Project Construction Geologist

AECOM Corporation; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Construction Project Geologist to support the dam replacement project in Silicon Valley, Northern California, beginning in early 2027. The successful candidate will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of geologic processes and how conditions affect design and construction of large civil projects.

Geologic mapping, subsurface work, and instrumentation are involved. The role is on-site in the San Jose/Morgan Hill area with responsibilities spanning data collection, characterization,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Earth Science, or related field.
• California Professional Geologist (PG) license.
• 8+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Lead field investigations and engineering geologic data collection, including oversight of subcontractors.
• Perform site characterization, geologic mapping, drilling oversight, logging, and soil/rock sampling.
• Support installation and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring wells.
• Provide construction-phase geologic support for dam and reservoir projects, ensuring alignment with design intent.
• Observe excavation and fill operations; map and approve foundation conditions prior to placement.
• Prepare and review boring logs, subsurface profiles, and geologic interpretations.
• Coordinate with project teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout project execution.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Science, or related field

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc


• Business Line: Water


• Work Location Model: On-Site


• Primary Location: US - Oakland, CA - 300 Lakeside Driv


• Compensation: USD 120,000 - USD 170,000 - 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 seeking a Construction Project Geologist specifically to support the construction phase of a dam replacement project in Silicon Valley (San Jose / Morgan Hill area of Northern California) beginning in early 2027. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of geologic processes and how geologic conditions can impact design and construction of large civil construction projects. AECOM is proud to provide our employees with exciting, challenging projects locally as well as worldwide; the qualified applicant can look forward to projects involving geologic mapping, subsurface soil, rock, and groundwater investigations, engineering analysis and civil construction observation and monitoring.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead field investigations and engineering geologic data collection, including oversight of subcontractors and mentoring junior staff


• Perform site characterization, geologic mapping, drilling oversight, logging, and soil/rock sampling


• Support installation and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., monitoring wells, inclinometers, ADAS)


• Provide construction-phase geologic support for dam and reservoir projects, ensuring alignment with design intent


• Observe excavation and fill operations; map and approve foundation conditions prior to placement


• Prepare and review boring logs, subsurface profiles, and geologic interpretations


• Analyze field and laboratory data to support engineering evaluations and decision-making


• Assist with project planning, budgeting, proposals, and coordination of investigation activities


• Prepare, review, and QA/QC technical reports, including documentation of field activities, analyses, interpretations, and recommendations


• Coordinate with project teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout project execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Earth Science, or related field + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency and/or education.


• California Professional Geologist (PG) license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred.


• PhD in relevant discipline with less work experience may be considered.


• 12+ years of experience is preferred.


• Direct experience supporting dam construction projects, including foundation mapping and approval.


• Experience with earthen dams and levee embankment investigations.


• Experience describing soil, sedimentary deposits and bedrock from drill sample and field exposures.


• Knowledge of identification and description of all manners of soil and rock types, field investigation techniques, laboratory analysis, interpretation of published and project specific geologic data.


• Familiarity with Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations related to embankment dams and foundation investigations.


• Experience installing instrumentation and working with construction managers, contractors, and clients.


• Demonstrated ability to lead field efforts and mentor junior staff.


• Experience preparing detailed technical reports and documentation.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship will not be provided for this role.


• Relocation is not provided for this role.

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.