Staff Geologist

Terracon; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Lombard, IL is seeking a Staff Geologist to support subsurface investigations, interpret soil, groundwater and bedrock conditions, and help develop geologic models for infrastructure projects.

You will lead field activities, coordinate sampling programs, prepare technical reports, and collaborate with engineers, environmental scientists and project teams to ensure regulatory compliance and safe project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ related experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate subsurface data and develop maps/models for site characterization.
• Lead field investigations, sampling, and data collection activities.
• Prepare technical reports and environmental documentation for projects.
• Support Phase I/II ESAs and remediation planning.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists.

Skills

Field testing

Site observations

Report writing

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Hydrogeology

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Staff Geologist

Location: Lombard, IL

Salary - $68,420.00 - $82,060.00

Evaluate and interpret subsurface investigation data, including soil, groundwater, and bedrock conditions, to assess environmental and geologic site characteristics and support engineering design recommendations. Develop detailed subsurface maps, geologic models, and cross-sections while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists on complex infrastructure, development, and remediation projects.

Lead and oversee field investigations, including soil borings, groundwater monitoring well installation, environmental sampling, and geotechnical testing activities. Analyze soil stratigraphy, groundwater elevations, hydrogeologic conditions, and environmental analytical data to identify site constraints, assess risk, and support regulatory compliance.

Prepare comprehensive technical reports, work plans, and environmental documentation related to site characterization, due diligence, remediation, and construction support activities. Contribute to projects involving earthwork and foundation design, Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), groundwater monitoring and sampling programs, remediation planning, well design, and seismic and geologic hazard evaluations.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
• Proficient Geologist/ Hydrogeologist responsible for conducting site testing and making recommendations for systems design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.
• May assist more senior Geologists on large, more complex projects.
• Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
• Implements technical requirements to complete client projects by directing and supervising field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
• Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for approval by senior level professionals.
• Evaluates moderately complex laboratory and field data and assembles in written reports.
• May serve as team member or participate in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
• May oversee work performed by lower-level Geologists/Hydrogeologists.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 3 years’ related experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in field of expertise