Staff Geoscientist II-Irvine, CA

Certerra; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CERTERRA is seeking Staff Geoscientists II to support geophysical projects across field and office environments. Up to sixty percent field work is expected, focusing on resistivity, EM, and magnetic data acquisition and processing.

The role involves coordinating with the Project Manager and ensuring safe, efficient project execution across multiple sites. Qualified candidates have a BS in a geoscience field and 2+ years in geophysical services, with strong reporting, software, and field safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a geoscience field or related discipline; MS/PhD counts as experience.
• 2+ years at geophysical services firm or internal department with field time.
• Demonstrated knowledge of field activities, GPS, and safety procedures.
• Proficiency with Excel and Word; experience with geoscience software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and troubleshoot field data collection for geophysical projects.
• Process resistivity, magnetics, EM data and support modeling efforts.
• Co-author technical reports with guidance from senior staff.
• Cooperate with subcontractors and clients; supervise field staff as needed.
• Prepare production, time logs, and project paperwork for reporting.
• Maintain safety programs and report defects in equipment.
• Assist with survey design and HASP health and safety plans.

Skills

Field techniques

Resistivity data

Magnetics/EM data

GPR/Seismics

GPS data handling

Microsoft Excel

Education

BS in Geoscience related field

MS in Geoscience (counts as two years experience)

PhD in Geoscience (counts as four years)

Tools

Surfer

Grapher

RockWorks

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

CERTERRA (formerly RMA Companies) is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, CERTERRA has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Job Summary

Staff Geoscientists II are responsible for the support of geophysical projects. This support may include, at a minimum, the planning, physical acquisition, troubleshooting, and daily processing of geophysical data both in remote-field and office-type environments. For this particular position, support may be focused on multiple methods of acquisition, data processing, and computer modeling in support of field projects. Up to sixty percent field work is anticipated for both project performance and continued employee development. This position requires proficiency in the acquisition and processing of resistivity, EM, and magnetic data. The Staff Engineer/Geoscientist II position is considered a permanent and salaried position. The appropriately qualified individual has mastered the Staff Engineer/Geoscientist I position. Position is open to applicants with compensation commensurate with the level of experience and technical expertise.

REPORTS TO: Project Manager (I, II, or Senior)

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Solves critical field logistics.
• Proficient in field techniques for resistivity, magnetics, electromagnetics, GPR, seismics, etc).
• Proficient in general field practices/safety.
• Proficient in processing methods for resistivity, magnetics, electromagnetics, GPR, seismics, etc).
• Capable of field quality control filtering.
• Troubleshoot/Debug data acquisition gear on the methods listed above.
• Able to write logistics and methodology sections of a report.
• Demonstrates proficiency with Software: Surfer®, Grapher™, RockWorks™, Microsoft® Excel®, and Microsoft® Word®.
• Incorporates GPS or surveying data to spatially locate project data.
• Responsible for reporting defects in geophysical or work-related equipment.
• Implements and assists with survey design tasks.
• Supports senior level management (i.e., Project Engineer and higher-level management) with the timely completion of project tasks as directed.
• Completes production reports, time logs, project logs, and other office or project-related paperwork as required.
• Co-authors technical reports with guidance from higher-level staff.
• Provides field supervision of support personnel as needed. May interact with subcontractors and clientele.
• Additional technical tasks may be tailored to the individual’s qualifications and background appropriately.
• Assists with health and safety plans (e.g., HASP).
• Responsible for maintaining OSHA and MSHA certifications.
• Observes and enforces all safety protocols.

Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, or Civil Engineering (with a water or environmental resource emphasis) or a B.A. with upper math and physics, M.Sc. in a geoscience-related field counts as two years of experience, or a Ph.D. in a geoscience-related field counts as four years of experience.
• Experience : 2+ years' experience with a geophysical services firm or department with 50 percent of time worked spent in the field while having served the most recent two years as a Staff Engineer/Geoscientist I or equivalent. An understanding of field activities, GPS equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and safety. Display strong organizational skills, as well as excellent oral and written communication ability. Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft® Excel® and Word®. Experience with geoscience-related software and writing technical reports.
• Physical Demands: Must demonstrate the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 70 pounds (special exemptions may apply).
• Travel : Projects may require travel up to 60 percent of work schedule.

Hunting Beach, Santa Ana, Orange, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Laguna Hills, Tustin

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.