Senior Geologist
Location: San Diego
Salary: $100-130k Base
Summary:
Opportunity with an employee-owned, award‑winning firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, geology, and construction services. Known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence, and commitment to client service, they works on some of the most dynamic development, infrastructure, and public works projects throughout the Western U.S. and internationally.
They are seeking a Senior Geologist with a strong geotechnical focus to support and lead complex subsurface investigations, geologic hazard evaluations, and geotechnical design efforts. This role offers opportunities to mentor staff, manage diverse projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Field Leadership
- Plan, direct, and oversee complex field investigations including:
- Exploratory borings and test pits
- Geological mapping
- Geophysical testing
- Instrumentation installation and monitoring
- Characterize geologic and geotechnical conditions including bedrock, soil stratigraphy, groundwater, and geologic hazards.
- Perform seismic and geologic hazard studies such as:
- Fault rupture investigations
- Liquefaction and lateral spreading analyses
- Landslide assessment and slope stability modeling
- Ground shaking hazard evaluations
- Develop geologic cross-sections, subsurface models, and GIS-based mapping.
- Conductgeotechnical analyses in support of:
- Foundations (shallow and deep)
- Retaining structures
- Pavements and earthworks
- Major infrastructure and development projects
Project Management
- Manage multidisciplinary geotechnical and geologic projects from proposal to close-out.
- Develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare high‑quality technical reports, memos, and deliverables.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and project partners.
Mentorship & Team Collaboration
- Provide guidance, training, and technical oversight to junior and mid‑level geologists and engineers.
- Foster culture of collaboration, responsiveness, and high technical standards.
- Participate in strategic discussions on risk mitigation, project approach, and quality assurance.
Construction Support
- Perform construction observation activities including foundation and excavation inspection.
- Respond to field conditions, troubleshoot geotechnical issues, and provide timely recommendations.
- Support material testing, compaction verification, and geotechnical instrumentation review.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, or related field; Master's preferred.
- Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) in California or ability to obtain within 6-12 months.
- 6-15+ years of relevant experience in geotechnical/geologic consulting.
- Strong understanding of California geology, seismicity, faulting, and regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience conducting and managing complex field investigations.
- Proficiency with geological and geotechnical software (e.g., GeoStudio, gINT, SLIDE, GIS tools).
- Excellent technical writing and client‑facing communication skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to perform fieldwork.
FAQs
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