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Senior Operations Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... within the sector business operations. * Serve as one of the scientific discipline's lead ... Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level ...

Perform routine operation and maintenance tasks on remedial equipment up to level of experience and ... Data Evaluations/Reports (under Senior Technical Supervision) * Support development and refinement ...

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Perform routine operation and maintenance tasks on remedial equipment up to level of experience and ... Data Evaluations/Reports (under Senior Technical Supervision) * Support development and refinement ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Operations Geologist information

See California salary details

$13.3K

$112.5K

$167.3K

How much do senior operations geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior operations geologist in California is $112,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior operations geologist do?

A Senior Operations Geologist oversees and coordinates geological operations during drilling projects, ensuring that drilling activities are executed safely and efficiently. They interpret subsurface data, advise on drilling locations, and provide real-time geological support to optimize resource extraction. Their role often involves collaborating with drilling engineers, geophysicists, and other team members to minimize drilling risks and maximize hydrocarbon recovery. Additionally, they may supervise junior geologists and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

How does a senior operations geologist typically collaborate with drilling and engineering teams during active projects?

A Senior Operations Geologist works closely with drilling engineers, mud loggers, and reservoir engineers to ensure effective well placement and optimal drilling performance. They provide real-time geological interpretations, monitor drilling progress, and make recommendations to adjust drilling parameters based on subsurface data. Regular communication and data sharing are crucial, as geologists often participate in daily operations meetings and provide input on well trajectory, formation evaluation, and safety considerations. This collaborative approach helps minimize drilling risks and maximize reservoir exposure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior operations geologist?

To thrive as a Senior Operations Geologist, you need a solid background in geology, drilling operations, and reservoir evaluation, usually backed by a relevant degree and significant field experience. Familiarity with geological modeling software, real-time data interpretation tools, and industry-standard applications like Petrel or Landmark is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills set candidates apart in managing teams and collaborating with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for making informed drilling decisions, optimizing resource extraction, and ensuring safety and efficiency in complex operational environments.

What is the difference between Senior Operations Geologist vs Reservoir Geologist?

AspectSenior Operations GeologistReservoir Geologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, Geoscience, or related field; often requires industry certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, Geoscience, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, collaboration with drilling teamsSubsurface analysis, reservoir modeling, collaboration with reservoir engineers
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, production, and operationsReservoir characterization, development planning in oil & gas

While both roles require geoscience expertise and industry certifications, Senior Operations Geologists focus on field operations and drilling support, whereas Reservoir Geologists specialize in subsurface reservoir analysis and modeling. Both positions are vital in oil & gas projects but serve different stages of exploration and development.

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Operations Geologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Operations Geologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Operations Geologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,529 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Assistant Vice President Environmental Geologist

WSP

Irvine, CA • On-site

$118.90 - $176.55/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is looking for an Assistant 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
  • Perform business development within the various sectors for environmental remediation, engineering and related services
  • Perform design, oversight, mentorship and direct the efforts of staff- and project-level geologists and environmental scientists
  • Assist preparation of technical reports and proposals
  • Successfully interact with Local Business Leader, Sector Lead, other Principal and Senior-level employees in the office and firm-wide
  • Manage multiple projects, being responsible for ensuring that deliverables, schedules and budgets are achieved
  • Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
  • Travel to project(s) as needed, for the execution of project goals and business development
  • Meet sales, revenue and delivery goals
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • 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
  • 12+ years related environmental investigation/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 remediation/assessment projects involving the California Regional Quality Water Quality Control Board, DTSC and/or one of the local CUPAs
  • Ability to work with, mentor, and direct geologists, scientists, and technicians
  • 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
  • Oversee remedy construction and operation and maintenance of environmental project work
  • Project management experience with mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
  • Works independently and provides guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency with office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
  • Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most cost‑effective responses that will minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources.
  • Ability to interact with a wide variety of sources, including project managers, clients, and sector‑wide staff.
  • 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 prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.
  • Must pass drug test, physical, background check and
  • Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree in Geology
  • 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): $118,900 - $176,550

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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