Staff Geologist

Acuren; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and life insurance

PTO

401K Plan

Professional development/advancement

Job summary

NV5 in Chico, California invites an entry‑level Geologist to join our Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation team. The role blends field investigations with office work, helping to assess and remediate sites with contaminated soil, soil vapor, and groundwater across Northern California.

Expect 75% fieldwork and 25% office duties while teaming with senior staff to develop expertise across environmental disciplines, stormwater, and geotechnical projects.

Qualifications

• BS in Geology / Geological Sciences (GIT preferred).
• 0–2 years professional field experience.
• OSHA 40‑hour HAZWOPER preferred.
• Experience in soil logging and sampling preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork for site investigation and characterization.
• Direct drilling, soil, soil vapor, and groundwater sampling; coordinate contractors.
• Conduct soil logging per ASTM D2487, D2488, D2113.
• Conduct groundwater sampling per ASTM D4448, D6771, D6001.
• Perform data analysis and QA/QC; prepare data tables, maps, figures in AutoCAD/ArcGIS.
• Support preparation of technical reports, letters, and proposals.

Skills

Fieldwork coordination

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Education

BS in Geology / Geological Sciences

GIT preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Job description

Position Summary

NV5 has an exciting opportunity for an Entry-Level Geologist to join our Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation team in our Chico, California office. In this role, you will apply your geologic knowledge and analytical skills to help support the assessment and remediation of project sites with contaminated soil, soil vapor, and/or groundwater across Northern California. We are seeking an ambitious, motivated early-career geologist who is eager to develop expertise across several environmental disciplines, as well as being cross-trained on stormwater and geotechnical projects. You will work with our experienced, senior-level team, both in the office and in the field.

This role encompasses 75% field and 25% office for our Northern California office.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork for site investigation and characterization.
• Duties will include directing drilling operations, soil, soil vapor, and groundwater sampling, and coordinating and scheduling contractors.
• Conduct soil logging in accordance with ASTM D2487 (Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes), ASTM D2488 (Visual-Manual Procedure for Soil Identification), and ASTM D2113 (Rock Core Drilling and Sampling Methods for Site Investigations).
• Conduct groundwater sampling per ASTM D4448 (Guide for Sampling Groundwater Wells), ASTM D6771 (Practice for Low-Flow Purging and Sampling), and ASTM D6001 (Direct-Push Groundwater Sampling).
• Conduct data analysis and QA/QC, including the preparation and review of data tables, maps, and figures using AutoCAD and/or ArcGIS.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, letters, and proposals
• Other work duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BS in Geology / Geological Sciences (GIT preferred)
• 0-2 years of professional experience in the field
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER preferred
• Previous experience in soil logging (preferred)
• Prior experience in sampling impacted soil, soil vapor, and groundwater (preferred)
• Strong interest in environmental assessment and remediation
• Regular field work and some overnight travel required
• Strong organization, communication, and written skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record

The pay range for this position in California is $35.10 to $37.50 per hour. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location 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

Working Conditions

• Office/Field split -25%/75%
• Outside environment with continuous physical effort, time in the field standing, walking, hiking in ambient weather conditions (heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and cold and/or rainy conditions), occasionally 10 to 12-hour days.
• Travel may be required +/- 25%

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

• Lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds during assigned field work for short distances (50 to 100 feet).
• Endurance such as sitting, standing, walking, climbing, or driving to get to the field in which action is required.
• Occasional ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Able to perform general office administrative activities: copying, filing, and frequent use of telephone and keyboard to communicate.
• Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Intermittently walk, stand, kneel, bend, reach, and stoop.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours.
• Frequent travel may be required, including some out-of-town assignments.
• Must adhere to NV5 safety practices and policies.

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.