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Senior Geologist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Managing a team of inspectors, geologists, surveyors, and outside consultants responsible for ... Senior Construction Manager candidate will manage, plan, and lead construction management projects ...

Managing a team of inspectors, geologists, surveyors, and outside consultants responsible for ... Senior Construction Manager candidate will manage, plan, and lead construction management projects ...

Managing a team of inspectors, geologists, surveyors, and outside consultants responsible for ... Senior Construction Manager candidate will manage, plan, and lead construction management projects ...

Managing a team of inspectors, geologists, surveyors, and outside consultants responsible for ... Senior Construction Manager candidate will manage, plan, and lead construction management projects ...

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... We are seekinga Water/Wastewater PM/Senior PM to join our growing team. In this role, you will ...

Supervising Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Preparation of reports including management of the support engineering, geology, and drafting staff, leadership role in writing of well-structured reports suitable for senior review * Participation ...

Project Manager

Irvine, CA ยท On-site +1

Work closely with senior managers in the coordination of work activities to meet milestones ... Licensed Geologist, Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training (EIT) in California; or ...

Supervising Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Preparation of reports including management of the support engineering, geology, and drafting staff, leadership role in writing of well-structured reports suitable for senior review * Participation ...

... engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture ... We are seekinga Senior Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will perform a variety ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Geologist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14.1K

$119K

$176.8K

How much do senior geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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.

How much do senior geologists make in the US?

Senior geologists in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. They often require strong fieldwork skills, geological software proficiency, and relevant certifications such as Professional Geologist (PG).

Is there a high demand for senior geologists?

The demand for senior geologists remains strong in industries such as oil and gas, environmental consulting, and mining, especially in regions with active resource exploration and environmental projects. Experienced geologists with skills in GIS, data analysis, and certifications like PG are sought after to support exploration, environmental assessments, and sustainable development initiatives.

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, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,956 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Staff Level Paleontologist (Temporary)

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

Temporary

PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Paleontologist to join our Southern CA team. In this temporary position, you will primarily conduct paleontological resource monitoring and fieldwork for projects located in the Inland Empire, as well as other areas in Southern California and the western United States. The ideal candidate will be able to work a typical field schedule and adapt to project needs.
The candidate could fill one of our Staff Level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience:
  • Paleontological Technician: Typically up to 6 months of relevant experience and expertise
  • Assistant Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 1 year of relevant experience and expertise
  • Staff Paleontologist: Typically up to 2 years of relevant experience and expertise.

For assistant staff and staff Paleontologist positions, depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently supervise a paleontological survey crew in the field. This includes:
  • Independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
  • Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
  • Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
  • Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
  • Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback

This position is temporary, hourly. Pay is dependent on experience.
Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.
What you will accomplish
The Staff Level Paleontologist is a field-based position. SWCA paleontological field Technicians assist with:
  • Field surveys.
  • Construction monitoring.
  • Excavations.
  • Fossil salvages, and other field tasks as needed.
  • Travel is required for this position, including overnight stays, weekend work, and out-of-state travel.

We place an emphasis on thorough, accurate and efficient collection and recordation of paleontologic, lithologic and stratigraphic data. Field techs may also be required to assist with data entry and management, and data analysis.
Experience and qualifications for success
  • Education and professional experience in paleontology or geology - possession of B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis in paleontology, earth science, or geology or demonstrated equivalent experience is required.
  • One year experience monitoring.
  • Knowledge of basic field geology skills, such as rock descriptions, measuring stratigraphic columns, and recognizing fossils including trace fossils. Monitors must demonstrate proficiency or ability in recognizing various types of fossils, in collection methods, and in other paleontological field techniques.
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in sometimes inclement weather conditions, including walking up to 10 miles per day often in rugged terrain; must be able to carry various types of field equipment and supplies
  • Must have the ability to use excavation tools
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record; and must comply with SWCA safety policies

In addition, the following skills are preferred:
  • Fossil preparation and/or museum curation experience.
  • Data management and GIS experience.
  • Prior experience with paleontological mitigation projects including construction monitoring is highly desirable.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.
An employee in this Pasadena, CA-based position as a Paleontological Technician an hourly pay rate of $21.52 - $28.40, Assistant Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $24.10 - $30.98/hour and a Staff Paleontologist an hourly pay rate of $26.68 - $34.14/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.
EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success
This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.
SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
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