Early Career Geologist

WSP • Rifle, CO

7d

About The Position

WSP has a career for an Early Career Geologist for our Rifle, CO office. A May or December 2025 graduate would be a good fit for this opportunity. This person would be involved in projects with our North Mountain Site Investigation and Remediation (NM SIR) Team within the Earth & Environment Division of WSP and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.
Rifle, Colorado is a small town located on the beautiful Western Slope of Colorado, and centrally located 30 minutes west of Glenwood Springs; 1 hour northeast of Grand Junction, CO; 90 minutes northwest of Aspen, CO; 2 hours west of Breckenridge, CO and 3 hours west of Denver, CO.
Located directly on the Colorado River and near some of Colorado’s most popular tourist destinations, Rifle is the ideal location for adventure seekers. Residents enjoy skiing, fly fishing, hiking, camping, rafting, and mountain biking all located right out your backdoor. Rifle Mountain Park (popular with rock climbers) is located 16 miles north of Rifle and Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap state parks are close by. There is access to BLM areas Hubbard Mesa Open Area, Rifle Arch and the Roan Plateau. The Rifle Creek Golf Course is 6 miles north of the center of Rifle.
Your Impact
Under the mentorship and guidance of NM SIR Senior Scientists and Engineers, perform routine field work related to soil sampling, soil gas sampling, groundwater sampling, stormwater sampling, boring logs, and other assignments as designated.
Perform field work including drill rig geologist, logging drill cuttings, recording drill characteristics, monitoring and managing well installation, and development.
Oversight and recording data for aquifer testing, and evaluation of data using standard empirical formulas and software (e.g., AQTESOLV).
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory documentation, and logbooks.
Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of organic and inorganic compounds to determine their composition.
Conduct regulatory compliance inspections (stormwater and SPCC)
Prepare site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
Implement safe work practices in the field in accordance with the HASP
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Strong verbal communication skills, good attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Environmental Science or related degree.
• 0-1 years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
• Must be able to pass a HAZWOPER physical and be medically able to wear a tight-fitting respirator. Note that WSP would provide the HAZWOPER training upon hire.
• Familiarity with the concepts of reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances, processes, or products.
• Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• This role is subject to a client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of the client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Must pass background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
• Experience drafting using ArcGIS®, AutoCAD®, Civil 3D®, or Visio®
• Knowledge of ECMC regulations, environmental permitting and NEPA a plus.

Responsibilities

• Under the mentorship and guidance of NM SIR Senior Scientists and Engineers, perform routine field work related to soil sampling, soil gas sampling, groundwater sampling, stormwater sampling, boring logs, and other assignments as designated.
• Perform field work including drill rig geologist, logging drill cuttings, recording drill characteristics, monitoring and managing well installation, and development.
• Oversight and recording data for aquifer testing, and evaluation of data using standard empirical formulas and software (e.g., AQTESOLV).
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory documentation, and logbooks.
• Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of organic and inorganic compounds to determine their composition.
• Conduct regulatory compliance inspections (stormwater and SPCC)
• Prepare site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
• Implement safe work practices in the field in accordance with the HASP
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills, good attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Benefits

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
• Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees