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Professional Geologist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Professional Engineering and/or Certified Engineering Geologist license in Oregon, Washington, or California (or ability to obtain licensure).Valid driver's license.Physical RequirementsUse computers ...

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Professional Geologist information

See Oregon salary details

$38.1K

$81.4K

$131.6K

How much do professional geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional geologist in Oregon is $81,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $98,300.00 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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Professional Geologist jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Professional Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Geologist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,443 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Senior Engineering Geologist

Quanta Services

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 80 rated construction


Job description

QISG leverages Quanta’s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.


Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.


A Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG is involved in a variety of geo-structuralengineering projects with a focus on foundation engineering and an emphasis on design-build delivery methods for large-scale energy generation and transmission-related projects.Collaborating with an in-house, multi-disciplinary engineering and construction team —including civil, structural, geotechnical, GIS, construction management, and construction experts— a Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG plays a crucial role in providing geo-structurald esign solutions on large scale projects; responsibilities include overseeing and supportingdesign production, development of construction drawings and specifications, engineering support during construction, and interacting with key project stakeholders as a leader within the geostructural engineering team.

This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing pre-construction geotechnical investigations, geologic hazard assessments, geotechnical engineering calculationsand modeling, and design document development to support foundation, retaining wall, and/orgeneral civil construction. The Senior Engineering Geologist will be expected to apply standardand advanced engineering principles to solve complex problems. A successful candidate is able to utilize sound geotechnical engineering judgment, and digital technologies to develop economical solutions and communicate effectively with project management, technical, construction, and company personnel as well as company leadership.


  • Support a team of engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, and staff, working on various types of civil engineering structures, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Execute assignments requiring application of standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out geo-structural engineering tasks.
  • Interface closely with other project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, substation, and civil engineering, GIS, and construction management team members.
  • Participate in oversight and management of field subcontractor activities, such as geotechnical drilling and testing and/or forensics studies.
  • Develop written reports and/or provide verbal communication of information in a professional and appropriate manner.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure cost-effective solutions.
  • Take responsible charge of geologic hazard modeling for geotechnical design, including seismic/fault characterization and flood/scour modeling.
  • Implement and oversee quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials.
  • Work under supervision of Engineering Director or Engineering Manager in a professional office setting.
  • Performs special projects and completes other job-related duties as assigned

  • Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Geologic Science or related field
  • Professional Geologist (PG) and/or Specialty (ChG, EG) licensure
  • Minimum ten (10) years experience in the geotechnical, transmission, or substation engineering field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Familiarity with use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and associated software for collection and analysis of large geological and geotechnical data sets.
  • Familiarity with engineering analyses for soil and rock slope stability and design of deep foundations and retaining structures utilizing modern computer software (SLIDE, DIPS, Rocslope, LPILE, GROUP, SHAFT, etc.).
  • Experience with construction-phase geotechnical services, including quality control observation, contractor coordination, and execution of civil specifications

QISG Benefits Highlights

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
  • 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
  • Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
  • Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Accident Insurance
    • Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
    • Critical Illness
    • Hospital Indemnity
    • Pet Insurance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


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