Job Title: Geologist III
Location: Reston, VA
Description/Job SummaryPOSITION DESCRIPTION HGL has a position open for
Geologist III to support site investigation and remediation projects based out of our Reston, VA headquarters. This role combines hands-on environmental investigation, interpretation of geological and environmental data, technical reporting, and remediation oversight. You will collaborate with engineers, geologists, scientists, and project managers on varied cleanup projects supporting our mission to restore the environment and protect our future. The Geologist III will provide support services to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal and state government clients throughout the eastern United States.
Responsibilities/DutiesWHAT YOU'LL BE DOING - Supporting environmental field investigations and remediation projects at hazardous waste/contaminated sites under the direction of project managers and senior staff members.
- Ensuring field operations are conducted in a safe manner in accordance with project specific Site Safety and Health Plans / Health and Safety Plans.
- Participating on field teams for collection of water, soil, soil vapor, surface water, sediment and biota samples utilizing various sampling techniques.
- Performing / conducting field subcontractor oversight inclusive of drilling, monitoring well construction, waste transportation and disposal, and heavy equipment operation.
- Contributing to the preparation of work plans and project deliverables (e.g., UFP-QAPPs, RI Reports, SSHP/HASPs, PowerPoint presentations, and technical memoranda).
- Assisting with data entry, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data using statistical and visualization tools.
- Coordinating assigned field investigations and subcontractor activities, preparing technical reports and field documentation, and serving as HGL's client representative during assigned remedial-action activities under the direction of project managers and senior technical staff. Developing greater technical leadership and project-management responsibility through increasingly complex assignments.
- Utilizing approved digital and AI-assisted tools, where appropriate, to support technical documentation, data analysis, project communications, and workflow efficiency.
Minimum RequirementsWHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL - A bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum of six years of directly relevant environmental investigation and remediation experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- Previous experience with environmental investigations (CERCLA, RCRA, DoD, DoE, and/or EPA projects) including various groundwater, soil, vapor intrusion, surface water, sediment and biota methodologies.
- Experience overseeing and monitoring well drilling and installation, preparing and interpreting geological boring logs, collecting groundwater and soil samples, and contributing to technical reports and work plans is required.
- A demonstrated history of responsibility, initiative, motivation, and creativity.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Strong time management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and organization.
- Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and other MS Office applications.
- Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technologies and digital tools to improve project delivery and operational efficiency.
Desired QualificationsWHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT - Preferred, not required- Master's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
- Experience as a Site Health & Safety Officer for environmental investigations/remediation.
- HAZWOPER 40-hour training.
- OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety and Health certificate.
- EPA Superfund experience and State environmental agencies.
- Strong work ethic with the desire to learn and expand role by taking on more responsibilities.
- PFAS sampling and remediation experience.
- Experience or training in developing hydrogeologic conceptual site models (CSMs) and modeling (surface water or groundwater).
- Experience or training with GIS, SURFER or similar, 2D/3D data visualization software such as Earth Volumetric Studio.
- Experience using SCRIBE data management software.
- Geologist-in-Training (GIT) designation or Professional Geologist (PG) licensure is preferred. Candidates without PG licensure should demonstrate interest in pursuing licensure and work with HGL to establish a development timeline based on their education, experience, and applicable licensing requirements.
- Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve technical writing, data analysis, research, visualization, or project delivery efficiency.
Physical & Environmental RequirementsPHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS- Ability to lift/move/relocate items up to 50 lbs
- Prolonged sitting and standing up to 70% of the time
- Walking long distances
- Walking over uneven or mountainous terrain
- Repetitive hand motions (typing, tool use, etc.)
- Ability to see details at close range and at a distance
- Viewing computer screen for extended periods
- Ability to interpret and analyze visual data (maps, graphs, warning indicators, etc.)
- Driving a company or personal vehicle
- Analyzing and synthesizing data
- Complex problem solving and decision making
- Reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations
- Writing reports, proposals, or technical documentation
- Leading a team or coordinating multiple priorities
- Communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders
- Managing competing deadlines and shifting priorities
WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS- Must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
- Must be able to travel up to 25% per year
- May work in environments with loud noises, dust, or hazardous materials
- Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Office work environment
- Potential for longer days up to 12 hours in duration
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
DetailsWork Schedule: HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week; however, fieldwork schedules will deviate based on job requirements and may require longer hours and weekends.
Office Type: In-Office. Five office days per week are preferred; consideration may be given to 1-2 work-from-home days per week, depending on the agreed arrangement and project needs.
Travel: Travel of up to approximately 25% annually is required to support environmental investigations and remediation projects. Travel frequency and duration vary by project and may include overnight stays.
A favorable pre-hire drug test and physical are required.
All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.
This specific role supports a U.S. Federal government contract(s) which require(s) employees engaged on this contract to be U.S. citizens.The annual salary for this position ranges from $84,631 - $126,947. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.
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