Geophysics Group Manager

Terracon; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon seeks a Senior Geophysicist to lead near-surface geophysical surveys, mentor field staff, and advance project design and interpretation. You will design survey plans, analyze data, and produce client-ready reports for infrastructure and environmental projects.

Requires 7–10 years in geophysics, a geology/geophysics degree, and travel willingness. Master’s/PhD preferred; driver’s license required. Terracon values safety, growth, and operational excellence across regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, or related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• 7–10 years of experience in geophysics.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train a team performing near-surface geophysical surveys.
• Design survey approaches and analyze geophysical data.
• Provide interpretations for infrastructure projects and reports.
• Develop written proposals for clients and bids.
• Mentor staff and supervise field teams across projects.
• Ensure safety and quality standards on all work.
• Collaborate with management and SMEs on complex projects.
• Engage with senior leadership on opportunities and growth.

Skills

Geophysics expertise

Team leadership

Field supervision

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, or related field

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Ground penetrating radar

Magnetometry

Electrical resistivity

Seismic refraction

MASW

Job description

General Responsibilities

Manage, develop, and grow a team of professionals performing a comprehensive range of near-surface geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Manage and perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as utility locating to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Senior-level, experienced Geophysicist responsible for training, managing, and conducting near-surface geophysical surveys and making recommendations for systems design on all sized projects with a variety of complexity.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of ground penetrating radar, magnetometry, terrain conductivity, electrical resistivity profiling, electrical resistivity sounding, seismic refraction, MASW, and utility locating methods, among others.
• With support from the National Manager for Geophysics, work to build a team of geophysical staff in the region. Staff to include project managers and field staff. Must be willing to train and mentor staff so that work can be delegated. Growth-minded individual looking to advance their career in the field of geophysics.
• Direct and supervise field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
• Monitor performance of teams and facilitate training, site visits, quality audits, and safety incident investigation.
• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Responsible for overseeing and maintaining quality standards on all projects.
• Interact with Senior Vice President of Operations, National Account Managers (NAMs), Department Managers and Region-Level leadership to promote awareness of geophysical services
• Participates with other geophysical subject matter experts (SMEs) on large, more complex projects.
• Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for both small and large projects including quality control review of proposals written by others.
• Evaluates complex geophysical data and assembles in written reports.
• May serve as team member or lead in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
• Requires direct management of employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, or related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years’ experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Willingness to travel.