How to hire a field geologist

How to hire a field geologist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field geologist hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the field geologist you need to hire. Certain field geologist roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A field geologist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, field 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.

   Here's a comparison of field geologist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Field Geologist	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Geologist	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.	$31-88
   Geology Internship	In a geology internship, an intern has the opportunity to gain insights and practical experience while performing various support tasks under the directives and supervision of a geologist or manager. Their duties typically include working on different projects, conducting research, doing fieldwork, gathering and analyzing samples, collecting photographs or videos as evidence, completing surveys and assessments, and producing reports, submitting them according to protocols and standards... Show more	$38-70
   Geophysicist	A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.	$37-67

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Data Collection
   • Geotechnical
   • Well Design
   • Site Assessments
   • Water Samples
   • Technical Reports
   • Rig
   • Asphalt
   • Site Investigations
   • Soil Samples
   • Surface Water
   • Onsite
   • GPS
   • GINT

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Establish an LLC and learned the fundamentals of running and managing a small business.
   • Prepare maps by positioning and plotting GPS points from localities find onto current geological maps.
   • Collect soil and rock samples and classify according to ASTM national guidelines.
   • Rely upon to handle geological rock samples classification and description with ASTM standards.
   • Interpret rate of penetration, gas data, and MWD gamma data to call formation tops.
   • Work in a team with geologists, MWD loggers, drillers, engineers, and practice safety procedures.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, field geologists' average salary in indiana is 53% less than in texas.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field geologists 65% less than senior-level field geologists.
   • Certifications. A field 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 a field geologist's salary.

   Average field geologist salary

   $109,947yearly

   $52.86 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field geologist salary

   $65,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a field geologist job description

   A field geologist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a field geologist job description:

   Field geologist job description example

   GeoTek is a full-service consulting firm specializing in environmental, geotechnical, facilities and construction materials testing and inspection services that was incorporated in 1997. Our services are provided by a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about their careers and who carry a specialized knowledge of their profession. GeoTek is committed to the principles of client service and sound professional advice. We pay attention to these cost-effective basic values, and pride ourselves on doing high quality work that presents real value to its clients. We approach every project with a team concept in mind, and our reputation for high quality and timely service, at competitive prices has established us as an industry leader.
   
   GeoTek's staff is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that include civil/geotechnical engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, and environmental scientists. These professionals have experience consulting on a wide range of projects.
   
   GeoTek aims to build partnerships with our clients. With our comprehensive range of capabilities, we satisfy clients' needs, as well as develop interactive approaches and cost-effective solutions that will allow them to concentrate on what they do best.....running their business.
   We are currently looking for the following positions.
   
   Soils Inspectors
   
   GeoTek is looking for field inspectors to join our Las Vegas, NV office. If you currently have experience performing soil testing please apply for this open position. Lots of experience is not required if you have a good attitude and are whiling to learn. Must be whiling to work outside performing field testing in the construction industry, must have a truck, van, suv or similar type vehicle you are able to carry around equipment used for taking soil samples (we pay you for the use of your own vehicle). Pay depends on certifications you have and experience level. You will also receive vehicle and gas reimbursements. If interested please apply by sending in a copy of your current resume. This could be the start to that new career you have been looking for.
   
   SUMMARY:
   
   Performs a variety of testing, project specific observations, and site assessment duties. Operates equipment, conducts tests/assessments and reports data. Works from drawings, specifications, diagrams, schematics and specific verbal and written instructions. Uses specific methods to observe site activities and take samples and perform tests. Makes minor adjustments and modifications as needed.
   
   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: Effectively communicate with Supervisor and Dispatch to obtain daily work assignments. Prepares daily and data reports of testing and inspections. Competent in the performance of all tests and inspections assigned. Prepares and submits company documents related to the projects. Daily prepares and submits own time sheet for approval. Obtains proper field authorizations are signed by the client when required or when work beyond the original scope is requested. Advises Supervisor or Project Manager of any changes in work scope or of any potential budget over runs. Maintains positive business relationships with clients, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, etc.
   
   Requirements:
   
   *Valid Drivers License.
   *ICC Soils certification or Geology Degree
   
   *Ability to accomplish tasks under adverse weather and/or site conditions.
   
   *May be required to work in confined spaces and climb and work at above average heights.
   
   *Good or corrected vision and manual dexterity.
   
   GeoTek, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination based on sex, marital status, race, color, age, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, military reserve membership, ancestry, religion, height, weight, use of guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical handicap, or the presence of disabilities.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find field geologists for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting field geologists requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   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 field geologist

   Once you've found the field geologist candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new field 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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