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Staff Geophysicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA is seeking a staff geophysicist specializing in data analysis to join our ground penetrating radar (GPR) group on-site in Austin, TX, supporting transportation and infrastructure projects. This ...

ARA is seeking a staff geophysicist specializing in data analysis to join our ground penetrating radar (GPR) group on-site in Austin, TX, supporting transportation and infrastructure projects. This ...

May assist more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to sample ...

ENSCO is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Geophysicist to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in supporting projects related to geophysical data collection, analysis, and ...

May assist more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to sample ...

Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical ...

Staff Geophysicist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration ...

Staff Geophysicist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

The company's platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration ...

Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical ...

Key Responsibilities Geophysical Data Collection and Processing * Lead field surveys using techniques such as seismic reflection, refraction, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic surveys ...

Participates with more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to ...

Senior Staff Geophysicist

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Participates with more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to ...

Participates with more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to ...

Senior Staff Geophysicist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

Participates with more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects. * Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments. * Direct and supervise field staff to ...

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

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Staff Geophysicist information

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$48.5K

$95.4K

$144K

How much do staff geophysicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff geophysicist in the United States is $95,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Staff Geophysicist do?

A Staff Geophysicist is a professional who studies the physical properties of the Earth using techniques such as seismic, magnetic, gravitational, and electrical measurements. They analyze data to help locate natural resources like oil, gas, minerals, or groundwater, and also assess geologic hazards or contribute to environmental studies. Staff Geophysicists work with teams of scientists and engineers, often using advanced computer software and field equipment. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as energy, mining, construction, and environmental consulting.

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

To thrive as a Staff Geophysicist, you need a solid background in geophysics, geology, and mathematics, typically backed by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency with seismic interpretation software, GIS tools, and data modeling platforms, along with knowledge of industry-standard software like Petrel or Kingdom, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex findings. These skills and qualities enable accurate subsurface analysis and support critical decision-making in resource exploration and environmental assessments.

What are some common challenges a Staff Geophysicist might face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

A Staff Geophysicist often collaborates with geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists on complex projects, which can present challenges such as aligning different technical perspectives and integrating diverse datasets. Effective communication and a strong understanding of each discipline's priorities are crucial to ensure project goals are met. Additionally, balancing fieldwork with data analysis and reporting can require strong organizational skills. Proactively engaging with team members and participating in regular meetings helps streamline workflows and foster successful project outcomes.
More about Staff Geophysicist jobs
Infographic showing various Staff Geophysicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 6% As Needed, 74% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,411 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Staff Geophysicist

Staff Geophysicist

ARA

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

ARA is seeking a staff geophysicist specializing in data analysis to join our ground penetrating radar (GPR) group on-site in Austin, TX, supporting transportation and infrastructure projects. This role focuses exclusively on processing, interpretation, and reporting of GPR datasets, with minimal field data collection responsibilities.
This position requires demonstrated experience in interpreting GPR signals, translating raw data into defensible engineering insights, and producing consistent, high-quality deliverables. To be successful in this position, you must have:
  • Ability to interpret large datasets with consistency
  • Strong analytical reasoning and pattern recognition
  • High standards for QA/QC and reproducibility
  • Clear, concise technical communication
  • Ability to translate data into defensible conclusions

You will work closely with industry expert geophysicists and will receive structured, hands-on training to further develop your skills and expand your understanding of signal behavior in advanced GPR applications on highway and airport projects across the US and around the world.
What you will do as a staff geophysicist:
  • Process 2D and 3D GPR data using industry-standard and/or proprietary software
  • Interpret pavement structures for:

    • Layer thickness and structural changes
    • Defects such as delamination, voids, and moisture-related issues

  • Correlate GPR results with available ground truth information (cores, borings, plans) and other datasets (e.g., Falling Weight Deflectometer/Traffic-Speed Deflection Devices)
  • Perform review and quality control on analyzed datasets
  • Assist in preparation of technical reports, figures, and deliverables
  • Ensure QA/QC of processed data and final outputs
  • Maintain standardized formatting and documentation practices

Staff geophysicist requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geophysics or related discipline, with emphasis on near surface geophysical methods
  • 2+ years of relevant experience or advanced degree focusing on GPR data processing and interpretation
  • Experience with GSSI GPR systems and 2D GPR data analysis
  • Demonstrated experience working with large-scale GPR datasets
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Electromagnetic wave behavior in near-surface materials
    • Ground properties and their impact on signal response
    • Time-to-depth conversion and velocity estimation
  • Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office products

Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Geophysics or a related discipline
  • Field experience working with 3D GPR systems and step-frequency arrays
  • Background in transportation infrastructure (DOT or airport projects)
  • Proficiency in Radan and Examiner for data processing and automation
  • Experience developing and maintaining Python-based workflows for processing and analyzing geospatial or geophysical datasets

About ARA:
ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.