Field Geologist

UES, Inc.; Farmington, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Field Staff Geologist for a primarily field-based role to support subsurface investigations, ESAs, and remediation projects. You will log soils, supervise drilling, collect samples, and document field conditions to back regulatory reporting.

The position involves extensive travel, up to 70%, and interaction with senior geologists and project teams to ensure safety and quality on-site. A relevant geology degree and field-ready certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant field experience (internships and academic fieldwork strongly preferred).
• FG certification required; working toward PG licensure if applicable.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification with 8-hour refresher (as applicable).
• Basic knowledge of soil classification, hydrogeology, and ESAs.
• Willingness to work outdoors in physically demanding environments.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field investigations including soil borings, test pits, monitoring wells, and reconnaissance.
• Log soil and rock borings per industry standards and company procedures.
• Collect soil, groundwater, surface water, and vapor samples with proper chain‑of‑custody.
• Oversee drilling subcontractors and remediation contractors for scope and safety compliance.
• Conduct groundwater monitoring, well gauging, and sampling events.
• Perform Phase I/II ESA field activities and document findings.
• Document site conditions, lithology, groundwater observations, and field data.
• Use field instruments (PID, water level meters, multi‑parameter meters) and maintain calibration.
• Assist with remediation oversight, excavation monitoring, and soil management.
• Support technical report preparation, boring logs, figures, and regulatory docs.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, labs, and project teams to meet deadlines.
• Adhere to OSHA/HAZWOPER safety protocols and PPE usage.

Skills

Field work

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS software

Field logging software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Field Staff Geologist is a primarily field-based role responsible for supporting subsurface investigations, environmental site assessments, and remediation projects through hands‑on data collection and site oversight. Working under the direction of senior geologists and project managers, this position performs soil, groundwater, and rock logging activities; oversees drilling and sampling operations; and documents field conditions to support technical reporting and regulatory compliance. #LI-KD1 #LI-Onsite

Responsibilities

• Assist with and perform field investigations including soil borings, test pits, monitoring well installations, and geologic site reconnaissance.
• Log soil and rock borings in accordance with industry standards and established company procedures.
• Collect soil, groundwater, surface water, and vapor samples following proper chain‑of‑custody protocols.
• Oversee drilling subcontractors and remediation contractors to ensure adherence to project scope and safety standards.
• Conduct groundwater monitoring, well gauging, and sampling events.
• Perform Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) field activities.
• Document site conditions, lithology, groundwater observations, and field screening results in detailed field notes.
• Utilize field instruments (PID, water level meters, multi‑parameter meters, etc.) and ensure proper calibration and maintenance.
• Assist with site remediation oversight, including excavation monitoring and soil management activities.
• Support preparation of technical reports, boring logs, figures, and regulatory documentation based on field findings.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, laboratories, and project teams to ensure timely completion of field tasks.
• Adhere strictly to safety protocols, including OSHA and HAZWOPER requirements, and properly utilize PPE.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant field experience (internships and academic fieldwork strongly preferred).
• Fundamentals of Geology (FG) certification required; working toward Professional Geologist (PG) licensure if applicable by state.
• OSHA 40‑hour HAZWOPER certification with current 8‑hour refresher (as applicable).
• Basic knowledge of soil classification, hydrogeology principles, and environmental site investigation techniques.
• Willingness and ability to work in outdoor and physically demanding environments.
• Ability to travel regularly to field sites.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with field logging software and GIS tools preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate field documentation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses, including near/far vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here