Geologist

AECO; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an entry-level Geologist in Westlake Village, CA to support the Environmental Business Line on Federal projects. The role blends field and office work, including soil, groundwater, and sediment sampling, data interpretation, and report preparation.

The ideal candidate has a geology degree, a valid driver's license, and willingness to travel; safety and teamwork are emphasized. Starting ASAP, this position offers growth within a global engineering firm and exposure to projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related science.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Pass Motor Vehicle Records review and a substance abuse test.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Apply standard field practices using basic field equipment to collect soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment samples; prepare samples for shipping; complete chain-of-custody paperwork.
• Conduct supervised field tasks such as soil logging, monitoring well installation, and water-level surveys.
• Gather and interpret environmental data to support scientific reports and organize data.
• Prepare basic data and documents; apply natural sciences knowledge to explain observations.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related science

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

CAD

Job description

• Primary Location: US - Westlake Village, CA - 3027 Tow
• Compensation: USD 70,500 - USD 72,000 - yearly

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking a talented entry-level Geologist for immediate employment in the Westlake Village, CA office. This position would support the Environmental Business Line, primarily working on Federal projects. Working at AECOM means being part of a global team and collaborating with award-winning professionals across the world. Aspire to be a key player on some of the best projects regionally, with opportunities to work on projects nationally or internationally.

This position is expected to begin ASAP.

Under the supervision of a Project Manager or senior-level team member, the successful candidate’s responsibilities will include:

• Use on-the-job learning to apply standard field practices and techniques using basic field equipment to collect samples of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment; prepare samples for shipping, and complete chain-of-custody or similar paperwork.
• Perform supervised field tasks, such as soil logging, monitoring well installation, slug testing, water level/groundwater gradient surveys, etc.
• Gather and interpret chemical and non-chemical data and other information to be used in the preparation of scientific reports, compiles and organizes environmental data collected by others.
• Prepare basic data and scientific documents and can apply knowledge of natural sciences (hydrology, chemistry, biology, etc.) to explain observations.
• Assist senior-level team members in planning and coordination efforts of field programs.
• Qualified candidates must be comfortable with travel. Out-of-state travel may be required.
• Anticipated division of job-related tasks is about a 50/50 percent split between field and office work.

The ideal candidate must be able to work effectively both as an individual and within a collaborative team-environment. They must be able to demonstrate effective and timely communication skills especially during field work. The flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative. For the right candidate, this position holds significant potential to learn leadership and management skills that offer growth opportunities within AECOM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related science.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License required to visit project sites, clients, and other AECOM offices.
• As a condition of employment, selected candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Records review and a substance abuse test.
• Candidate will submit to medical surveillance screening upon hire.
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has general knowledge of geologic and environmental concepts (e.g., stratigraphy, geological processes, hydrogeology, hydrology, etc.).
• Ability and desire to travel periodically for weeks- to months-long project assignments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to document.
• Safety-minded individual with the desire to implement safe working practices and be an active participant in safety kick-off calls and daily tailgate safety briefings.
• Experience with basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to write and to convey complex thoughts and ideas in a clear, concise manner.
• Database, GIS, CAD, visualization software skills are desirable.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification or ability to obtain one within 2 months of hire.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs of sampling equipment, and coolers, with assistance up to 90% of the time.
• Safely drive and operate a full-size pickup truck.
• Tolerance for work in outdoor environments in a range of weather conditions.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.