1

Trainee Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... trainee position. Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, applicants must meet all of the ... Field or laboratory work of a technical geology nature, which has provided a means of obtaining a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trainee Geologist information

See salary details

$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do trainee geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Trainee Geologist job?

A Trainee Geologist is an entry-level role where individuals gain hands-on experience in studying the Earth's structure, materials, and processes. They assist senior geologists in fieldwork, data collection, sample analysis, and report preparation. This role is common in industries like mining, environmental consulting, and oil and gas exploration. Trainees typically hold a degree in geology or a related field and develop essential skills in geological mapping, software tools, and laboratory techniques.

What type of fieldwork and office work can I expect as a Trainee Geologist?

As a Trainee Geologist, you'll likely split your time between fieldwork—collecting soil, rock, or core samples, conducting site surveys, and mapping geological features—and office work, such as analyzing samples, preparing reports, and working with geographic information systems (GIS) or other software. Fieldwork often involves traveling to various sites, sometimes in remote or challenging environments, and adhering strictly to safety protocols. In the office, you'll collaborate closely with senior geologists and other team members, contributing to project planning, data interpretation, and presentations. This balanced mix of hands-on, technical, and collaborative tasks offers a broad learning experience and prepares you for advancement in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Trainee Geologist position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Trainee Geologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in geology or a related earth science field and a solid grasp of geological principles, mapping, and sample analysis. Familiarity with GIS software, geological modeling tools, and laboratory analysis equipment is often required, and safety certifications like HAZWOPER can be valuable depending on the industry. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in field teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, adherence to safety standards, and effective contribution to geological projects.

More about Trainee Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Geologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs? The most popular types of Geologist jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Geologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Geologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.
Assistant Geologist / Geologist Trainee - NY HELPS

Assistant Geologist / Geologist Trainee - NY HELPS

New York State

Long Island City, NY • On-site

$66K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Project manager position for various state-funded and privately-funded remedial program sites. Duties include management and oversight of investigation and cleanup projects in the State's Superfund, Brownfield Cleanup and Environmental Restoration programs. Duties will involve: interaction with remedial parties, property owners, the public and governmental agencies; oversight of remediation sites, remedial consultants and contractors; review of site conditions and data to assess the nature and extent of site contamination, and evaluation of remedial alternatives and remedy selection; design and implementation of selected remedies; and monitoring of remedy effectiveness.

The project manager is expected to manage multiple projects, while prioritizing workload and addressing all site engineering and administrative needs. Additional duties will be discussed during interviews. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for candidates eligible for 55-b/55-c appointment, 70.4 transfer, or NY HELPS appointment: Geologist Trainee, NS: bachelor's degree or higher in earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology

Assistant Geologist, G-20: bachelor's degree or higher in, earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology, AND: Either 1. proof of passing the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination, OR 2. a professional geologist licensure with current registration.

This position is also open to the following candidates: Reassignment Eligible - Those currently in the title and employed by DEC or Reinstatement Eligible - Those who have previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis. or Transfer Eligible - Those with one year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law. 55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications (see above) and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55- b/55-c program

Individuals appointed as a Geologist Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as a Geologist Trainee and pass the National Association of State Boards of Geologist's Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination. If you pass the FG by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Geologist title without further examination. If you do not pass the FG by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.

NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 475 of the Laws of 2014, all professional geologists in New York State must obtain licensure under Title VIII of the Education Law; based on this, you will be required to obtain your professional geology license in order to be promoted in the future. Additional Comments *If appointment is at the Assistant Geologist, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $87,693. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $13,500 specific to this title and location.

The job rate for this position is $107,621. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $ 94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $13,500 specific to this title and location. Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles.

If appointed at trainee level, you will receive the differential upon advancement to grade 20. Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in remote areas. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required.

Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training. Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification. Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Holiday & Paid Time Off Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System Shift & Geographic pay differentials Affordable Health Care options Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost NYS Deferred Compensation plan Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds And many more... For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position

Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees.

DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e

H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


What New York State employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom