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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Environmental Geologist

💰 $65,000 - $115,000

GeologyEnvironmental ScienceConsultingEngineeringSite Assessment

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a driven and detail-oriented Environmental Geologist to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of investigating and solving complex environmental challenges. You will apply your geological expertise to assess soil, groundwater, and bedrock contamination, develop remediation strategies, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a strong field orientation, excellent technical writing skills, and a commitment to health and safety. This position offers the opportunity to manage diverse projects from initial investigation through to closure, making a tangible impact on environmental quality and public health.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Staff Geologist / Junior Environmental Scientist
  • Field Technician / Geotechnician
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Environmental Geologist / Senior Hydrogeologist
  • Project Manager (Environmental)
  • Principal Geologist / Technical Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Hydrogeologist
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Environmental Compliance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with ASTM standards to identify and characterize potential or existing environmental contamination.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute field investigation programs, including soil boring, test pit excavation, and monitoring well installation, to delineate the extent of soil and groundwater impacts.
  • Oversee drilling subcontractors and other field service providers, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and in accordance with the project-specific work plan.
  • Perform detailed lithologic logging of soil and bedrock cores, utilizing classification systems like the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) to interpret subsurface conditions.
  • Collect and handle environmental samples (soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and air) using a variety of techniques and in compliance with strict QA/QC protocols.
  • Develop and refine Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) to illustrate contaminant sources, migration pathways, and potential receptors, guiding risk assessment and remedial design.
  • Prepare and author technically robust reports, including site investigation summaries, remedial investigation/feasibility studies (RI/FS), and remedial action work plans.
  • Analyze and interpret geological, hydrogeological, and chemical data to evaluate contaminant fate and transport and assess potential risks to human health and the environment.
  • Ensure all project activities are conducted in strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, such as CERCLA, RCRA, and state-specific cleanup programs.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and within financial scope.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and regulatory agencies, effectively communicating technical concepts, project status, and findings.
  • Design and oversee the implementation of in-situ and ex-situ remediation systems for soil and groundwater, including SVE, AS, and chemical oxidation.
  • Conduct aquifer testing (e.g., pump tests, slug tests) and analyze the data to determine key hydrogeologic parameters like hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
  • Prepare technical specifications and bid documents for subcontracted services, and assist in the selection and management of vendors.
  • Utilize GIS, Surfer, or other mapping and data visualization software to create site maps, potentiometric surface maps, and contaminant plume diagrams.
  • Perform health and safety monitoring during field activities, including the use of PIDs/FIDs and other air monitoring equipment, and prepare site-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
  • Evaluate and apply innovative characterization and remediation technologies to provide cost-effective solutions for clients.
  • Provide litigation support through expert technical analysis, data review, and preparation of expert reports.
  • Support permitting efforts for environmental projects, including NPDES permits for construction dewatering and discharge.
  • Review and interpret historical site data, aerial photographs, and Sanborn maps as part of due diligence and site characterization efforts.
  • Prepare documentation for site closure and "No Further Action" letters by demonstrating that remedial objectives have been met.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior-level geologists and environmental scientists.
  • Assist with business development activities, including the preparation of proposals and cost estimates.
  • Champion and participate in company-wide health and safety programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage relationships and coordinate with subcontractors, analytical laboratories, and equipment vendors to ensure quality and timely service delivery.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Environmental Site Assessments: Deep expertise in conducting Phase I and Phase II ESAs following ASTM standards.
  • Field Sampling Techniques: Proficiency in collecting soil, groundwater, vapor, and sediment samples using various methods (e.g., low-flow purging, passive diffusion bags).
  • Drilling and Well Installation Oversight: Experience managing drilling operations, including hollow-stem auger, direct-push, and sonic drilling, and installing monitoring and recovery wells.
  • Soil and Rock Logging: Ability to accurately describe and classify soil and rock according to standard geological systems (USCS, Munsell, etc.).
  • Technical Report Writing: Exceptional ability to write clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, work plans, and regulatory correspondence.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of federal (CERCLA, RCRA) and state-specific environmental regulations and cleanup standards.
  • Hydrogeology: Solid understanding of groundwater flow principles, aquifer characterization, and contaminant transport modeling.
  • GIS and Mapping Software: Proficiency with GIS (ArcGIS), CAD, and geological software (e.g., Surfer, RockWorks) for data visualization and analysis.
  • Remediation Technologies: Familiarity with the design, implementation, and O&M of various soil and groundwater remediation systems.
  • Data Management and Analysis: Skill in managing large environmental datasets and performing statistical and geospatial analysis.
  • Health & Safety Compliance: Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and a strong commitment to field safety protocols.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to address complex subsurface challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, regulators, and team members.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget effectively.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, documentation, and report preparation.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing project priorities and challenging field conditions.
  • Client Management: Adept at building and maintaining positive client relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or a related Earth Science field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Geology or Hydrogeology.
  • Professional Geologist (PG) or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) licensure/certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geology
  • Hydrogeology
  • Environmental Science
  • Geological Engineering
  • Earth Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-10 years of relevant professional experience in environmental consulting or a related industry.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience managing projects under state-specific regulatory programs (e.g., NJDEP, NYSDEC, PADEP).
  • Demonstrable experience taking projects from initial investigation through to regulatory closure.
  • Experience in cost estimation, proposal writing, and client-facing responsibilities.
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