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Structural Geologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Assistant Geologist

Colton, CA

Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field. * Valid driver's license with ...

TERRACON

Assistant Geologist

Carson, CA

Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field. * Valid driver's license with ...

TERRACON

Assistant Geologist

Colton, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $34.50/hr

Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field. * Valid driver's license with ...

TERRACON

Assistant Geologist

Gardena, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $37.50/hr

Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field. * Valid driver's license with ...

Tetra Tech

Senior Engineering Geologist

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

... for civil/structural design, permitting, certification and assessment. * Perform geologic ... Bachelor's or master's degree in geology and at least 15 years of direct relevant professional ...

Tetra Tech

Senior Engineering Geologist

Diamond Bar, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

... for civil/structural design, permitting, certification and assessment. * Perform geologic ... Bachelor's or master's degree in geology and at least 15 years of direct relevant professional ...

GFT.

Senior Geological Designer

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$78K - $97K/yr

... structural instrumentation, and water conveyance inspections (canals, tunnels, penstocks). In this ... Current Geologist in Training Certification. * Experience primarily related to water conveyance ...

AECOM

Geology Engineering Practice Leader

Orange, CA · On-site

Build and drive collaborations with and between geotechnical and structural engineers to develop ... California Professional Geologist (PG). * Valid US driver's License required. Preferred ...

AECOM

Geology Engineering Practice Leader

Orange, CA · On-site

Build and drive collaborations with and between geotechnical and structural engineers to develop ... California Professional Geologist (PG). * Valid US driver's License required. Preferred ...

AECOM

Geology Engineering Practice Leader

Orange, CA · On-site

Build and drive collaborations with and between geotechnical and structural engineers to develop ... California Professional Geologist (PG). * Valid US driver's License required. Preferred ...

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All JobsStructural Geologist JobsStructural Geologist Jobs in California

Structural Geologist information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$76K

$122.9K

How much do structural geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural geologist in California is $76,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying geologist job?

The highest paying geologist roles are often in the oil and gas industry, such as petroleum geologists, who can earn six-figure salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications. Other high-paying positions include exploration managers and senior geoscientists working in mineral exploration or consulting firms, where specialized skills and leadership responsibilities command higher compensation.

What does a structural geologist do?

A structural geologist studies the Earth's crust to understand the formation and deformation of rocks and geological structures such as faults, folds, and fractures. They analyze geological data using tools like mapping, field surveys, and software to interpret tectonic processes and assess geological hazards. This work often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and other geoscientists.

What is the difference between Structural Geologist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectStructural GeologistGeotechnical Engineer
Required credentialsGeology degree, often with specialization in structural geologyGeotechnical engineering degree, often with civil engineering background
Work environmentFieldwork in geological formations, mapping, and analysis of rock structuresSite investigations, soil testing, and foundation design
Industry usageMining, oil & gas, natural resource explorationConstruction, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects

While both roles involve understanding Earth's materials, Structural Geologists focus on analyzing rock formations and faults, primarily in natural settings. Geotechnical Engineers apply soil and rock mechanics to design foundations and support structures. Their work environments and industry applications differ, but both require a strong background in geology and earth sciences.

What type of geologist gets paid the most?

Among geologists, petroleum geologists typically earn the highest salaries due to their work in the oil and gas industry, which offers higher compensation compared to other specialties like environmental or academic geology. Experience, certifications, and working in resource-rich regions can also significantly impact earnings for structural geologists and other geoscientists.

What are some common challenges faced by structural geologists in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Structural geologists often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex geological formations in remote or rugged terrains and dealing with incomplete or ambiguous data. Fieldwork can also be physically demanding and requires adaptability to changing weather and safety conditions. To address these challenges, geologists use advanced mapping software and remote sensing technologies, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and continuously update their field skills through professional training and workshops.

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

To thrive as a Structural Geologist, you need a solid background in geology, structural analysis, and mapping, usually supported by a relevant degree such as geology or earth sciences. Proficiency with GIS software, 3D modeling tools, and structural interpretation systems like Petrel or Move is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in interpreting data and conveying complex geological concepts. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing geological formations, guiding exploration or engineering projects, and ensuring safety and efficiency in resource development.

How much do structural geologists make?

Structural geologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior professionals or those working in specialized industries may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. The role often requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of geological modeling tools.
What are popular job titles related to Structural Geologist jobs in California? For Structural Geologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Geologist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Geologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Geologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Geologist job openings:
Structural Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Geologist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,022 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Senior Engineering Geologist

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Us
QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.
Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.
About this Role
A Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG is involved in a variety of geo-structuralengineering projects with a focus on foundation engineering and an emphasis on design-build delivery methods for large-scale energy generation and transmission-related projects.Collaborating with an in-house, multi-disciplinary engineering and construction team -including civil, structural, geotechnical, GIS, construction management, and construction experts- a Senior Engineering Geologist within QISG plays a crucial role in providing geo-structurald esign solutions on large scale projects; responsibilities include overseeing and supportingdesign production, development of construction drawings and specifications, engineering support during construction, and interacting with key project stakeholders as a leader within the geostructural engineering team.
This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing pre-construction geotechnical investigations, geologic hazard assessments, geotechnical engineering calculationsand modeling, and design document development to support foundation, retaining wall, and/orgeneral civil construction. The Senior Engineering Geologist will be expected to apply standardand advanced engineering principles to solve complex problems. A successful candidate is able to utilize sound geotechnical engineering judgment, and digital technologies to develop economical solutions and communicate effectively with project management, technical, construction, and company personnel as well as company leadership.
What You'll Do
  • Support a team of engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, and staff, working on various types of civil engineering structures, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Execute assignments requiring application of standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out geo-structural engineering tasks.
  • Interface closely with other project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, substation, and civil engineering, GIS, and construction management team members.
  • Participate in oversight and management of field subcontractor activities, such as geotechnical drilling and testing and/or forensics studies.
  • Develop written reports and/or provide verbal communication of information in a professional and appropriate manner.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure cost-effective solutions.
  • Take responsible charge of geologic hazard modeling for geotechnical design, including seismic/fault characterization and flood/scour modeling.
  • Implement and oversee quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials.
  • Work under supervision of Engineering Director or Engineering Manager in a professional office setting.
  • Performs special projects and completes other job-related duties as assigned

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Geologic Science or related field
  • Professional Geologist (PG) and/or Specialty (ChG, EG) licensure
  • Minimum ten (10) years experience in the geotechnical, transmission, or substation engineering field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Familiarity with use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and associated software for collection and analysis of large geological and geotechnical data sets.
  • Familiarity with engineering analyses for soil and rock slope stability and design of deep foundations and retaining structures utilizing modern computer software (SLIDE, DIPS, Rocslope, LPILE, GROUP, SHAFT, etc.).
  • Experience with construction-phase geotechnical services, including quality control observation, contractor coordination, and execution of civil specifications

What You'll Get
QISG Benefits Highlights
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
  • 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
  • Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
  • Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Accident Insurance
    • Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
    • Critical Illness
    • Hospital Indemnity
    • Pet Insurance

Compensation Range
The anticipated compensation for this position is - depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

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