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Professional Geologist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We ... AECOM is currently seeking an Entry-Level Geologist for employment near Portland, OR. In this role ...

... professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We ... AECOM is currently seeking an Entry-Level Geologist for employment near Portland, OR. In this role ...

Senior Environmental Geologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$102K - $158K/yr

Are you an exceptional Environmental Site Investigation/Remediation (SI/REM) Geologist Professional looking for an opportunity to grow and expand your career and lead the growth and expansion of our ...

Are you an exceptional Environmental Site Investigation/Remediation (SI/REM) Geologist Professional looking for an opportunity to grow and expand your career and lead the growth and expansion of our ...

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 8, 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 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 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 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 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 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Oregon 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, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,443 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

This position is located Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6, Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Ann Niesen at ann.niesen@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.

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.
Basic Requirements:
GS-1315 Series:

A. Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Experience: Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
Applicants with related experience in hydrology gained through earlier Federal Government employment might have gained that experience in one or more occupational series. Such series include Soil Conservation, GS-457; Forestry, GS-460; Soil Science, GS-470; Civil Engineering, GS-810; Chemistry, GS-1320; Meteorology, GS-1340; and Geology, GS-1350. Comparable non-Federal experience may be given similar credit.
Basic Requirements:
GS-1350 Series:

Degree: 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. General/Specialized Experience (HR/SME): Review statement suggested by HR and/or describe the specialized experience required upon entry for the position. If you are recruiting for two or more grade levels, please describe the specialized experience requirements for each grade level. Note that your suggestion(s) may be edited by the HR practitioner to ensure it meets the guidelines and best practices for writing specialized experience statements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09. Specialized experience is defined as 2 or more of the following:
  • Conducted geological studies and investigations on a variety of projects where geology and mineral activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources;
  • applied geologic principles to methods of prospecting, exploration, development, and mining, including investigating and determining the geologic limitations and capacities of projects in a specific geographical area;
  • developed and analyzed data and prepared reports related to the responsiveness of implementation plans for environmental protection programs, including reviewing and coordinating the preparation of comments on complex environmental impact statements;
  • Select standard methods and procedures to plan and carry out routine hydrologic projects;
  • Collect and analyze data regarding water characteristics, rainfall, etc. used to make forecasts;
  • Write hydrologic reports for NEPA documents.
OR
Completed 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and the study wasobtained.in an accredited college or university.
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.) and the education was obtained in an accredited college or university.
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