional Geologists are licensed experts who study the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes to solve problems related to natural resources, environmental protection, and land use. They often work in fields such as environmental consulting, mining, oil and gas exploration, and government regulation. Professional Geologists analyze soil, rock, and water samples, prepare reports, and provide recommendations based on their findings. To become licensed, they typically need a degree in geology, relevant work experience, and to pass a professional examination. Their work helps ensure public safety and responsible management of natural resources.

What are some common challenges professional geologists face when conducting fieldwork?

Professional geologists often encounter challenges during fieldwork, such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and remote locations that can complicate data collection. Ensuring personal safety while handling specialized equipment and adhering to environmental regulations also requires careful planning. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as engineers and environmental scientists, are essential for overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring project success. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for managing unexpected changes and maintaining project timelines.

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

To thrive as a Professional Geologist, you need a solid background in earth sciences, fieldwork experience, and typically a degree in geology or a related discipline, often accompanied by state licensure or certification. Familiarity with GIS software, geological mapping tools, and laboratory analytical systems is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help geologists interpret data and present findings clearly to diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing geological conditions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Professional Geologist vs Geoscientist?

AspectProfessional GeologistGeoscientist
CredentialsRequires state licensure, degree in geology, and work experienceTypically requires a degree in geoscience or related field; licensure not always required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, consulting, regulatory agencies, environmental firmsResearch, academia, industry analysis, government agencies
Industry UsageCommonly employed in environmental consulting, mining, oil & gas, regulationUsed across research, academia, energy, and environmental sectors

While both Professional Geologists and Geoscientists work in earth sciences, Professional Geologists are licensed professionals often involved in regulatory and consulting roles, whereas Geoscientists may focus more on research and analysis without licensure requirements.

Is there a high demand for professional geologists?

The demand for professional geologists remains steady due to ongoing needs in natural resource exploration, environmental consulting, and hazard assessment. Employment opportunities are often influenced by the energy, mining, and environmental sectors, with a requirement for strong fieldwork, data analysis, and technical skills. Job growth varies by region and industry trends, but overall, the profession offers stable prospects for qualified geologists.

What do professional geologists do?

Professional geologists study the Earth's materials, processes, and history to understand natural resources, environmental issues, and geological hazards. They conduct fieldwork, analyze samples, create maps, and use specialized tools and software to interpret geological data, often working in labs or in the field. Certification and strong knowledge of geology, chemistry, and physics are important for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Arizona are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Geologist jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Geologist jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Professional Geologist jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Professional Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Geologist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,784 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jorge Enriquez at jorge.enriquez@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Basic Requirement:
GS-1350 Series:

Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. Experience that involved only one phase of geology work, e.g., collecting samples, would not be acceptable as providing the required professional knowledge of the theory and principles of geology. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. Examples include some positions in geophysics, mining engineering, soils science, physical oceanography, hydrology, climatology, biology, analytic or experimental chemistry, metallurgy, and comparable fields where the normal duties or results of investigations have been extended to the solution of geologic problems by the applicant. Ordinary functions of positions such as seismic, computer, petroleum or mining engineer, mine superintendent, or metallurgist generally are not considered professional geological experience. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement listed above, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS 07 level: Applicants must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Assisted in the preparation of documents related to geological studies/programs or mineral resource studies or assessments; Assisted in the routine observation, measurement, inventorying, and recording of scientific data used to support geological studies; and/or Gathered information and researching data for geological studies using a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques where tasks involved research and analysis of data.
OR
One full year of graduate level education that is directly related;
OR
An appropriate combination of related graduate level education and specialized experience;
OR
Superior Academic Achievement (click the link to determine if you are eligible: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/;
The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GS 09 level: Applicants must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Collected, analyzed, and reviewed soil and rock sample data and reported findings in response to a geologic inquiry or as a result of reviewing a geologic map or report; Assisted with administering mineral locatable & saleable activities and provided standard data to higher level specialists; Assisted with inspecting mineral operations for compliance and resource impacts; and/or Conducted studies or investigations on projects where minerals and geology activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources.
OR
Successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level related graduate-level education leading to a master's degree and the study was obtained.in an accredited college or university.
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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