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Trainee Geologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Geologist information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$76.4K

$123.4K

How much do trainee geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee geologist in Virginia is $76,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee geologist?

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.

Is there a high demand for trainee geologists?

The demand for trainee geologists varies by industry and region, but overall, the field offers steady opportunities in sectors such as natural resources, environmental consulting, and engineering. Entry-level positions often require relevant education and skills in geological software and fieldwork, with employment prospects influenced by industry growth and economic factors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Geologist jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Geologist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Geologist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trainee Geologist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Trainee Geologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee Geologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,370 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Plant Operator - Water Treatment Division

City of Richmond

Richmond, VA • On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y. Respect. Equity

Accountability. Diversity...YOU!!. This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond

We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements: Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Language Incentive Referral Bonus Tuition Assistance Program Description The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities - Water Treatment Division is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Plant Operator position to operate a 132 mgd water plant. Duties include but are not limited to Adjusting chemical dosages to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations; Collecting samples of water to perform chemical laboratory analysis; Reading, interpreting and adjusting gages, meters and control panels to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly; Observing and documenting variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements; Recording operational data, operating valves and gates and starting and stopping plant equipment to control and adjust treatment process; Adjusting, monitoring and responding to operational situations involving the water distribution system; Monitoring pumping stations and coordinating with Pump Station operator on distribution system requirements Incumbents serves as an Essential employee, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call as needed Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of water treatment operations; operation of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of laboratory water analyses; effects of water treatment processes, and potential issues that may arise; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding water treatment; computer software used in water plant system controls and operations; basic mathematics calculations; basic science concepts and their applications in regards to plant operations; and safety Data Sheets. Demonstrated skills to understanding diagrams and blueprints, reading and interpreting plans and specifications; safety in a water treatment or industrial environment; and decision making. Demonstrated abilities to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; operate and understand treatment or industrial equipment.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED; Zone I is a trainee level, preferably in the performance of utility tasks (Zones II through V will require additional experience and certifications as defined in the broad band program); An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Incumbents assigned to Zone II require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 4 Water Operator's License. Incumbents assigned to Zone III require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 3 Water Operator's License.

Incumbents assigned to Zone IV require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 2 Water Operator's License. Incumbents assigned to Zone V require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 1 Water Operator's License. PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Have Analytical skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results.

Be Detail oriented - Water treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure processes are operating properly. Drinking water is regulated by State and Federal officials, operators work should be accurate. Have Math skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels; Be Mechanically Inclined - Water treatment plant and system operators should have basic mechanical knowledge that can be applied to treatment operations.

License in Waterworks is a plus; Associate or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences; Utility experience is a plus. Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push objects, pull objects, lift, use fingers and grasp objects

The working conditions may include exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals, working in or with wastewater. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at HR-ADA@rva.gov

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.