Senior Level Principal Geologist Jobs
Senior level principal geologist jobs place experienced geoscientists in charge of project direction, technical outcomes, and the field or office teams that execute the work. Openings concentrate across Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Mining & Natural Resources, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote roles, and employers like Haley & Aldrich, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and GHD hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 29+ Senior Level Principal Geologist jobs
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe waste is more than management, it’s also an opportunity to innovate. As part of our Waste sector, you’ll help shape solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and communities to design sustainable, cost-effective systems that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier communities. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.
In the role of Senior Geologist, we'll count on you to
- Be viewed as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity
- Perform geologic and hydrologic studies, including field work, and other hydrologic, geologic and geophysical tasks both locally and nationally
- Take responsibility for proposal and report writing, development of soil and groundwater sampling plans, data analysis, project management as well as client management
- Plan and develop projects or design activities that have significant impact on major company programs as needed
- Plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
- May serve as Project Manager on larger projects, though project management is not sole focus of position
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree in Geology, Earth Science, Hydrogeology or closely related field
- A minimum of 10 years experience with a successful track record of marketing, project management, staff management and client satisfaction, business development skills, familiarity of local clients and markets
- Advanced degree may offset years of experience
- Prior experience with field work
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
- Highly motivated self-starter
- Leadership skills and ability to manage in a team environment
- Excellent communication skills
- May require ability to travel An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location
: United States-Michigan-Ann ArborOther Locations
: United States-Michigan-LansingIndustry
: WasteSchedule
: Full-timeEmployee Status
: RegularJob Posting
: Nov 3, 2026
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe waste is more than management, it’s also an opportunity to innovate. As part of our Waste sector, you’ll help shape solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and communities to design sustainable, cost-effective systems that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier communities. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.
In the role of Senior Geologist, we'll count on you to
- Be viewed as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity
- Perform geologic and hydrologic studies, including field work, and other hydrologic, geologic and geophysical tasks both locally and nationally
- Take responsibility for proposal and report writing, development of soil and groundwater sampling plans, data analysis, project management as well as client management
- Plan and develop projects or design activities that have significant impact on major company programs as needed
- Plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
- May serve as Project Manager on larger projects, though project management is not sole focus of position
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree in Geology, Earth Science, Hydrogeology or closely related field
- A minimum of 10 years experience with a successful track record of marketing, project management, staff management and client satisfaction, business development skills, familiarity of local clients and markets
- Advanced degree may offset years of experience
- Prior experience with field work
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
- Highly motivated self-starter
- Leadership skills and ability to manage in a team environment
- Excellent communication skills
- May require ability to travel An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location
: United States-Michigan-Ann ArborOther Locations
: United States-Michigan-LansingIndustry
: WasteSchedule
: Full-timeEmployee Status
: RegularJob Posting
: Nov 3, 2026See All 29 Senior Level Principal Geologist Jobs
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services18
- Energy3
- Mining & Natural Resources3
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Technology & Software1
Senior Level Principal Geologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level principal geologist job?
Candidates who land these roles demonstrate more than technical depth, they show a history of owning project outcomes, guiding junior and mid-level geologists, and influencing how teams approach complex problems. Strong applicants can speak to decisions they made under uncertainty, regulatory or permitting experience they led, and reports or assessments they authored without close supervision. Tailoring your application to show scope and ownership, not just tasks, is what moves you forward at this level.
Which companies hire senior level principal geologists?
Companies hiring senior level principal geologists right now include Haley & Aldrich, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and GHD, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from engineering and environmental consulting firms, natural resources companies, and public sector agencies that need experienced geoscientists to lead technical programs and manage project delivery.
Are there remote senior level principal geologist jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by specialty and employer. About 5% of senior level principal geologist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting roles where report writing, data analysis, project management, and client communication can happen off-site. Field-intensive roles in mining, drilling, or site investigation typically require on-site presence, while consulting and program management positions offer the most flexibility.
What makes a principal geologist role senior level?
Senior level principal geologist roles are defined by ownership and scope. Where mid-level roles execute defined tasks under guidance, senior roles require setting technical direction, making independent judgment calls on complex problems, and being accountable for project-wide outcomes. Mentoring less experienced staff, managing client or stakeholder relationships, and contributing to proposals or business development are also standard expectations at this stage.
Which industries hire the most senior level principal geologists?
Senior level principal geologist roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Mining & Natural Resources, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they rely on senior geoscientists to lead environmental assessments, subsurface investigations, resource evaluations, or regulatory compliance work where technical authority and project accountability are essential.