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Sr Geophysicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... geophysical or engineering content ... You will participate in the validation of your contributions with senior Research staff and ...

Attend project status meetings and provide technical assistance, as necessary, to project managers and senior geophysical personnel. Attend internal and external continuing education and training ...

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Geophysical Data Technician

Reno, NV · Remote

$250 - $300/day

The Geophysical Data Technician plays a crucial support role within small field teams, assisting senior scientists during geophysical surveys. This position primarily supports projects in oil and gas ...

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Sr Geophysicist information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do sr geophysicist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr geophysicist in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sr Geophysicist, you need advanced knowledge of geophysical principles, seismic interpretation, and a degree in geophysics or a related field, often with several years of industry experience. Proficiency in specialized geophysical software like Petrel, Kingdom, and seismic processing tools, as well as familiarity with GIS and data modeling systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and leadership abilities help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and guide junior staff. These skills are crucial for accurately interpreting subsurface data, making informed exploration decisions, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What are the typical collaborations and interdisciplinary interactions for a Sr Geophysicist within an energy company?

As a Sr Geophysicist, you will frequently collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, drilling teams, and data scientists to integrate seismic data with geological and production information. This interdisciplinary teamwork is crucial for accurate subsurface mapping, risk assessment, and optimizing exploration or development strategies. Regular communication and joint project reviews help ensure that interpretations align with broader project goals and operational constraints, making strong teamwork and communication skills essential in this role.

What are Sr Geophysicists?

Sr Geophysicists are experienced professionals who study the physical properties of the Earth using techniques such as seismic, magnetic, and electrical methods. They analyze data to help locate natural resources like oil, gas, minerals, or groundwater, and may also contribute to environmental studies and hazard assessments. Senior Geophysicists typically lead projects, mentor junior staff, and interpret complex geophysical data to provide recommendations for exploration or development. Their expertise is sought in industries such as energy, mining, environmental consulting, and research.

What is the difference between Sr Geophysicist vs Geophysicist?

AspectSr GeophysicistGeophysicist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics, 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, project managementData analysis, research, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, mining, environmental firmsResearch institutions, consulting firms, industry

Typically, a Sr Geophysicist has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills compared to a Geophysicist. While both roles involve geophysical data analysis and fieldwork, the senior role often includes project management and mentoring junior staff. The choice depends on experience level and career stage within the geophysics field.

More about Sr Geophysicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Sr Geophysicist jobs? Cities with the most Sr Geophysicist job openings:
What states have the most Sr Geophysicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Sr Geophysicist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sr Geophysicist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
GEOPHYSICIST

$148.28K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to define and conduct original geophysical R&D in the general topic area of nuclear explosion monitoring. Such work may include both theoretical and empirical investigations of explosion and earthquake source physics, studies of geophysical wave propagation, development of data processing algorithms and software, especially those involving digital signal processing.Qualifications:This is a GG-14 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-14 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-14 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Geophysics Series, 1313
A. Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: Extensive knowledge of geophysics, especially explosion seismology and seismic data processing. The incumbent possesses and uses expert knowledge to develop new theories, sensor networks, and or processing algorithms to analyze seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic data. Incumbent understands and assimilates highly complex technical information relating to explosion seismology and applies this information to compare and evaluate scientific theory versus observed results. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of AFTAC, DOD, and AF policies, entities, missions, resources, operations, operations, capabilities, and requirements as related to assigned program(s) and/or project(s).
2. Professional experience in the general area of geophysical sciences, either in the laboratory or the field, or a combination thereof. Possible examples include: data-processing algorithms and computer software for the processing of seismic, hydroacoustic, or infrasound data; expertise in software coding with commonly-used high-level languages; design, planning and execution or a geophysical survey or field experiment; Expertise in observational seismology, with the ability to recognize various seismic phases at all distance ranges.
3. Ability to communicate scientific and technical ideas, as shown by the publication of peer-reviewed articles in open scientific literature, or the presentation of work at scientific conference, symposia, and workshops.
4. Must have broad awareness of technological developments in the geophysical sciences and a willingness to integrate information from various disciplines which includes an ability to work with teams, international agencies, and national customers to achieve mission goals.
5. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Must demonstrate and understanding of security procedures and a willingness to protect classified information.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:
1. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
2. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.
For additional information on DCIPS, click hereEmployment Type: OTHER