Environmental Geologist Jobs in California
Environmental Geologist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in site remediation, hazardous waste compliance, and water resources work at every level from entry-level field technician to senior project manager. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento, where firms like Arcadis, Stantec, and Chevron maintain significant California operations and hire environmental geologists on a rolling basis. Soil and groundwater contamination assessment, CEQA compliance support, and Phase I and II environmental site assessments are consistently the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Environmental Geologist JobsOverview
Open roles15
Top employerWSP
Top cityIrvine, CA
Cities hiring10
Work type67% On-site
Top industryConsulting
Showing 5 of 15+ Environmental Geologist jobs
Environmental Geologist
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Added 3w ago
EKI Environment & Water, Inc.
Environmental Geologist
Daly City, California
Added 3w ago
Environmental Project Manager- Geologist or Engineer
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Added 1mo ago
EnSafe Inc.
Environmental Project Manager- Geologist or Engineer
Lakewood, California
Added 1mo ago
Principal Geologist - Environmental Assessment and Remediation
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Added 1mo ago
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
Principal Geologist - Environmental Assessment and Remediation
Fresno, California
Added 1mo ago
Vice President Environmental Geologist
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Added 1mo ago
WSP
Vice President Environmental Geologist
Irvine, California
Added 1mo ago
Assistant Vice President Environmental Geologist
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Added 1mo ago
WSP
Assistant Vice President Environmental Geologist
Irvine, California
Added 1mo ago
Added 3w ago
Environmental Geologist
EKI Environment & Water, Inc.·Daly City, California
Job functions:
$78k - $104k/yr
Master's degree
Job Description
COMPANY OVERVIEW
EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned environmental, water resources, and engineering consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States. If you are interested in improving the environment and advancing your career, then EKI is the place for you.
ROLE
The Environmental Geologist position reports to their Team Leader (TL) and is a hands-on role that involves supporting site characterization, environmental investigation, remediation, construction, and operations projects for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. Day-to-day work focuses on planning site investigations, collecting environmental samples and data, making field observations, overseeing contractors, logging soil boreholes, assessing and interpreting subsurface stratigraphy by preparing geologic cross sections, evaluating data and preparing environmental reports and technical documents.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:
- Prepare for and plan field work, including preparation of documentation and equipment, participation in planning meetings with project teams, coordination with laboratories, and scheduling the work of subcontractors
-
Conduct field work at project sites including:
- Soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air sampling
- Site inspections
- Observe and document the work of other parties
- Construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of remedial systems
- Manage drillers and subcontractors
- Construction management
- Review and follow project work plans and standard procedures to ensure samples and data are collected and handled correctly
- Document field work by preparing detailed field notes, borehole logs, and photo logs
- Collate, tabulate, and interpret data and develop conceptual site models to support identification of contaminant sources and routes of exposure to human health and the environment
- Work with senior staff to prepare environmental investigation work plans, reports, and costs for the investigation and remediation of hazardous waste sites and brownfields
- Perform Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance audits and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits
- Implement stormwater compliance projects under the California Industrial General Permit for clients in a range of industries, including pollutant source assessments, identification of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for implementation, design of advanced BMPs for stormwater treatment, and preparation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Exceedance Response Action reports
- Manage project schedules
- Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, or similar degree program; Master’s degree preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Two (2) years of experience preferred as a geologist involved with site investigation and remediation planning and implementation
- Ability to work towards state licensing preferred
- Strong technical and mechanical skills
- Effective communication skills, both written and oral
- Comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions
- Ability to calibrate, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain field equipment and instruments
- Ability to work safely and effectively around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, and industrial facilities
- Geologist-In-Training certification preferred but not required
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour training preferred but not required
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro preferred but not required
Competencies
- Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety
- Comfortable adapting to changing field conditions and priorities
- Must have ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate with various project teams
- Must have a great attitude and eagerness to learn
- Must have a current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Strong desire to grow personally as well as professionally
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Work in a fast-paced environment with high-volume workload and frequent short deadlines
- Perform physically active outdoor work involving lifting, carrying, climbing, digging, tool operation, equipment setup, and material handling
- Work safely around drilling equipment, excavation activities, construction sites, industrial operations, traffic, and active remediation systems
- Frequently load, unload, transport, and organize tools, supplies, personal protective and sampling equipment
- Work in muddy, dusty, noisy, hot, cold, wet, or otherwise challenging field conditions
- Obtain medical clearance to work on hazardous waste site(s)
- Lift up to 35 lbs
- Stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods during field work
- With or without accommodation, work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, noise, and/or chemicals
- Work in an environment with heavy, dangerous moving equipment
- Work up to 10- to 12-hour days when field conditions require it
- Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER and other applicable certifications including but not limited to ladder safety training, fall arrest training, etc.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed, such as safety glasses, hard hat, boots, respirator, and hearing protection
- Use hand and powered tools to install field sampling devices, to conduct well and probe sampling, or to remove nuts and bolts on well and probe vaults, etc.
- Ability to assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned
Travel Requirements
- Must be able to travel for client meetings, site visits, and field work up to 75% of the time, predominantly within the Bay Area and occasionally outside the Bay Area
As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.
EKI Environment & Water, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, marital status, political affiliation, or military service.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
EKI Environment & Water, Inc.
Environmental Geologist
Daly City, California
Added 3w ago
Job functions:
$78k - $104k/yr
Master's degree
Job Description
COMPANY OVERVIEW
EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned environmental, water resources, and engineering consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States. If you are interested in improving the environment and advancing your career, then EKI is the place for you.
ROLE
The Environmental Geologist position reports to their Team Leader (TL) and is a hands-on role that involves supporting site characterization, environmental investigation, remediation, construction, and operations projects for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. Day-to-day work focuses on planning site investigations, collecting environmental samples and data, making field observations, overseeing contractors, logging soil boreholes, assessing and interpreting subsurface stratigraphy by preparing geologic cross sections, evaluating data and preparing environmental reports and technical documents.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:
- Prepare for and plan field work, including preparation of documentation and equipment, participation in planning meetings with project teams, coordination with laboratories, and scheduling the work of subcontractors
-
Conduct field work at project sites including:
- Soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air sampling
- Site inspections
- Observe and document the work of other parties
- Construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of remedial systems
- Manage drillers and subcontractors
- Construction management
- Review and follow project work plans and standard procedures to ensure samples and data are collected and handled correctly
- Document field work by preparing detailed field notes, borehole logs, and photo logs
- Collate, tabulate, and interpret data and develop conceptual site models to support identification of contaminant sources and routes of exposure to human health and the environment
- Work with senior staff to prepare environmental investigation work plans, reports, and costs for the investigation and remediation of hazardous waste sites and brownfields
- Perform Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance audits and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits
- Implement stormwater compliance projects under the California Industrial General Permit for clients in a range of industries, including pollutant source assessments, identification of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for implementation, design of advanced BMPs for stormwater treatment, and preparation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Exceedance Response Action reports
- Manage project schedules
- Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, or similar degree program; Master’s degree preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Two (2) years of experience preferred as a geologist involved with site investigation and remediation planning and implementation
- Ability to work towards state licensing preferred
- Strong technical and mechanical skills
- Effective communication skills, both written and oral
- Comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions
- Ability to calibrate, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain field equipment and instruments
- Ability to work safely and effectively around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, and industrial facilities
- Geologist-In-Training certification preferred but not required
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour training preferred but not required
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro preferred but not required
Competencies
- Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety
- Comfortable adapting to changing field conditions and priorities
- Must have ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate with various project teams
- Must have a great attitude and eagerness to learn
- Must have a current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Strong desire to grow personally as well as professionally
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Work in a fast-paced environment with high-volume workload and frequent short deadlines
- Perform physically active outdoor work involving lifting, carrying, climbing, digging, tool operation, equipment setup, and material handling
- Work safely around drilling equipment, excavation activities, construction sites, industrial operations, traffic, and active remediation systems
- Frequently load, unload, transport, and organize tools, supplies, personal protective and sampling equipment
- Work in muddy, dusty, noisy, hot, cold, wet, or otherwise challenging field conditions
- Obtain medical clearance to work on hazardous waste site(s)
- Lift up to 35 lbs
- Stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods during field work
- With or without accommodation, work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, noise, and/or chemicals
- Work in an environment with heavy, dangerous moving equipment
- Work up to 10- to 12-hour days when field conditions require it
- Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER and other applicable certifications including but not limited to ladder safety training, fall arrest training, etc.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed, such as safety glasses, hard hat, boots, respirator, and hearing protection
- Use hand and powered tools to install field sampling devices, to conduct well and probe sampling, or to remove nuts and bolts on well and probe vaults, etc.
- Ability to assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned
Travel Requirements
- Must be able to travel for client meetings, site visits, and field work up to 75% of the time, predominantly within the Bay Area and occasionally outside the Bay Area
As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.
EKI Environment & Water, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, marital status, political affiliation, or military service.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
See All 15 Environmental Geologist Jobs in California
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Find Environmental Geologist JobsEnvironmental Geologist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Irvine
4 jobsCosta Mesa
2 jobsFresno
1 jobLakewood
1 jobSan Jose
1 jobWhittier
1 jobDaly City
1 jobSan Diego
1 jobLos Angeles
1 jobRancho Cordova
1 jobEnvironmental Geologist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental geologist jobs across California.
- California Professional Geologist license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in geology, environmental science, or closely related field
- Experience conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments
- Proficiency in soil and groundwater sampling, field logging, and lithologic description
- Familiarity with California regulatory frameworks including DTSC, CalEPA, and RWQCB requirements
- Strong technical writing skills for reports, work plans, and regulatory agency correspondence
Environmental Geologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental geologist in California?
Becoming an environmental geologist in California requires licensure as a Professional Geologist through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree in geology or a closely related science and pass the National Association of State Boards of Geology Fundamentals and Practice exams. Most California employers expect candidates to pursue licensure while accruing supervised field experience, and a Geologist-in-Training designation is available to recent graduates working toward that goal.
How much do environmental geologists make in California?
Environmental geologists in California earn a median of about $106,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $45,540 for the lowest 10% to over $171,270 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental geologists in California?
Employers hiring environmental geologists in California right now include WSP, Atlas Technical Consultants, and Haley & Aldrich, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense network of Superfund sites, active oil and gas infrastructure, and strict regulatory environment keeps demand for environmental geology services consistently strong across both private consulting firms and public-sector agencies.
Which California cities have the most environmental geologist jobs?
The California cities with the most environmental geologist openings are Irvine, Costa Mesa, and California. Los Angeles generates heavy demand through its legacy industrial contamination, port operations, and large consulting firm offices, while Sacramento concentrates openings tied to state regulatory agencies and Central Valley groundwater projects, and the Bay Area draws hiring from technology sector environmental compliance and Northern California remediation work.
Are there remote environmental geologist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental geology is fundamentally a field-based discipline requiring physical site visits, soil sampling, and on-site regulatory oversight, which limits remote options. About 33% of environmental geologist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically involve report writing, data management, or regulatory document review rather than active field work.
How can I get hired as a environmental geologist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a field technician or staff geologist role at a mid-size California environmental consulting firm while working toward Geologist-in-Training registration with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Firms like Arcadis, Kleinfelder, and Ramboll regularly bring on new graduates in California for field sampling and report support work. A strong foundation in soil description, GPS data collection, or GIS software gives candidates a practical edge when competing for those first openings.
Where can I find and apply to environmental geologist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to environmental geologist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across consulting firms, public agencies, and energy companies. Find roles that match your experience level and credentials, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 15 Environmental Geologist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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