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Senior Geologist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level ... Who You Are Required Qualifications * BS in Geology, Earth Sciences or related science field * 15 ...

Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level ... Who You Are Required Qualifications * BS in Geology, Earth Sciences or related science field * 15 ...

Geoscience Drafter

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Under direct supervision from a Senior Geologist, Engineer, or Project Manager, the selected candidate will provide support to the team for drawing layouts, details, diagrams, and sketches, as well ...

Geoscience Drafter

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Under direct supervision from a Senior Geologist, Engineer, or Project Manager, the selected candidate will provide support to the team for drawing layouts, details, diagrams, and sketches, as well ...

Your Opportunity The Senior Paleontologist will work as part of a dynamic team that is based in ... Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation ...

Your Opportunity The Senior Paleontologist will work as part of a dynamic team that is based in ... Field experience in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Fossil preparation and museum curation ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Geologist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14.1K

$119K

$176.8K

How much do senior geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior geologist in Riverside, CA is $118,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

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.

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.

Is a career in senior geologist worth it?

A career as a senior geologist offers opportunities in resource exploration, environmental assessment, and consulting, often requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of geological tools. It can be financially rewarding and provide job stability, especially with relevant experience and certifications such as a Professional Geologist license.

Is there a high demand for senior geologists?

The demand for senior geologists remains strong due to ongoing needs in natural resource exploration, environmental assessment, and infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities are often influenced by industry activity, commodity prices, and environmental regulations, with experienced geologists valued for their expertise and leadership in fieldwork and data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Senior Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Geologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Geologist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Geologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Geologist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,956 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Vice President Environmental Geologist

Irvine, CA • On-site

WSP
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is looking for a Vice President, Environmental Geologist for our Irvine, California Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) team with experience in consulting, selling, managing, designing and implementing environmental multi-media remediation programs for a variety of clients in the Industrial, Government, Energy, Oil & Gas, and Transportation sectors.   We are looking for a candidate who is excited and motivated about the opportunity to help expand our environmental consulting business in California and the West. WSP's Irvine office provides a broad range of services in engineering and environmental sciences including environmental assessment and remediation, water/wastewater engineering, water resources, environmental compliance, geotechnical design, stormwater infrastructure design, materials testing, and decision analysis.  

Your Impact

  • Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the scientific discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
  • Perform business development within the various sectors for environmental investigation/remediation, engineering, and related services
  • Perform oversight, mentorship and direct the efforts of staff- and project-level geologists and environmental scientists
  • Assist preparation of technical reports and proposals
  • Ensure that scientific discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition is developed and continuously improved.
  • Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys to align the scientific discipline's function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.
  • Serve as one of the scientific discipline's lead representatives/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
  • Interpret and summarize data, including reports and documents that result in sound scientific and regulatory conclusions.
  • Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level employees in the office and firm-wide
  • Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
  • Manage multiple projects and multi-disciplinary teams, being responsible for ensuring that deliverables, schedules and budgets are achieved
  • Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • Meet sales, revenue and delivery goals
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications

  • BS in Geology, Earth Sciences or related science field
  • 15+ years related environmental remediation and sales experience
  • Strong work ethic
  • Must be a self-starter, team oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Previous experience working with multi-disciplinary remediation/assessment projects involving the California Regional Quality Water Quality Control Board, DTSC and/or one of the local CUPAs 
  • Candidate should have experience with CERCLA, RCRA, DTSC, Water Board and other CalEPA Programs
  • Consulting experience with investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, including sites impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, chlorinated solvents, PCBs, and/or PFAS.
  • Must have consulting experience in soil gas and vapor intrusion issues 
  • Developing and managing complex engineering design and design-build projects
  • Oversee remedy construction and operation and maintenance of environmental project work
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Tactical lateral thinking and strong analytical skills with attention to detail and prioritization of responsibilities in a pressure work environment.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, clients, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exits. 
  • Advanced proficiency with office automation and communication software, technology, and tools used in the corporate environment.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to quickly adapt to change.
  • Travel to project(s) as needed, for the execution of project goals and business development
  • Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening. 
  • Must pass drug test, physical, background check in accordance with the Company's policy

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Geology or related science field
  • California Professional Geologist's License
  • PMP Certification
  • 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120)
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation
Expected Salary (California): $144,700 - $214,900

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
 

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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