Senior Geologist-CEG

NV5; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, dental, life insurance

PTO

Job summary

NV5 seeks a Senior Geologist with 7–10 years in engineering geology and geotechnical consulting to support municipal infrastructure and DSA-regulated projects in Ventura County and surrounding regions.

The role requires strong site characterization, hazard evaluation, and regulatory navigation experience, including Alquist-Priolo and CBC compliance. Salary ranges reflect California market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Geology/Engineering Geology; MS preferred.
• CEG certification in California is required/strongly preferred.
• 7–10 years of geotechnical/engineering geology consulting experience.
• Experience with municipal/public works and DSA projects in California.
• Strong understanding of Southern California geology and seismic hazard regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering geology and geotechnical investigations.
• Perform geologic mapping, subsurface interpretation, and hazard assessments.
• Prepare geotechnical and engineering geology reports; fault investigation reports under Alquist-Priolo.
• Develop subsurface models from borings, CPT data, and lab results.
• Provide geologic input for foundation design, retaining structures, and earthwork plans.
• Plan and oversee field exploration (drilling, logging, sampling).
• Coordinate with drillers, lab facilities and survey teams.
• Ensure CBC and local grading compliance; manage scope, schedule, and budget.
• Mentor junior geologists and support proposals with clients.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Regulatory knowledge

Project coordination

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geology/Engineering Geology

Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG, CA)

Tools

ASTM/USCS standards

subsurface interpretation

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Geologist with 7–10 years of experience in engineering geology and geotechnical consulting to support a diverse portfolio of municipal infrastructure and DSA-regulated projects across Ventura County and surrounding regions.

This role requires strong technical expertise in site characterization, geologic hazard evaluation, and geotechnical collaboration, along with experience navigating California regulatory frameworks, including DSA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform and lead engineering geology and geotechnical investigations
• Conduct detailed geologic mapping, subsurface interpretation, and hazard assessments
  • Evaluate:
    • Seismic hazards (fault rupture, ground shaking)
    • Liquefaction potential
    • Slope stability and landslide risk
  • Prepare technical deliverables including:
    • Geotechnical & Engineering Geology Reports
    • Fault investigation reports (Alquist-Priolo compliance)
    • Grading and foundation recommendations
  • Develop subsurface models using borings, CPT data, and lab results
  • Provide geologic input for:
    • Foundation design
    • Retaining structures
    • Earthwork and grading plans
• Plan and oversee field exploration programs (drilling, logging, sampling)
• Perform geologic logging and classification per ASTM/USCS standards
• Coordinate with drillers, lab testing facilities, and survey teams
• Monitor construction activities including: o Excavation observationso Subgrade evaluationso Geologic hazard mitigation implementation
• Prepare and support DSA submittals and responses to plan check comments
• Interface with: o Public agencies (cities, counties)o School districts (K-12 / community college DSA projects)o Design teams and structural engineers
• Ensure compliance with: o California Building Code (CBC)o Local grading ordinanceso State geologic hazard regulations
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget for small-to-mid-sized projects
• Mentor junior geologists and review technical work
• Support proposal development and client relationship management

Requirements

• B.S. in Geology, Engineering Geology, or related discipline (M.S. strongly preferred)
• Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG in California)
• 7–10 years of experience in geotechnical/engineering geology consulting
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Municipal/public works projects
  • DSA (Division of the State Architect) projects in California
• Strong understanding of:
  • Southern California geology
  • Seismic hazards and regulatory zones (e.g., Alquist-Priolo, Seismic Hazards Mapping Act)
• Proficiency in:
  • Geologic logging and subsurface interpretation
  • Technical report writing and documentation

The pay range for this California position is $130,000- $160,000 per year; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate.

Benefits

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company paid Life & AD&D
• Company paid Disability
• 401K Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Company Overview

NV5 delivers technology-enabled engineering, consulting, and geospatial solutions that help clients plan, design, and optimize infrastructure, buildings, utilities, and environmental systems. We bring together technical expertise, data, and innovative thinking to create resilient, high-performance assets. As part of TiC Solutions, alongside Acuren, we share a purpose: to shape and strengthen the physical world.

Our work starts with our people. We invest in their growth and never compromise on safety. We work as one team across disciplines and geographies, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared purpose to complex challenges.

At NV5, we take pride in high-quality work that creates lasting value for our clients. We challenge the status quo, continuously improve, and turn insight into smarter designs, plans, and solutions. Join us to contribute your expertise and collaborate with our teams to help shape the infrastructure and systems the world relies on.