Geophysicist - GP/SUE Team

Rettew•Lancaster, PA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Introduction RETTEW is seeking an experienced Geophysicist to join our Geophysics/Subsurface Utility Engineering (GP/SUE) Team in Eastern Pennsylvania. This is a hands-on, mid-level role for a professional who has already led geophysical field investigations, managed projects, and delivered client-ready interpretations. Utility mapping and/or borehole logging experience is a plus. The position includes regular regional travel and a balance of field leadership, technical analysis, reporting, and client interaction across engineering, environmental, and archaeological projects. This role is not intended for entry-level candidates or those without direct geophysical field and project management experience. About RETTEW RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 55 years of experience delivering innovative, sustainable solutions. Our multidisciplinary teams serve clients across environmental, geotechnical, transportation, municipal, and energy markets. We foster an ownership-driven culture focused on technical excellence, accountability, and long-term professional growth. Work Environment A combination of field and office (hybrid) work Primary Location: Lancaster, PA Travel: Regular Mid-Atlantic travel; occasional overnight and project-specific extended travel Safety & Compliance Requirements This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of all pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment. Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction and utility environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW’s safety policies is required throughout employment. Position Summary / What You’ll Do In this role, you will plan, execute, and manage geophysical (and SUE) investigations from proposal through final report. You will lead field crews, select appropriate geophysical methods, interpret complex datasets, and communicate findings directly to clients and project teams. Success in this role requires prior experience running geophysical projects independently, mentoring junior staff, and balancing multiple active projects. Representative Project Types - Bedrock depth and subsurface characterization for solar and energy facilities - Dam seepage, void (mine and sinkhole) detection, and subsidence investigations - Cemetery and cultural resource mapping - Well-siting - Seismic site classification surveys - Utility mapping and boring clearance surveys - Geophysical borehole logging

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience conducting and managing geophysical investigations.
Demonstrated experience leading geophysical field crews, not just participating.
Proven experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
Hands-on proficiency with a broad range of geophysical methods (EM, seismic, GPR, electrical).
Strong technical writing skills with experience producing client-facing reports.
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
Ability to troubleshoot geophysical equipment issues in the field.
Willingness and ability to travel on short notice, including overnight travel.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varied field conditions.

Nice To Haves

Borehole geophysical logging experience.
Utility mapping experience.
Proficiency with Surfer, Grapher, Excel, and standard geophysical processing software.
AutoCAD experience.
Experience mentoring junior staff or leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

Lead and perform geophysical field investigations using EM, magnetics, microgravity, seismic refraction and reflection, MASW, GPR, and electrical methods (ERI, SP, IEEE). Utility mapping and/or borehole logging experience is a plus.
Independently oversee data collection, processing, interpretation, and quality control.
Evaluate data limitations, resolve discrepancies, and determine appropriate next steps.
Prepare technically rigorous, client-ready reports and interpretations.
Manage geophysical projects with responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
Serve as a primary technical point of contact for clients and internal teams.
Present findings and recommendations to clients and project stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with safety requirements, regulations, and industry best practices.
Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior geophysicists and field staff.
Support training, field safety, and quality standards across projects.
Stay current with advancements in geophysical methods, equipment, and software.