Field Staff Geologist

Universal Engineering Sciences•Farmington, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At UES, a national provider of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, the Field Staff Geologist/Engineer supports geotechnical and environmental consulting projects. The role is intended for early-career geologists and engineers and provides hands-on experience with subsurface investigations, environmental assessments, and remediation projects, working alongside experienced professionals. The position involves extensive fieldwork at project sites and requires regular travel, approximately up to 20% of the time. Work is primarily outdoors and may involve rugged or uneven terrain, construction environments, exposure to weather and other field conditions, and physically demanding activities. The role also supports technical reporting and coordination with project teams, subcontractors, and laboratories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
0–2 years of relevant field experience; internships and academic fieldwork are strongly preferred.
Fundamentals of Geology (FG) certification required; working toward Professional Geologist (PG) licensure if applicable by state.
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification with a current 8-hour refresher, as applicable.
Basic knowledge of soil classification, hydrogeology principles, and environmental site investigation techniques.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in physically demanding environments.
Ability to travel regularly to field sites.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate field documentation.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to lift and carry 35–75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
Ability to use visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses, including near and far vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focusing ability.
Ability to communicate effectively in laboratory and field environments, often while using PPE.

Nice To Haves

Internship and academic fieldwork experience.
Familiarity with field logging software and GIS tools.
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification.

Responsibilities

Assist with and perform field investigations, including soil borings, test pits, monitoring well installations, and geologic site reconnaissance.
Log soil and rock borings in accordance with industry standards and company procedures.
Collect soil, groundwater, surface water, and vapor samples using proper chain-of-custody protocols.
Oversee drilling subcontractors and remediation contractors to ensure adherence to project scope and safety standards.
Conduct groundwater monitoring, well gauging, and sampling events.
Perform field activities for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
Document site conditions, lithology, groundwater observations, and field screening results in detailed field notes.
Use field instruments, including PID, water level meters, and multi-parameter meters, and ensure their proper calibration and maintenance.
Assist with remediation oversight, including excavation monitoring and soil management activities.
Support preparation of technical reports, boring logs, figures, and regulatory documentation based on field findings.
Coordinate with subcontractors, laboratories, and project teams to ensure timely completion of field tasks.
Follow safety protocols, including OSHA and MSHA requirements, and properly use PPE.
Perform other duties as assigned.