Geophysicist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Geophysicist positions qualify for H-1B visa, O-1, and EB-2 visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring advanced scientific knowledge. Energy companies, mining firms, and environmental consulting groups actively sponsor international geophysicists. Your geoscience degree and specialized skills in seismic analysis, geological modeling, or petroleum exploration meet USCIS requirements for work authorization. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sacramento, California Regular, Full Time
Job ID
36623BR
United States
General Responsibilities:
Oversee and provide near-surface geophysical (geophysics) technical expertise in the management of an experienced technical regional team. Provide direction and lead efforts to grow revenue, standardize policies, practices and procedures among our eight geophysical employees in the Northern California Region. Monitor the performance of teams and facilitate training, site visits, quality audits and safety incident investigation. Will participate in marketing activities and recruitment of new team members.
This role can be based out of our Sacramento office.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Oversee, provide leadership and direction and ensure consistent operations and practices of regional teams for geophysics by providing training, inspections, and workforce/equipment utilization.
-
Partner with National Manager, Director of Regional Operations, and Operations Managers across region to grow revenue, and develop and deliver coordinated and consistent services.
-
Monitor the performance of regional team through site visits, safety incident investigation, quality audits and metrics.
-
Execute the initiatives of the geophysics business for the offices in the Northern California Region.
-
Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to National Manager and Director of Regional Operations.
-
Partner with regional marketing and oversee geophysical marketing activities for the Northern California Region including pricing and planning.
-
Lead, participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview and selection process for team members in the offices and Northern California Region.
-
Manage risk related to projects. Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to corporate risk policies and practices. Hold team accountable for mitigating or eliminating risk.
-
Communicates safety initiatives, rules and guidelines for Office or Region. Holds Managers and Employees accountable for following safety rules and guidelines.
-
Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Ensure best practices are being followed and hold Managers accountable for quality control standards.
-
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
-
Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics.
-
Minimum 8-11 years' experience.
-
Master's degree preferred or PhD preferred.
-
Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
-
Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATION:
- Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer status preferred.
The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
- Minimum $120800 - Maximum $187200
ABOUT TERRACON
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
INTRODUCTION
Sacramento, California Regular, Full Time
Job ID
36623BR
United States
General Responsibilities:
Oversee and provide near-surface geophysical (geophysics) technical expertise in the management of an experienced technical regional team. Provide direction and lead efforts to grow revenue, standardize policies, practices and procedures among our eight geophysical employees in the Northern California Region. Monitor the performance of teams and facilitate training, site visits, quality audits and safety incident investigation. Will participate in marketing activities and recruitment of new team members.
This role can be based out of our Sacramento office.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Oversee, provide leadership and direction and ensure consistent operations and practices of regional teams for geophysics by providing training, inspections, and workforce/equipment utilization.
-
Partner with National Manager, Director of Regional Operations, and Operations Managers across region to grow revenue, and develop and deliver coordinated and consistent services.
-
Monitor the performance of regional team through site visits, safety incident investigation, quality audits and metrics.
-
Execute the initiatives of the geophysics business for the offices in the Northern California Region.
-
Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to National Manager and Director of Regional Operations.
-
Partner with regional marketing and oversee geophysical marketing activities for the Northern California Region including pricing and planning.
-
Lead, participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview and selection process for team members in the offices and Northern California Region.
-
Manage risk related to projects. Ensure contracts are signed and fully executed prior to commencing work. Monitor adherence to corporate risk policies and practices. Hold team accountable for mitigating or eliminating risk.
-
Communicates safety initiatives, rules and guidelines for Office or Region. Holds Managers and Employees accountable for following safety rules and guidelines.
-
Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Ensure best practices are being followed and hold Managers accountable for quality control standards.
-
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
-
Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology/Geophysics.
-
Minimum 8-11 years' experience.
-
Master's degree preferred or PhD preferred.
-
Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
-
Professional Geophysicist designation based on state requirements.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATION:
- Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer status preferred.
The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
- Minimum $120800 - Maximum $187200
ABOUT TERRACON
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
See all 22+ Geophysicist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Geophysicist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Geophysicist Jobs
Target energy sector employers
Oil companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips regularly sponsor geophysicists. Mining companies and environmental consulting firms also have strong H-1B filing histories for geological roles.
Emphasize specialized software skills
Highlight expertise in Petrel, SeisWorks, or ArcGIS in your applications. These specialized geophysical modeling tools demonstrate the technical knowledge that supports specialty occupation classification.
Consider research positions first
University research roles and government labs often provide easier visa pathways. USGS, national laboratories, and academic institutions have streamlined processes for international scientific talent.
Prepare for technical interviews
Expect detailed questions about seismic interpretation, geological formations, and data analysis methods. Demonstrate how your specialized knowledge solves specific exploration or environmental assessment challenges.
Document your degree equivalency
International geoscience degrees may need credential evaluation. Ensure your academic credentials clearly establish the required bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, or related earth sciences field.
Highlight field experience
Practical experience with seismic surveys, core sampling, or geological mapping strengthens your case. Field work demonstrates the hands-on expertise that distinguishes qualified geophysicists from general candidates.
Geophysicist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Geophysicist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do geophysicist positions qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, geophysicist roles consistently qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B regulations. USCIS recognizes that geophysical analysis, seismic interpretation, and geological modeling require specialized scientific knowledge that can only be acquired through a bachelor's degree or higher in geophysics, geology, or related earth sciences. Energy companies and consulting firms regularly receive H-1B approvals for geophysicist positions.
What degree do I need for geophysicist visa sponsorship?
You need a bachelor's degree in geophysics, geology, earth sciences, physics, or a closely related field. USCIS accepts degrees in petroleum geology, environmental geoscience, or geological engineering. If your degree is in a broader field like physics or mathematics, you'll need to demonstrate relevant coursework in geological sciences and substantial geophysical work experience to establish the connection to the role.
Which industries sponsor geophysicists most often?
Oil and gas companies lead in geophysicist sponsorship, followed by mining companies, environmental consulting firms, and government contractors. Research institutions and universities also sponsor geophysicists for academic and research positions. Companies involved in renewable energy development, particularly geothermal projects, increasingly seek international geophysicist talent. Defense contractors working on geological surveys also file H-1B petitions for geophysicists.
Can I get an O-1 visa as a geophysicist?
O-1 visas are possible for geophysicists with extraordinary ability, but the bar is high. You'd need evidence like published research in peer-reviewed journals, recognition from professional geological societies, significant contributions to oil discovery or environmental projects, or leadership roles in major geophysical surveys. Most geophysicists find H-1B sponsorship more accessible than meeting O-1 extraordinary ability standards.
Do geophysicist roles support green card sponsorship?
Yes, geophysicist positions commonly support EB-2 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. The specialized nature of geophysical work and shortage of qualified U.S. workers in many regions makes labor certification feasible. Advanced degree geophysicists may qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver, particularly those working on energy independence, environmental protection, or natural disaster research projects.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Geophysicist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Geophysicist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Geophysicist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on oil and gas companies, mining corporations, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions that commonly hire geophysicists and sponsor H-1B, O-1, or other work visas. These employers actively seek specialized geological expertise and frequently support visa applications for qualified candidates.
See which Geophysicist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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