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Professional Geologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering ... Technical knowledge: apply foundational geology/science principles to support site investigations ...

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... professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering ... Technical knowledge: apply foundational geology/science principles to support site investigations ...

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Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of ... S. in Geology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Environmental Chemistry, or closely related ...

Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of ... S. in Geology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Environmental Chemistry, or closely related ...

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Professional Geologist information

See Minnesota salary details

$35.3K

$75.4K

$121.9K

How much do professional geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional geologist in Minnesota is $75,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $91,100.00 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 is generally steady, especially in sectors such as environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, and hazard assessment. Employment opportunities are influenced by industry needs, government projects, and technological advancements like GIS and remote sensing. Job growth varies by region and specialization but remains positive overall.

What type of professional geologist gets paid the most?

Petroleum geologists typically earn the highest salaries among professional geologists due to their work in oil and gas exploration, which often involves advanced technical skills and on-site fieldwork. Geologists working in the oil and gas industry, especially those with specialized expertise and certifications, tend to have higher compensation compared to environmental or academic geologists.

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

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Geologist jobs in Minnesota?

For Professional Geologist jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Professional Geologist job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,444 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Supervisory Interdisciplinary (Civil Engineer/Geologist)

Saint Paul, MN


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About the Position:
This position is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, Engineering and Construction Division (E&C). The St. Paul District E&C designs water resource projects to benefit the people of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northeastern North Dakota, portions of South Dakota and Iowa, and the nation. These projects support inland navigation, flood risk management, and environmental restoration. E&C also provides emergency response to disasters.Qualifications:Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Supervisory Civil Engineer:
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf for more detail on acceptable combinations.
Basic Requirement for Supervisory Geologist:
A.
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) 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
B.
Combination of Education and Experience: Course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.(Note: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. 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. 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 one of the basic requirements above, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-13
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting all of the following: 1) Study the designing of civil
works projects such as foundations, soils, and/or material aspects of earth or rock structures; 2) apply professional engineering methods for the design of large or complex Civil Works projects; and 3) lead engineers or geologists in completion of planning, design, and/or construction support. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
"Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted".
Selective Placement Factor: The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess and maintain license/registration as a Professional Engineer and/or Professional Geologist. This license/registration must be in good standing and issued by any one of the 50 states, or its territories: (Note: You are required to submit your up-to-date license from any state or territory with your applicant package.)Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER


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