Scientist / Geologist I

West Yost; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Wellness reimbursements

Job summary

West Yost is seeking a Scientist / Geologist I in Irvine, CA. You will join a team of hydrogeologists, engineers, and environmental scientists on groundwater projects, supporting multiple assignments with creative problem-solving.

The role requires entry to 3 years in water resources, proficiency with MS Office, ArcGIS Pro or QGIS, and strong writing and communication skills. A Master’s degree is preferred and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Entry level to 3 years of experience in water resources.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in the use of ArcPro or QGIS.
• Experience in the use of programming languages to manipulate large data sets is preferred.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs field monitoring tasks such as recording water well information and groundwater- level measurements.
• Supports project team members by developing maps, charts, and tables conveying decision-grade information.
• Collects, QA/QC checks, and uploads groundwater and surface water data into database.
• Supports stakeholder processes, attends meetings, takes minutes, and prepares memos/photos/presentations.
• Communicates effectively with project managers, clients, regulators and others.
• Pursues continuous technical improvement for self and company.

Skills

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Programming languages

Organizational skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in environmental science, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering

Tools

ArcPro

QGIS

Job description

Who We Are:

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

Our team of more than 265 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities.

We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, and to be recognized among Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality.

Compensation Range: $73,202- $105,750. Based on our Irvine, CA office location.

(West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions).

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location(s): Irvine, CA ( https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ).

This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office required.

Scientist / Geologist I

The Scientist / Geologist will work with a team of experienced hydrogeologists, engineers and environmental scientists on a variety of groundwater-related projects and investigations. The candidate will be expected to support technical work on more than one project simultaneously, work collaboratively with peers, and manage tasks with creative problem-solving skills and flexibility.

JobDuties and Responsibilities:

• Performs field monitoring tasks that may include: recording water well information and groundwater-level measurements, or collecting groundwater and surface water samples for laboratory analyses.
• Provides support to project team members, including: developing maps, charts, and tables that convey decision-grade information; conducting research; analyzing data; preparing/writing routine reports.
• Collects, performs quality assurance/quality control checks, and uploads groundwater and surface water quality and water level data into database.
• Supports implementation of stakeholder processes, including: attending Board and technical committee meetings, taking meeting minutes, and preparing memos and presentations.
• Communicates effectively, both written and verbal, with project managers, clients, landowners, regulators, and others as required to perform job duties.
• Pursues continuous technical improvement for self and company.

Required Qualifications

• Entry level to 3 years of experience in water resources
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in the use of ArcPro or QGIS
• Experience in the use of programming languages to manipulate large data setsis preferred
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills

Education Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering, or a related field preferred.

Travel Requirements

*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

A Little About the West Yost Life

You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance. All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs. We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us.

At West Yost, we make space for connection across the firm. Each month, we hold an all-hands meeting that bring together team members from every location, including those working remotely, to stay aligned and engaged. Individual sectors and teams also hold their own monthly meeting. At the local level, our offices host gatherings, from camping trips and river rafting to community events and celebrations.

Once a year, we come together in person for our Annual All Staff event, a firmwide experience focused on learning, networking, and building relationships across teams. That evening, we continue our longest-standing tradition, the Duck Dinner, where West Yosters are encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a night of great food, connection, and entertainment.

We work hard, and we place equal value on having fun.

Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service matches our vision for excellence. We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees. Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you’ll do the best work of your life.

Standard Benefits:

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.

Other Unique Benefits:

You’ll be provided with support in on‑going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance‑based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement.

West Yost Associates is an Affrimative Action Participant EOE/M/F/D/V. West Yost Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.)