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Senior Geologist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

INTERA Incorporated

Senior Project Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$90K - $117K/yr

Description INTERA Incorporated is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Geological Engineer to join our Albuquerque, New Mexico, office. This position offers an ...

INTERA Careers

Senior Project Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$90K - $117K/yr

INTERA Incorporated is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Geological Engineer to join our Albuquerque, New Mexico, office. This position offers an exciting ...

AECOM

Program Manager - Mine Closure

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Serve as the senior day-to-day representative to the client. * Build trusted executive-level ... Geologists * Environmental Scientists * Construction Managers * Field Technicians * Craft Labor

AECOM

Program Manager - Mine Closure

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Serve as the senior day-to-day representative to the client. * Build trusted executive-level ... Geologists * Environmental Scientists * Construction Managers * Field Technicians * Craft Labor

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All JobsGeologist JobsSenior Geologist JobsSenior Geologist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Senior Geologist information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12.7K

$107.3K

$159.4K

How much do senior geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior geologist in Rio Rancho, NM is $107,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Geologist, you need strong expertise in geological mapping, data analysis, and field investigation, typically supported by an advanced degree in geology or earth sciences and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with GIS software, modeling tools, and data management systems, as well as certifications like Professional Geologist (PG), are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and convey complex information to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the accurate interpretation of geological data, effective project management, and informed decision-making in exploration or environmental projects.

How much do senior geologists get paid?

Senior geologists typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. They often have specialized skills in geological analysis, report writing, and use of tools like GIS software, which can influence salary levels.

What does a senior geologist do?

A senior geologist studies Earth's materials, processes, and history to assess natural resources, environmental conditions, and geological hazards. They often lead field investigations, analyze data using specialized software, and prepare reports to support exploration, development, or environmental management projects.

Is there a high demand for geologists?

The demand for senior geologists remains steady due to ongoing needs in natural resource exploration, environmental assessment, and hazard analysis. Employment opportunities are often influenced by industry activity, technological advancements, and environmental regulations, with skills in GIS and fieldwork being highly valued.

What are the main challenges a Senior Geologist faces when managing field teams and projects?

Senior Geologists often juggle multiple projects simultaneously, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. A significant challenge is coordinating diverse field teams, often working in remote or challenging environments, to ensure safety and data accuracy. Additionally, they must adapt to evolving project scopes and regulatory requirements, all while mentoring junior staff and maintaining clear communication across multidisciplinary teams. Proactive problem-solving and flexibility are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver successful project outcomes.

Which is the highest paid geologist?

Senior geologists with extensive experience, specialized skills, and work in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or mineral exploration tend to earn the highest salaries. In some cases, geologists with advanced degrees and professional certifications can reach top-tier compensation, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Salary varies based on location, industry, and level of expertise.

What Does a Senior Geologist Do?

As a senior geologist, your responsibilities are to oversee geological operations and site investigations where you and your team collect samples, locate mineral or natural resource deposits, and assess the geological stability or characteristics of a site. Other tasks include testing and analyzing samples and developing action plans based on your findings. Geologists work in numerous fields, including mining, petroleum or natural gas exploration, construction, and government. Your duties may differ depending on the industry in which you work.

What is the difference between Senior Geologist vs Geoscientist?

AspectSenior GeologistGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, extensive field experienceBachelor's or higher in Geoscience or related field, often entry to mid-level
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site assessments, data analysisResearch, data interpretation, laboratory work
Industry UsageMining, oil & gas, environmental consultingResearch institutions, government agencies, energy companies

Senior Geologists typically have more field experience and take on leadership roles in exploration and site assessment projects. Geoscientists often focus on research, data analysis, and supporting exploration efforts. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Senior Geologists usually have more practical experience and responsibilities in project management.

More about Senior Geologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Geologist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Geologist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
Senior Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Geologist job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,250 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Senior Geologist and Drilling Coordinator

Senior Geologist and Drilling Coordinator

INTERA Incorporated

Albuquerque, NM

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description

INTERA Incorporated is seeking a senior-level Geologist and Drilling Coordinator to join its Mining and Environmental Line of Business in the Albuquerque, New Mexico office. This role leads drilling-based field events for a variety of reclamation, remediation, and environmental characterization projects. The position also supports clients in meeting regulatory requirements, restoring impacted sites, and sustainably managing natural resources.


This position will include implementing highly technical work plans for complex projects, serving as the primary link between field operations and the project manager while leading teams of personnel to conduct field and office support work for subsurface contamination investigations, geotechnical studies, groundwater monitoring well installation and development, etc. Clients include state and municipal agencies and private industries that share our values of environmental stewardship and technical excellence. 


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead daily site activities, manage field crews, and oversee work performed by drilling contractors and subcontractors to ensure work is completed in accordance with workplans, design drawings, specifications, and client expectations. 
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements for fieldwork. 
  • Collect environmental samples (soil/rock, aqueous, vapor), oversee drilling soil borings and monitoring well installation, and conduct hydraulic testing.
  • Ensure accuracy of drilling data and submit status reports to the Project Manager.
  • Develop cost estimates and proposals for drilling projects, including acquiring bids from multiple drilling firms and other vendors while ensuring consistency between and amongst the bids.
  • Plan drilling programs including resource and equipment needs, preparation of field implementation plans that reference standard operation procedures (SOPs), sampling and analysis plans, and Health and Safety plans.
  • Work with colleagues to ensure that the selected drilling contractor is aware of, and complies with, INTERA Statements of Work; including drilling type/style, schedule/forecast, oversight and review of drilling tickets, lithologic interpretation, geophysical logging, well construction, post-construction development, pump design and placement, aquifer testing, permanent pump design and placement, and all equipment associated with remote monitoring of the well/wellfield.
  • Log soil and rock core utilizing ASTM standards for lithologic interpretation and prepare boring logs.
  • Analyze environmental data and author detailed technical reports.
  • Participate in environmental site characterization investigations, including soil gas investigations, soil sampling, and groundwater sampling.
  • Continue to build upon and refine INTERA's approach to drilling operations, including updating SOP's and identifying potential inefficiencies.
  • Mentor junior staff and collaborate with technical teams across the company.
  • Support business development by maintaining client relationships and identifying new opportunities. Maintain regular contact with an ever-increasing list of drillers and related contractors.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
  • Professional licensure or willingness to obtain.
  • Proficiency in various borehole advancement methods, including but not limited to sonic, hollow stem auger, direct push, air rotary casing hammer, and flooded reverse circulation mud rotary.
  • Demonstrated experience managing drilling projects.
  • Strong leadership, technical report writing, problem-solving, and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
  • General knowledge of hydrogeology, nature, and extent of contamination evaluation.
  • The ability to work with a project team or independently to complete technical work.
  • Experience developing and maintaining long-lasting relationships with drilling firms.
  • Experience analyzing geophysical logs.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites (50% - 70%) and other INTERA offices (primarily within New Mexico and Texas).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, engineering, or related field.
  • Familiarity with state and federal environmental regulations (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, NMED/NMAC, OSE, EPA) and risk-based criteria.
  • Proficiency in various environmental sampling techniques such as heated head space soil sampling, soil sampling, push-ahead groundwater sampling, and zonal groundwater sampling.
  • Experience with pLog and Logplot software.
  • Previous experience with aquifer test (Aqtesolv, nSIGHTS) and geologic modeling software (Leapfrog preferred)
  • OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification


About INTERA & Our Benefits 

INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!


Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA's practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people's needs for security, health, and well-being with:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
  • Paid parental leave - up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
  • Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage - paid 100% by the company
  • Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
  • Opportunities for stock ownership
  • Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
  • Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
  • Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
  • Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more

These are just some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows. 

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