Geologist III

Hydrogeologic, Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydrogeologic, Inc. seeks a Geologist III at our Reston, VA headquarters to support site investigation and remediation projects. The role blends fieldwork, data interpretation, technical reporting, and remediation oversight for federal and state projects across the eastern United States.

Required: a bachelor’s degree in Geology or related field and at least six years of relevant environmental experience; strong communication and teamwork, plus MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, or related field.
• Minimum six years of directly relevant environmental investigation and remediation experience.
• Experience with CERCLA, RCRA, DoD/DOE/EPA projects and groundwater, soil, vapor intrusion methods.
• Overseeing and monitoring well drilling and installation; interpreting logs; contributing to reports.
• Strong teamwork, initiative, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support field investigations and remediation projects under supervision.
• Ensure field operations follow Site Safety and Health Plans.
• Collect water, soil, sediment, and biota samples using standard methods.
• Provide field subcontractor oversight for drilling and equipment.
• Assist with data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Coordinate investigations and act as client liaison during remedial actions.
• Leverage digital tools to improve documentation and workflow.

Skills

Geology degree

Field investigations

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Geologist III

Reston, VA Full Time Reston, VA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1428

Salary Range: $84,631.00 To $126,947.00 Annually

Job Title: Geologist III
Location: Reston, VA

Description/Job Summary

POSITION DESCRIPTION

HGL has a position open for Geologist III to support site investigation and remediation projects based out of our Reston, VA headquarters. This role combines hands-on environmental investigation, interpretation of geological and environmental data, technical reporting, and remediation oversight. You will collaborate with engineers, geologists, scientists, and project managers on varied cleanup projects supporting our mission to restore the environment and protect our future. The Geologist III will provide support services to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal and state government clients throughout the eastern United States.

Responsibilities/Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Supporting environmental field investigations and remediation projects at hazardous waste/contaminated sites under the direction of project managers and senior staff members.
• Ensuring field operations are conducted in a safe manner in accordance with project specific Site Safety and Health Plans / Health and Safety Plans.
• Participating on field teams for collection of water, soil, soil vapor, surface water, sediment and biota samples utilizing various sampling techniques.
• Performing / conducting field subcontractor oversight inclusive of drilling, monitoring well construction, waste transportation and disposal, and heavy equipment operation.
• Contributing to the preparation of work plans and project deliverables (e.g., UFP-QAPPs, RI Reports, SSHP/HASPs, PowerPoint presentations, and technical memoranda).
• Assisting with data entry, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data using statistical and visualization tools.
• Coordinating assigned field investigations and subcontractor activities, preparing technical reports and field documentation, and serving as HGL’s client representative during assigned remedial-action activities under the direction of project managers and senior technical staff. Developing greater technical leadership and project-management responsibility through increasingly complex assignments.
• Utilizing approved digital and AI-assisted tools, where appropriate, to support technical documentation, data analysis, project communications, and workflow efficiency.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• A bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of six years of directly relevant environmental investigation and remediation experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Previous experience with environmental investigations (CERCLA, RCRA, DoD, DoE, and/or EPA projects) including various groundwater, soil, vapor intrusion, surface water, sediment and biota methodologies.
• Experience overseeing and monitoring well drilling and installation, preparing and interpreting geological boring logs, collecting groundwater and soil samples, and contributing to technical reports and work plans is required.
• A demonstrated history of responsibility, initiative, motivation, and creativity.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and organization.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and other MS Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technologies and digital tools to improve project delivery and operational efficiency.

Desired Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT – Preferred, not required

• Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience as a Site Health & Safety Officer for environmental investigations/remediation.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour training.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety and Health certificate.
• EPA Superfund experience and State environmental agencies.
• Strong work ethic with the desire to learn and expand role by taking on more responsibilities.
• PFAS sampling and remediation experience.
• Experience or training in developing hydrogeologic conceptual site models (CSMs) and modeling (surface water or groundwater).
• Experience or training with GIS, SURFER or similar, 2D/3D data visualization software such as Earth Volumetric Studio.
• Experience using SCRIBE data management software.
• Geologist-in-Training (GIT) designation or Professional Geologist (PG) licensure is preferred. Candidates without PG licensure should demonstrate interest in pursuing licensure and work with HGL to establish a development timeline based on their education, experience, and applicable licensing requirements.
• Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve technical writing, data analysis, research, visualization, or project delivery efficiency.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS

• Ability to lift/move/relocate items up to 50 lbs
• Prolonged sitting and standing up to 70% of the time
• Repetitive hand motions (typing, tool use, etc.)
• Ability to see details at close range and at a distance
• Viewing computer screen for extended periods
• Ability to interpret and analyze visual data (maps, graphs, warning indicators, etc.)
• Driving a company or personal vehicle
• Analyzing and synthesizing data
• Complex problem solving and decision making
• Reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations
• Writing reports, proposals, or technical documentation
• Leading a team or coordinating multiple priorities
• Communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders
• Managing competing deadlines and shifting priorities

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
• Must be able to travel up to 25% per year
• May work in environments with loud noises, dust, or hazardous materials
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Office work environment
• Potential for longer days up to 12 hours in duration

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Details

Work Schedule: HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week; however, fieldwork schedules will deviate based on job requirements and may require longer hours and weekends.

Office Type: In-Office. Five office days per week are preferred; consideration may be given to 1–2 work-from-home days per week, depending on the agreed arrangement and project needs.

Travel: Travel of up to approximately 25% annually is required to support environmental investigations and remediation projects. Travel frequency and duration vary by project and may include overnight stays.

A favorable pre-hire drug test and physical are required.

All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.

This specific role supports a U.S. Federal government contract(s) which require(s) employees engaged on this contract to be U.S. citizens.

MORE ABOUT HGL AND THE OPPORTUNITY

At HGL, we share a drive and vision to restore natural resources and provide ongoing stewardship of our environment to benefit present and future generations. We believe that we can make a difference in improving the world we live in through collaboration, teamwork, and a positive work environment. This unites and empowers us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

HGL - WHO WE ARE

The exceptional quality of our people is key to our strength. We value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team. We offer a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. By cultivating a culture of innovation, we’re able to adapt and augment our services to solve complex environmental and natural resources challenges.

Projects at HGL primarily span the United States and its territories, tackling problems associated with emerging contaminants (like PFAS), radiological contamination, and military munitions, along with chemical contamination in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil.

With over 550 employees, HGL is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. By joining HGL, you will be working toward restoring the environment and protecting our future.

HGL - WE INVEST IN YOU

It’s not just a job, it’s your career. HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. Achieve your career goals and help HGL achieve its mission of restoring the environment to beneficial use for our clients and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected category. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should contact Human Resources directly at 703-478-5186.

Digital & AI Proficiency: HGL encourages the responsible use of approved AI-enabled and digital technologies to improve productivity, technical quality, decision-making, and project delivery. Candidates who demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and experience leveraging emerging technologies are highly valued.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $84,631 - $126,947. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.