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Resource Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

Terra AI was founded to help solve this problem by redefining how critical resources are discovered ... The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent ...

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Building an area of expertise and internal reputation as a technical resource * Comprehensive ...

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Building an area of expertise and internal reputation as a technical resource * Comprehensive ...

As a Project Geologist, you will play a key role in conducting geological and environmental ... Building an area of expertise and internal reputation as a technical resource * Comprehensive ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185 - $250/hr

Terra AI was founded to help solve this problem by redefining how critical resources are discovered ... The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

Terra AI was founded to help solve this problem by redefining how critical resources are discovered ... The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent ...

Essel Environmental is the go-to resource for responsive, high-quality environmental, engineering and emergency response services. We are looking for Geologist to join the team! Primary ...

Essel Environmental is the go-to resource for responsive, high-quality environmental, engineering and emergency response services. We are looking for Geologist to join the team! Primary ...

Essel Environmental is the go-to resource for responsive, high-quality environmental, engineering and emergency response services. We are looking for Geologist to join the team! Primary ...

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Resource Geologist information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$76K

$122.9K

How much do resource geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for resource geologist in California is $76,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a resource geologist?

A Resource Geologist is responsible for estimating and evaluating mineral resources in mining and exploration projects. They analyze geological data, create resource models, and assess the quantity and quality of ore deposits. Their work involves using software to interpret drill results, geological mapping, and statistical methods to ensure accurate resource estimates. Resource Geologists collaborate with engineers, geologists, and project managers to support mine development and operational decisions. Their expertise is crucial for determining the economic viability of mining projects and optimizing resource extraction.

What does a resource geologist do?

A typical day for a Resource Geologist often involves analyzing geological data, developing and updating resource models, and preparing technical reports for internal and external stakeholders. The role requires frequent collaboration with exploration geologists, mining engineers, and environmental professionals to ensure resource estimates are accurate and usable for project planning. Resource Geologists may split their time between office-based data analysis and periodic field visits to collect samples or validate interpretations. This blend of teamwork and independent work offers diverse challenges and opportunities to contribute directly to project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a resource geologist?

To thrive as a Resource Geologist, a strong background in geology, resource estimation, and mineral exploration, often supported by a relevant degree, is essential. Familiarity with geological modeling software such as Datamine, Surpac, or Leapfrog, as well as experience with GIS and data analysis tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Resource Geologists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present technical findings. These competencies enable accurate resource evaluation and ensure projects adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

How to become a good resource geologist?

A resource geologist needs a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field, along with strong analytical and field skills. Gaining experience through internships, developing proficiency with geological mapping and modeling software, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance expertise and career prospects.

Is there a high demand for resource geologists?

Resource geologists are in demand due to ongoing needs in mineral exploration, mining, and environmental assessment. Employment opportunities are often influenced by commodity prices, technological advancements, and regulatory factors, with roles typically requiring fieldwork, data analysis, and geological modeling skills.

What are popular job titles related to Resource Geologist jobs in California?

For Resource Geologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Resource Geologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Resource Geologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Resource Geologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Resource Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Resource Geologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,022 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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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