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Trainee Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do trainee geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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?

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Disposal Operations Management Trainee - Scranton, PA

WM

Scranton, PA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description


I. Job Summary
The Disposal Operations Management Trainee (DOMT) position is part of a required developmental training program lasting up to 18 months. The duties and responsibilities are under the direction and supervision of WM frontline managers (e.g., Area Directors of Disposal Operations, Landfill District Managers, and Operations Managers) related to the operations of a landfill. The primary mentor for this position will be the Landfill District Manager at the training location to which the DOMT is assigned or the Area Director of Disposal Operations. The DOMT, through assigned work activities, a training curriculum, and hands-on projects, will develop a strong working knowledge of all aspects of the day-to-day disposal operations at a WM landfill, including but not limited to, safety, environmental protection and permitting, finance and accounting, personnel management, heavy equipment, community and customer service, construction and engineering, gas and leachate management, and waste streams and sales. The Disposal OMT training program is designed to develop individuals into Operations Managers and District Managers with a strong career path to Directors of Disposal Operations or other roles.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Successfully complete the Disposal OMT curriculum consisting of Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced level training. Complete all required training items through participation in the WM Learning Management System.
  • Attend and participate in all mandatory group training sessions.
  • Disposal Operations: Responsible for the knowledge development and progressive understanding and expertise in all aspects of day-to-day management of a landfill, including, but not limited to, fill sequencing, cover operations, waste placement and compaction operations, equipment and labor deployment, storm water management, and traffic flow.
  • Develop a working knowledge of heavy equipment functionality and maintenance care including actual operation and in-shop maintenance.
  • Learn how to effectively manage site personnel including non-exempt operators through experiential efforts and training.
  • Develop an understanding of landfill design and construction including cell excavation and earthwork, liner cross-sections, slope stability, geosynthetics deployment, leachate control and landfill gas control systems and final cover cross sections.
  • Develop proficiency and understanding in all aspects of leachate and landfill gas management. Develop general understanding of renewable energy operations and its relationship with the landfill gas systems.
  • Develop a strong sense of community affairs and community relations management through actual participation in public affairs events and processes.
  • Develop a complete understanding of environmental monitoring and environmental protection issues that exist at a landfill including interaction with various regulatory agencies. Review and understand regulatory requirements and site permits.
  • Develop understanding of financial, accounting, and forecasting processes and systems including experience in reporting to senior management and showing proficiency in operations of the scale house.
  • Develop understanding of how waste streams are sold and priced within WM sales and marketing organization, and its relationship to operations.
  • Develop a strong understanding and dedication to the WM Safety Program; work with Corporate and local safety teams to continue to create an increasingly aware and observant safety conscious culture.
  • Participate in landfill operational reviews and provide constructive feedback to operations staff.
  • Participate in Area mentor programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned that may include special projects and interim management assignments. Learning will be very action and experiential based.

III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree (accredited), or in lieu of degree
  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and 4 years of relevant work experience.
  • 5 years of relevant work experience with increased responsibility in construction, engineering, geology, operations management or heavy equipment (in addition to education requirement).

B. Preferred Qualifications
  • PE (Professional Engineer) certificate
  • RLS (Registered Land Surveyor) certificate
  • PG (Professional Geologist) certificate

IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing—including pre‑employment screening, post‑incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing—in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.


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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US