Geologist – Entry Level (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Barr is seeking an entry-level geologist for its Grand Rapids, Michigan, office. The role supports the Assessment and Remediation business unit on projects involving the investigation, evaluation, and remediation of contaminated sites. Work may be performed independently or as part of a project team and includes environmental site assessments; investigations of contaminated soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and vapor; aquifer test performance and analysis; construction observation; development of site conceptual models; and preparation of drilling logs, geologic maps, cross-sections, and technical reports. Field tasks may include observing drilling and monitoring well installation, classifying soil and bedrock samples, and collecting samples for field screening and laboratory analysis. The position is hybrid, splitting time between a Barr office and a home office. Year-round fieldwork includes out-of-town travel, with up to 50% travel and 75% fieldwork expected; project needs vary seasonally and over time. The role may involve rough construction-site terrain; industrial facilities with limited accessibility and moving machinery; waste disposal sites; and sites requiring hazardous-material cleanup. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required, safety training will be provided, and some clients may request participation in a drug-screening program. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The successful candidate is a clear and confident communicator who works well both collaboratively and independently. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn, attentive to detail, reliable, safety-conscious, and willing to take ownership of assigned work while developing technical skills and professional judgment. The role requires teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering environmental solutions. The anticipated salary range is $65,000–$75,000 annually, varying with relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This is an exempt salaried position. Barr offers employee benefits including insurance, retirement contributions, employee ownership, profit distribution, professional-development support, paid time off and holidays, paid family leave, and wellness resources. Benefits eligibility may vary with employment status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geological engineering, or a related degree.
Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Strong computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
Current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without needing sponsorship by Barr now or in the future.
Willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs; up to 50% travel and 75% fieldwork are expected.
Ability to work in outdoor conditions including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain.
Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work individually in remote locations.
Ability to stand, walk, kneel, or crouch for extended periods.
Ability to use personal protective equipment as required by site conditions and safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
Ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geological engineering, or a related degree.
1–3 years of experience working on environmental sites.
40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
Fundamentals of Geology (FG) certification or ability to obtain certification within one year.
Familiarity with environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

Apply foundational geology and science principles to support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection.
Assist with analysis of environmental data and contribute to development of remediation approaches.
Help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation.
Assist in tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
Contribute to evaluating site conditions and identifying potential solutions to environmental challenges.
Learn to apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Prepare clear field notes, chains-of-custody, client and internal emails, data summaries, figures, and draft report sections.
Provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives and maintain productive working relationships.
Assist with environmental site assessments and on-site investigations of contaminated soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and vapor.
Support aquifer test performance and analysis, construction observation, site conceptual model development, and preparation of drilling logs, geologic maps, cross-sections, and technical reports.
Observe drilling and monitoring well installation, classify soil and bedrock samples, and collect samples for field screening and laboratory analysis.