How to hire an environmental scientist/geologist

How to hire an environmental scientist/geologist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step environmental scientist/geologist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an environmental scientist/geologist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new environmental scientist/geologist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your environmental scientist/geologist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an environmental scientist/geologist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An environmental scientist/geologist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, environmental scientist/geologists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of environmental scientist/geologists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Environmental Scientist/Geologist	Description	Hourly rate
   Environmental Scientist/Geologist	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.	$23-39
   Geologist	A Geologist studies the composition, structure, and history of the earth's crust. They may work for private industries, the federal government, colleges and universities, or museums.	$30-94
   Field Scientist	The duties of a field scientist depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In general, their responsibilities typically include conducting studies and scientific research, visiting various sites to observe and gather samples, performing laboratory analyses and experiments, maintaining records of all operations, and coming up with conclusions from the research findings... Show more	$25-53

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • OSHA
   • GIS
   • Surface Water
   • GPS
   • Data Management
   • Project Site
   • Data Collection
   • Construction Oversight
   • Local Regulations
   • Cost Estimates
   • Oil Gas
   • Site Investigations
   • Phase II
   • Hazardous Materials

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop and manage company EHS compliance processes in accordance with current and upcoming regulatory mandates.
   • Review raw analytical data and compare to Illinois EPA guidelines.
   • Experience with EPA Superfund projects.
   • Perform asbestos abatement oversight for schools and other clients ensuring AHERA, NESHAP and OSHA compliance.
   • Help produce environmental and geotechnical reports.
   • Identify soils and collect samples for geotechnical investigations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your environmental scientist/geologist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An environmental scientist/geologist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, environmental scientist/geologists' average salary in alabama is 54% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level environmental scientist/geologists 41% less than senior-level environmental scientist/geologists.
   • Certifications. An environmental scientist/geologist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an environmental scientist/geologist's salary.

   Average environmental scientist/geologist salary

   $63,344yearly

   $30.45 hourly rate

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   Entry-level environmental scientist/geologist salary

   $48,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing an environmental scientist/geologist job description

   A job description for an environmental scientist/geologist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an environmental scientist/geologist job description:

   Environmental scientist/geologist job description example

   • A Bachelor's degree or higher in Geology, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related disciple.
   • 2-6+ years of related experience. Must have hands on fieldwork & office experience in the environmental consulting field. Experience with drilling oversight and the ability to lead subsurface events is a plus. Familiarity with Underground Storage Tank regulations is highly preferred. Exxon Mobil project site experience is a major plus!
   • Working knowledge of Texas' environmental regulations and RCRA and CERCLA State/Federal regulations.
   • Must possess excellent communication and technical writing skills and be able to independently prepare a complete deliverable report with a focus on QA/QC.
   • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Adobe, geologic logging/cross section. programs required. Experience with database/graphics management (Access, GIS, CAD) a plus.
   • Must be detail-oriented, and a team player with good communication, analytical, organization, and time management skills.
   • A Background Check and an Alcohol/Drug Screening are required.
   • Must have a clean driving record and be able to drive a company vehicle.

   Our comprehensive benefits include : medical, dental, vision, prescription card, 401k, FSA, LTD, STD, New Parent Leave, 529 CollegeBound Fund, Tuition Assistance, Bonus Plan, and more.

   Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES) believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. At GES, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.

   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find environmental scientist/geologists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any environmental scientist/geologists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level environmental scientist/geologists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your environmental scientist/geologist job on Zippia to find and recruit environmental scientist/geologist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit environmental scientist/geologists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new environmental scientist/geologist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the environmental scientist/geologist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new environmental scientist/geologist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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