Geologist II

AECOM•Germantown, MD

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM's growing Water business is seeking a motivated Geologist/Geophysicist/Geoscientist to join our Geotechnical and Geophysics Group in Germantown, Maryland. This position offers a unique combination of field investigation, technical analysis, and office-based project work. Team members participate in projects from field data collection through data processing, interpretation, mapping, and development of technical deliverables. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop experience across multiple geophysical and geoscience disciplines while working alongside experienced geologists, geophysicists, engineers, surveyors, and GIS professionals. The position is based in our Germantown, Maryland office and includes a combination of office and field assignments. While this is primarily an in-person position, hybrid work opportunities may be available following completion of the initial training period and once the employee has demonstrated the ability to work effectively and independently. Depending on project needs, up to approximately 50% travel may be required for field investigations, although the balance between field and office work will vary throughout the year. Field assignments may range from local day trips to occasional multi-week assignments throughout the United States and abroad. Prior geophysics experience is beneficial but is not required. We place a high value on technical aptitude, curiosity, initiative, dependability, and a willingness to learn. The successful candidate should enjoy both solving technical problems in the office and being actively involved in collecting high-quality data in the field. Our team supports a broad range of engineering and infrastructure projects involving renewable energy, pumped-storage facilities, tunnels, defense facilities, dams, data centers, bridges, roadways, and other complex infrastructure. This position provides exposure to projects ranging from initial site characterization through engineering design and construction.

Requirements

BA/BS in Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography/GIS or related field + 2 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 50% to support field investigations, including occasional multi-week assignments
Ability to perform physically active field work outdoors, including prolonged standing and walking over uneven terrain, repeated bending and lifting, and lifting and carrying field equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and occasionally work extended field days or non-standard schedules based on project requirements
Valid US Driver’s License and as a condition of employment must pass the AECOM Motor Vehicle screening
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a drug screening
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a medical screening
Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography/GIS or related field
Previous geophysics experience is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, reliability, technical aptitude, and a strong desire to develop both field and analytical skills
Experience involving geology, geophysics, geotechnical investigations, environmental investigations, surveying, GIS, engineering, or other related technical work
Demonstrated ability to complete assigned field and technical tasks with appropriate guidance from senior staff
Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to learn new equipment, software, and technical procedures
A hands-on mindset and willingness to participate fully in field assignments as part of a small project team
Demonstrated initiative and ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and follow them through to completion
Hands-on experience with surveying, construction, environmental field work, geotechnical investigations, outdoor field work, research, military service, trades, or similar experience is beneficial
Strong mechanical or technical aptitude and an interest in understanding, operating, and troubleshooting specialized instrumentation
Experience collecting, reviewing, organizing, and documenting scientific or engineering field data.
Ability to recognize potential field equipment, data-quality, or site-condition issues and assist in developing practical solutions
Ability to balance physically active field assignments with detailed technical and analytical office work
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
Familiarity with GIS, CAD, surveying, electronics, programming, data acquisition, or technical instrumentation is beneficial
Familiarity with software such as ArcGIS Pro, Surfer, EarthImager, SeisImager, RADAN, or AutoCAD experience

Responsibilities

Supporting geophysical investigations from field data acquisition through processing, interpretation, mapping, and reporting.
Supporting terrestrial, marine, and borehole investigations using methods including seismic refraction/reflection, MASW, ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetics, magnetics, electrical resistivity imaging, utility mapping, borehole geophysical logging, downhole/cross hole seismic, bathymetric surveying, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and marine magnetics and seismic.
Performing technical office work including geophysical data processing and interpretation, GIS analysis and mapping, CAD development, data management, quality control, technical documentation, and report preparation.
Performing field investigations, including setup and operation of specialized geophysical and survey instrumentation, deployment of sensors and cables, operation of seismic sources, field data quality control, troubleshooting, and equipment mobilization.
Supporting geodetic, geological, and geotechnical services including surveying, GIS mapping, geologic mapping, vibration and settlement monitoring, soil borings, and rock coring.
Operating specialized geophysical, survey, and data-acquisition equipment and progressively developing the skills necessary to independently perform increasingly complex field and office assignments.
Conducting specific phases of projects and assigned field activities under the general supervision of a Project Manager or senior technical team member.
Evaluating field data in real time, identifying potential problems or unexpected conditions, and working with senior staff to determine appropriate solutions.
Reviewing collected data for completeness and quality and identifying data that may require additional investigation or collection.
Maintaining organized field documentation and digital data and performing appropriate quality-control checks.
Preparing technical documentation, figures, maps, summaries, and portions of technical reports.
Working collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary project teams and small field crews.
Traveling up to approximately 50% as project needs require.
Taking ownership of assigned tasks and progressively assuming greater responsibility for field activities and technical assignments.