Geologist

WSP; Wexford (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an entry-level Geologist to join the Earth & Environment Team in Wexford, PA. The role involves both field observations and office analysis on geological, civil, and geotechnical projects, with safety and documentation at the forefront.

You will support geotechnical investigations, perform desk reviews, and contribute to reports and cost estimates, under senior technical guidance. Occasional travel and fieldwork in various weather conditions are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology or related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Excellent research skills and analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with laws, codes, regulations, and record-keeping requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work with project teams on geotechnical and geological engineering projects involving field observations, data evaluation, and office work.
• Conduct field assignments such as site mapping, drilling supervision, borehole logging, test pit logging, site reconnaissance, and CQA monitoring.
• Perform geologic desktop review of LiDAR mapping and field reconnaissance for hazards using desktop and field data collection apps.
• Contribute to geotechnical data and reports, include evaluating field data, calculations, modeling, borehole logs, cross-sections, groundwater interpretations, and writing reports.
• Travel locally and nationally up to 75% with possible long-term project-site assignments.

Skills

Field observations

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geology

1–3 years post-education experience

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Field data collection apps

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Geologist based out of ourWexford, PAoffice. Be involved in projects with ourEarth & Environment Teamand be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. From this location, our team of geo-professionals provides services to clients in the oil & gas, transportation, mining, and other industrial sectors. This entry-level position provides an opportunity to join a fast-paced team that provides solutions on geological, civil, geotechnical engineering projects. The work entails a variety of office-related and outdoor “hands-on” activities, with a need to carefully follow instructions, document activities, solve problems, and provide proactive communication. We are seeking an engineering geologist with interest in geohazard identification, geotechnical investigation, and geotechnical design. The selected candidate must be comfortable with the use of technology in the practice of geology while working in the field with project teams to support geologic and geotechnical investigations. This position will include opportunities for working on a variety of projects such as linear alignments for pipelines, transportation corridors, and infrastructure siting. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated education, knowledge, or field experience in geohazards and geology of the Appalachian Basin. As part of a global company, the selected candidate may have the opportunity to work on field assignments beyond the Appalachian Basin.

Your Impact

• Work with project teams on geotechnical and geological engineering projects that involve field observations, data evaluation, and office work
• Conduct field assignments, such as site mapping, drilling supervision, borehole logging, test pit logging, site reconnaissance, and construction quality assurance (CQA) monitoring
• Perform geologic desktop review of LiDAR mapping and field reconnaissance for the identification of geologic hazards using desktop and field-based data collection applications.
• Contribute to geotechnical data and recommendation reports, with senior technical advice and review. This includes compiling and assisting with evaluation of field investigation data; performing calculations; modeling and tabulating the results; preparing geologic and geotechnical borehole logs, subsurface cross-sections, and groundwater interpretations; and writing reports, permit documents, and cost estimates.
• Local and national travel (up to 75% of the time) with possible opportunities for long-term assignments at project sites
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction. Safely perform work in the office and field; fieldwork may occur out-of-town in all seasonal weather conditions, using equipment (with an ability to lift and move approximately 50 pounds without assistance) and operating vehicles on behalf of the company.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, engineering geology, or related field
• 1-3 years of relevant post education experience
• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel and ability to be comfortable in remote settings with a willingness to perform a variety of tasks as needed to complete an assignment may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in geology or engineering geology from an ABET accredited program.
• GIS experience.
• Experience with collecting field data and samples and using field-based data collection applications.
• Geologist in Training Certification.
• Prior position related to the degree of study and the specific geologic discipline.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

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