Geologist (MS/PhD)

Exponent Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/health benefits

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a Geologist for its Civil & Structural Engineering Practice in Los Angeles, CA or Oakland, CA. The role involves geology, GIS, geophysics, and mapping to investigate failures of geotechnical systems and assess natural hazards.

You will work on field inspections, subsurface explorations, and geologic characterization, with opportunities for professional growth within the firm.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geological sciences with specialization in Engineering Geology or related field.
• MS in geological sciences with specialization in Engineering Geology plus 5 years experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections and subsurface explorations to identify causes of geotechnical failures.
• Evaluate and characterize site conditions for root-cause analyses and mitigation design.
• Create geospatial models including GIS and subsurface models.
• Produce topographic and thematic maps.
• Assist peer review of geologic and geotechnical documents.

Skills

Geology fieldwork

GIS modeling

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Leadership abilities

Critical thinking

Synthesis of information

Education

Ph.D. in geological sciences (Engineering Geology)

M.S. in geological sciences + 5 years experience

Tools

GIS software

Graphic software

Imaging software

Job description

About Exponent

Exponentis the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

Key statistics:

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Geologist for our Civil & Structural Engineering Practice in Los Angeles, CA or Oakland, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team responsible for providing professional services in the areas of engineering geology, remote sensing, GIS, mapping, and geophysics for a range of projects involving the investigation of the cause and extent of failures of geotechnical systems and the evaluation of natural hazards. This position will provide technically challenging work with excellent opportunities to grow within the firm.

You will be responsible for

• Conducting field inspections and subsurface explorations (to determine causes of failure of geotechnical systems e.g. slopes, foundations, tunnels, levees, and dams).
• Evaluating and characterizing site conditions (for root cause of failure analyses and conceptual mitigation design)
• Creation of Geospatial models including GIS and subsurface models
• Creation of topographic maps and thematic maps
• Assisting with peer review of geologic and geotechnical engineering documents

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in geological sciences specializing in Engineering Geology or a related field from an accredited university
• Alternatively, a M.S. in geological sciences specializing in Engineering Geology, or a related field, from an accredited university plus 5 years of experience
• Ability to become a licensed professional Geologist (PG) or Geophysicist (PGP) in at least one state within three years
• Experience, or related coursework in, Geotechnical Engineering, and Groundwater/Surface Water Hydrology are a strong plus
• Demonstrated excellence in coursework and/or fieldwork involving geologic characterization and mapping; experience with geotechnical subsurface investigation techniques a strong plus
• Experience with GIS modeling software, graphic software, and imaging software
• Ability to gather information from a wide variety of sources (e.g., field investigations, document reviews, and interviews) and to synthetize and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, and industry
• Strong analytical, field investigation, and critical thinking skills
• Attention to detail, dedication to quality and accuracy, desire to work in a fast-paced environment, and effective leadership skills
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings or demonstrated leadership or activity in geologic professional societies, boards, or commissions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interest in a career primarily involving the investigation of the cause and extent of failures of geotechnical systems and the evaluation of natural hazards

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well‑being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $110,000.00 - USD $125,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail].

Job Locations

• US-CA-Los Angeles
• US-CA-Oakland