Staff Geologist

Terracon; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in South Carolina is seeking a Staff Hydrogeologist / Environmental Geologist to lead site investigations, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee field operations, interpret data, and prepare technical reports.

Ideal candidates have a geology degree, at least 3 years in environmental consulting or hydrogeology, and a SC PG or GIT preferred. A valid driver's license and GIS/CAD proficiency are expected for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant environmental consulting or hydrogeology experience.
• Professional Geologist (PG) or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) in South Carolina preferred (or ability to obtain through reciprocity).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeologic field investigations.
• Supervise drilling and sampling activities.
• Analyze hydrogeologic and geochemical data.
• Develop maps, cross-sections, and conceptual site models.
• Prepare Site-Specific Work Plans, VCC Work Plans, Initial Site Characterization Reports, Tier I/II Assessments, Media Management Plans, and Corrective Action Plans.

Skills

Field investigations

Data analysis

Technical writing

Regulatory reporting

Leadership

Education

Geology degree

SC PG/GIT preferred

Tools

CAD

GIS

USCS logging

Job description

General Responsibilities:

This position is for a Staff Hydrogeologist / Environmental Geologist focused on site investigations, regulatory compliance, field operations, data interpretation, and technical reporting.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

Key Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of relevant environmental consulting or hydrogeology experience
• Professional Geologist (PG) or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) in South Carolina preferred (or ability to obtain through reciprocity)
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Technical Skills

Candidates should have experience with:

• SCDES UST investigations and regulatory reporting
• SCDES Voluntary Cleanup Program assessments and reporting
• Groundwater monitoring well installation
• Soil borings and vapor pin investigations
• Oversight of drilling subcontractors
• Soil and rock logging using USCS classification
• Soil, groundwater, surface water, and soil vapor sampling
• QA/QC and chain-of-custody procedures
• Slug tests and hydraulic conductivity evaluations
• Conceptual Site Model (CSM) development
• Groundwater contour mapping and contaminant plume mapping
• CAD and GIS software
• Risk assessments and corrective action planning
• Technical report writing

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeologic field investigations
• Supervise drilling and sampling activities
• Analyze hydrogeologic and geochemical data
• Develop maps, cross-sections, and conceptual site models
• Prepare:
  • Site-Specific Work Plans (SSWPs)
  • VCC Work Plans
  • Initial Site Characterization Reports
  • Tier I/II Assessments
  • Media Management Plans
  • Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
• Support regulatory closure, No Further Action (NFA) determinations, and Certificate of Completion acquisition
• Mentor and oversee junior staff

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Regular field work in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and 100 lbs occasionally
• Climbing, kneeling, crawling, and working around drilling operations
• Overnight travel may be required

Requirements:

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will have:

• Environmental consulting experience in South Carolina
• Direct UST assessment and remediation experience
• Strong technical writing skills
• GIS/CAD proficiency
• Experience managing subcontractors and field crews
• Ability to independently complete site investigations and regulatory deliverables