Senior Geologist

Earthmech; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

PTO & holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Earth Mechanics, Inc. is seeking a Senior Geologist to lead geologic and geotechnical investigations for transportation infrastructure and public civil works projects.

You will oversee field activities, interpret subsurface data, and coordinate with engineers, subcontractors, and clients to deliver technical reports and plans. The role requires 10–15 years of geotechnical experience, California PG registration, and proven leadership in field investigations, with travel up to 70% and a focus on

Qualifications

• Geology degree required and California PG registration.
• 10–15 years in geotechnical consulting and site investigation.
• Experience managing field investigations and coordinating subcontractors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reports and proposals.
• Willingness to travel up to 70% including overnight and weekends.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee geologic and geotechnical field investigations for major transportation and public infrastructure projects.
• Conduct geologic assessments, interpret subsurface data, and evaluate geologic conditions.
• Prepare, review, and validate technical work products and plans.
• Serve as a technical leader in geology site characterization and hazard evaluation.
• Evaluate geologic and seismic hazards and assess mitigation needs.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence.
• Oversee field operations for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate drilling contractors, field staff, labs, subconsultants, and clients.
• Provide real-time field problem-solving and input for field conditions.
• Manage and mentor junior geologists and field technicians.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Field management

Subcontractor coordination

Technical reporting

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Geologic mapping

GIS

Education

Degree in Geology

Tools

gINT

RSLog

MS Office

GIS software

Job description

EMI is seeking a Senior Geologist to support geologic and geotechnical investigations for transportation infrastructure, public works, and related civil engineering projects. This position is suited for an experienced professional with a strong background in engineering geology, field investigation, geologic hazard evaluation, technical reporting, and construction-phase support.

As a Senior Geologist, you will lead field investigations, interpret subsurface conditions, prepare and review technical work products, and coordinate with geotechnical engineers, subcontractors, and client representatives. The role requires sound technical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage field activities while mentoring junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and oversee geologic and geotechnical field investigations for major transportation and public infrastructure projects, including drilling, sampling, logging, test pits, geologic mapping, field reconnaissance, and related field activities.

Conduct geologic assessments, interpret subsurface data, and evaluate geologic conditions using field observations, geologic maps, aerial imagery, laboratory results, published data, and historical project information.

Prepare, review, and validate technical work products, including reports, geotechnical investigation work plans, sampling plans, boring logs, geologic cross sections, subsurface profiles, geologic studies, and geologic hazard assessments.

Serve as a technical leader in geologic site characterization, geologic hazard evaluation, and mitigation planning for transportation infrastructure and public works projects.

Evaluate geologic and seismic hazards, including landslides, slope instability, faulting, liquefaction, lateral spreading, settlement, erosion, and difficult ground conditions.

Manage multiple concurrent projects while supporting technical quality, budget, and schedule compliance.

Oversee field operations for adherence to work plans, safety protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Coordinate drilling contractors, field staff, laboratories, subconsultants, senior engineers, project managers, and client representatives during field investigations and construction support activities.

Provide real‑time field problem‑solving and technical input when conditions differ from anticipated subsurface or construction conditions.

Manage and mentor supporting staff geologists and field technicians.

Required Qualifications

Degree in Geology

California Professional Geologist (PG) registration.

10 - 15 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical consulting and site investigation work.

Experience with management of field investigations and subcontractor coordination.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing technical reports and project proposals.

Experience with soil sampling, drilling, logging, and conducting field inspections for construction support.

Ability to travel up to 70% of the time, including overnight, weekend, and extended field assignments, as required to support field investigations and project needs.

Able to problem solve in real time when dealing with field investigations and construction support issues.

Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple, concurrent projects.

Valid U.S. driver’s license required for fieldwork and inter-office travel.

Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Caltrans, local agency, or other public infrastructure projects in California.

Experience leading geotechnical investigations for bridges, roadways, rail and transit facilities, retaining structures, slopes, flood control facilities, or other infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of California geology, geomorphology, seismic hazards, and geologic hazard assessment methods.

Familiarity with geologic logging, field mapping, GIS, gINT, RSLog, and Microsoft Office applications.

Experience supporting proposal preparation, scope development, field work plans, and cost estimates.

Benefits

Earth Mechanics, Inc. offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution and profit‑sharing.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development support, including training, mentoring, and licensure assistance.
• A supportive, team‑oriented environment that fosters technical development, collaboration, and long‑term career growth.