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Senior Operations Geologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

Geologist LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

Geologist LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

Nalley Consulting

Geologist - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

Leidos

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology ... Lead the development of new technical approaches, analytical methods, and operational solutions ...

Leidos

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA

As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology ... Lead the development of new technical approaches, analytical methods, and operational solutions ...

Alcoa

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

Interpret monitoring data and recommend modifications to optimize operations and maintenance ... Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or similar field. * PE or PG license is preferred.

Bechtel

Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. Core to ... The Senior Engineering Geologist will provide home-office engineering geology support to the SRP ...

Bechtel

Geotechnical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$140K - $203K/yr

Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. Core to ... The Senior Engineering Geologist will provide home-office engineering geology support to the SRP ...

Leidos

Senior Structural Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Understanding of operational planning and mission analysis. * Construction experience involving ... Background in geology or geotechnical engineering. Why Leidos? At Leidos, you'll work alongside ...

Leidos

Senior Structural Engineer

Reston, VA

$104K - $142K/yr

Understanding of operational planning and mission analysis. * Construction experience involving ... Background in geology or geotechnical engineering. Why Leidos? At Leidos, you'll work alongside ...

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All JobsOperations Geologist JobsSenior Operations Geologist JobsSenior Operations Geologist Jobs in Virginia

Senior Operations Geologist information

See Virginia salary details

$13.4K

$113K

$168K

How much do senior operations geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior operations geologist in Virginia is $113,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $135,800.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Operations Geologist, and why are they important?

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 Virginia are hiring for Senior Operations Geologist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Operations Geologist job openings:
Senior Operations Geologist jobs near you

Geologist - Sr

Nalley Consulting

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position: Geologist
LCAT: Senior
Location: Reston, Virginia
This position is contingent upon award.
Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the past seven years will be prioritized.
Required experience: At least 11 years
Required education (Senior): Bachelor's degree in Geoscience, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, and 15+ years of experience or master's degree and 11+ years of experience.
Description
Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Geologist to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for functional characterization of WMD facilities and their associated design.
Join us as a Geologist and become a key player in characterizing large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in reverse engineering structural processes, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The successful candidate will:
  • Characterize the structure of WMD facilities, some of which are clandestine
  • Conduct reverse engineering
  • Design and calculate precise load calculations, system sizing, and performance predictions
  • Create and refine detailed technical drawings and schematics
  • Spearhead projects from vision to reality, delivering on time and within budget
  • Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors
  • Present compelling project reports and updates to stakeholders
  • Dive deep into geologic science analysis to uncover fault exploitation opportunities
  • Advance reverse engineering capabilities
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and continuous learning environment
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or similar
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives
  • Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results
  • Practical experience in geology
  • Research and Development of new tools and methodologies to understand and reverse engineer processes and support systems at remote WMD-related facilities
Other desired skills:
  • Demonstrated ability writing ICD 203 and ICD 206-compliant finished intelligence production
  • 15 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems
  • Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities
  • Experience conducting analyses of hard and deeply buried underground facilities and the surrounding geology under applied loads, environmental conditions, and weapons effects.
  • Experience examining seismic, electrical, or electromagnetics data to characterize underground facilities and hard and deeply buried targets.

ABOUT NALLEY CONSULTING
Nalley Consulting is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business working with prime partners to staff Department of Defense and Intelligence Community positions. Created by a U.S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in several states.
Nalley Consulting fringe benefits include:
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • PTO
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid military-reserve leave
  • Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
  • 401k matching up to 5 percent of the base salary
  • Flex time
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

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