Geologist jobs in Orange, CA

Our Business 

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. 
 
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP USA is searching for a Geologist for the Los Angeles and Orange County business area! The position is to be based in the Costa Mesa office. This person will provide technical assistance and guidance for due diligence, subsurface investigation, and remediation projects.  Tasks may include conducting geophysical surveys, collecting environmental samples from various media (soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air/vapor), and conducting site exploration and geologic logging using a variety of drilling techniques.  Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding field conditions and assessing and advising on the potential short- and long-term impacts to the environment and risks to ecological and human health.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Perform field work following WSP's training program, including subcontractor management, logging soil borings, overseeing groundwater monitoring well installations, and collecting soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment samples, as well as documenting field activities.
• Set up field projects, including permitting; hiring subcontractors; coordinating with staff, laboratories, and subcontractors; and obtaining necessary equipment. 
• Compile and process data to produce tables and figures. 
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to prevent, control, restore, or clean-up chemical and environmental problems and contamination.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with development and scoping projects and tasks.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geologic, hydrogeologic, and chemical data obtained during field investigations.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Assist with training junior staff.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or closely related discipline. 
• 3 to 5 years of experience working as a Geologist.
• Ability to coordinate with agency regulators and understand requirements.
• Experience sampling soil and groundwater via drilling including direct-push, hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, and other similar drilling methods.
• Experience working with drilling and excavation sub-contractors.
• Experience preparing soil boring and well installation/destruction permits.
• Experience using the Unified Soil Classification System (ASTM standard D2488-17) for logging soil boring and/or test pit logging.
• Demonstrated verbal communication and technical presentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with the ability/desire to lead tasks.
• Willingness to  work more than 8 hours per day when necessary for project success.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply information on State and Federal technical guidance, and regulations, and compliance determinations.
• Must pass drug test, background check, and must have a satisfactory driving record.
• Must have a valid, current Driver’s License. 
• Experience with evaluation of vapor intrusion and sampling soil gas per DTSC and EPA guidelines is a plus. 
• Experience installing groundwater monitoring wells, remediation wells, and soil gas wells. 
• Experience writing/updating groundwater monitoring reports and well installation reports.
• Knowledge with the concepts of reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances, processes, or products., and mitigation
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most cost-effective responses that will minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources.
• Ability to uphold workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.
• CA GIT Certification 

WSP Benefits: 
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation
Expected Salary (California): $75,400- $107,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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