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Senior Geophysicist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Senior Engineer Multiple Iowa Locations Available Ames • Dubuque • Cedar Rapids ... From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration ...

New

Geotechnical Senior Engineer Multiple Iowa Locations Available Ames Dubuque Cedar Rapids Cedar ... From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ... senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Geophysicist information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$75.4K

$153.6K

How much do senior geophysicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior geophysicist in Iowa is $75,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior geophysicist typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during exploration projects?

As a Senior Geophysicist, you will frequently work alongside geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling teams to integrate seismic and other geophysical data into exploration strategies. Collaboration often involves leading technical discussions, presenting interpretations, and ensuring data is accurately incorporated into models. This role also requires clear communication to translate complex geophysical findings into actionable insights for broader project teams. Effective teamwork is essential to optimize resource identification and minimize exploration risks.

What is the difference between Senior Geophysicist vs Geophysicist?

AspectSenior GeophysicistGeophysicist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics, extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics or related field
Work EnvironmentLead projects, mentor junior staff, strategic planningData collection, analysis, fieldwork, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, mining, environmental firms, researchSimilar industries, entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Geophysicist and a Geophysicist lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Geophysicists typically lead projects, mentor teams, and have more strategic roles, while Geophysicists focus on data analysis and fieldwork. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the senior position demands more experience and expertise.

What is a senior geophysicist?

Senior Geophysicists are experienced professionals who study the physical properties of the Earth to help locate natural resources, assess environmental hazards, and understand geological processes. They use advanced equipment and techniques, such as seismic, magnetic, and gravity surveys, to collect and analyze data. In addition to conducting research, Senior Geophysicists often lead teams, manage projects, and interpret complex datasets to provide crucial insights for industries like oil and gas, mining, and environmental consulting.

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

To thrive as a Senior Geophysicist, you need in-depth knowledge of geophysical principles, data interpretation, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD) in geophysics or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Petrel, Kingdom, and seismic processing tools, as well as familiarity with data acquisition systems, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills distinguish top performers who can collaborate effectively and lead multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential for delivering accurate subsurface evaluations, optimizing exploration strategies, and ensuring project success.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Geophysicist jobs in Iowa? For Senior Geophysicist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Geophysicist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Geophysicist jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Geophysicist jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Geophysicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Geophysicist job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 68% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,411 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Geotechnical Senior Engineer

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Geotechnical Senior Engineer
Multiple Iowa Locations Available
Ames • Dubuque • Cedar Rapids • Cedar Falls • Bettendorf • Des Moines
Lead complex geotechnical projects and help shape critical infrastructure. We're seeking an experienced Geotechnical Senior Engineer to provide technical leadership, project oversight, and client consulting across a diverse portfolio of projects in the public, transportation, commercial, energy, industrial, and communications sectors.
This role offers the opportunity to lead challenging projects, mentor engineering teams, drive business growth, and serve as a trusted technical resource for clients and colleagues.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of geotechnical engineering projects, ensuring safety, quality, and client satisfaction.
  • Provide technical direction for complex investigations, engineering analyses, designs, and construction-related services.
  • Develop project approaches, engineering recommendations, and innovative solutions to address challenging site and design conditions.
  • Review and approve technical reports, proposals, plans, specifications, and project deliverables.
  • Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and overall project performance.
  • Serve as a technical mentor, providing guidance, training, and oversight to engineers and technical staff.
  • Build and maintain client relationships while supporting business development, marketing, and proposal efforts.
  • Act as a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to company standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
  • 10+ years relevant geotechnical engineering experience
  • Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history
  • Work towards becoming APR (Authorized Project Reviewer)

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

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