1

Senior Operations Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$72.24 - $97.37/hr

Assisting senior operations and technical staff with field explorations, construction observations ... Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering, or Master's degree * 3 to 6 ...

... operational/meter parameters, and oversight of subcontractors (e.g., drillers, heavy equipment ... Participate in the development of junior staff and work with senior management to continue to grow ...

Branch Chief

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

SENIOR ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty ... operations of a field testing unit. • Ability to adapt geophysical methods to various types of ...

Showing results 41-60

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 30, 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.

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.

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 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 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,529 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Field Geologist/Team Lead

Ventura, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

The Oneida ESC Group is a family of companies owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin that delivers customer-focused engineering, science, and construction services worldwide.  


Our family of companies include:  Oneida ESC Group (OESC), Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE), Mission Support Services (MS2), Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS) and Oneida Engineering Solutions (OES). We integrate our staff for dedicated, cooperative, and business-like delivery of services to enhance our customers' missions.

Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS) is a Small Business that provides engineering, science, construction, munitions, and specialized professional services solutions for customers nationwide.


SRS has an immediate opening for Field Geologist/Field Team Lead (FTL)/Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) in our Santa Barbara or Ventura offices. Full-time position in the Santa Barbara or Ventura offices, working primarily in California.


Field Events Planning, Data Collection, Subcontractor Oversight

  • Review and understanding of all relevant work plans and health & safety plans prior to initiating field work.
  • Responsible for field work preparation including ensuring all necessary subcontracts are in place, all materials and equipment are in hand, and any training or reviews are completed before hand.
  • Fulfillment of data quality objectives (DQOs) for all field collected data and samples; responsible for data quality during pre-field preparations, field work execution, sample management, and documentation. 
  • Supervision of drilling and well installations, including all documentation.
  • Lithologic/soil descriptions per standard references.
  • Soil, groundwater, sediment, surface water, air, and waste characterization sampling per established protocols and approved sampling and analysis plans. 
  • Complete all required field documentation either via tablet or legible handwritten field sheets; provide to project manager or archive as directed. 
  • Perform routine operation and maintenance tasks on remedial equipment up to level of experience and competency under direction of supervising engineer and assist in trouble-shooting and preventative maintenance.
  • Self-perform or oversee remediation projects, which may include injection of emulsified vegetable oil, chemical oxidants, or other injectable materials.


Data Evaluations/Reports (under Senior Technical Supervision)

  • Support development and refinement of conceptual site models per established project objectives and approved work plans.
  • Research and develop accurate and relevant descriptions of site geology and hydrogeology, including geologic/hydrogeologic/geochemical/biological/etc. controls on contaminant fate and transport. 
  • Develop groundwater elevation contour maps, estimate gradients (horizontal, vertical), flow directions, including analytical and digital modeling.
  • Evaluate potential receptors (surface water, extraction/production wells, human, ecological) to contaminated groundwater, soil vapor.
  • Evaluate fate and transport of chemicals of concern.
  • Produce data visualization products (work with CADD/GIS on products).


Project Support

  • Provide project management support such as tracking schedules, preparing routine progress reports.
  • Support project procurement activities including developing subcontractor scopes of work, researching subcontractors, pricing, tracking status of bids, and coordinating with contract manager.

Requirements

Qualification Requirements

  • BS or MS in geological sciences; 3-5 years of collective experience
  • Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint.
  • Good communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Willing to travel on projects throughout the United States; generally not more than 2 weeks at a time.
  • Must be able to pass Federal Background Check in order to gain access to project sites
  • Must be able to pass DMV check and maintain acceptable driving record


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Geologist (PG) license obtained or on track to obtain.


Benefits: 

  • 16 Days of Paid Time Off 
  • 8 Paid Holidays 
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match 
  • Medical, Dental and Eye Insurance 
  • Employee Referral Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • Wellness Program 
  • Multiple Voluntary Medical Benefits 


About Us:

The Oneida ESC Group is a family of companies owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin that delivers customer-focused engineering, science, and construction services worldwide.

Our family of companies includes:

  • Oneida ESC Group (OESC)
  • Oneida Professional Services (OPS)
  • Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE)
  • Mission Support Services (MS2)
  • Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS)
  • Oneida Engineering Solutions (OES)
  • General Mechanical Corporation (GMC)
  • LG2 Environmental Solutions (LG2)
  • Oneida Environmental (OE)

We integrate our staff for dedicated, cooperative, and business-like delivery of services to enhance our customers' missions.


Equal Employment Opportunity:

Oneida ESC Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Oneida ESC Group participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program. https://www.e-verify.gov/

Oneida ESC Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Oneida ESC Group makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.