Geologist II

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are actively seeking a talented mid-level Geologist for immediate employment in our Oakland, California office, with a primary focus on oil and gas clients (refineries, terminals, pipelines, and related facilities). Imagine working on rewarding projects within a diverse culture and having access to exceptional training and career development opportunities. Working at AECOM means being part of a global team, collaborating with award‑winning professionals across the world. Aspire to be a key player on some of the best projects regionally, with opportunities to work on projects nationally or internationally. Our people bring deep industry knowledge to help you succeed.

The successful candidate will assist with gathering and analyzing geological and geochemical data in both field and office settings. Field activities include soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and soil vapor sample collection; geological soil logging and interpretation; and oversight of subcontractors including laboratories and excavation and drilling companies. Office activities include preparing investigation reports and managing data. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, willingness to mentor junior staff, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative.

Responsibilities

- Conduct surface and subsurface investigations using soil borings, test pits, monitoring well installations (groundwater and vapor), aquifer testing, and borehole/surface geophysical surveys, with an emphasis on petroleum hydrocarbon and VOC-impacted sites.
- Examine and describe soil samples and interpret geologic conditions relevant to oil and gas facilities (e.g., refineries, terminals, pipelines, upstream/midstream assets).
- Interpret and record data; conduct analyses; and compare findings to relevant studies and local, state, and federal regulations applicable to oil and gas operations.
- Perform subsurface drilling investigations to determine the presence and extent of contamination in soil, groundwater, and soil gas/vapor.
- Collect multimedia samples (soil, groundwater, soil vapor, sediment, stormwater, and surface water) for field and laboratory testing.
- Analyze and apply solutions to atypical and semi-complex issues using standard operating procedures/methodologies; help determine appropriate approaches for new assignments.
- Proactively recognize and address health and safety issues for the entire team; champion a strong safety culture.
- Prepare high-quality technical reports and environmental permit application packages; support compliance deliverables typical of oil and gas clients (e.g., remediation plans, monitoring reports, and select compliance documents).
- Assist with procurement and oversight of subcontractors (drillers, utility locators, surveyors, laboratories, and remediation contractors).
- Assist with preparation of proposals for small and moderate-scope projects; contribute to scopes, schedules, and budgets.
- Work independently with minimal to moderate guidance, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Assist Project Managers with budget and scope of preparation, work plan development, and coordination of project management tasks for new and ongoing projects.
- Mentor junior staff and/or coordinate activities of a small field team.
- Drive quality control of assigned tasks or small project segments.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelor of Science in geology or a relevant geological science discipline (e.g., geophysics or geochemistry) and 2+ years of environmental remediation and investigation experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education. 
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) and legally authorized to work in the United States. AECOM will not provide sponsorship for this position.
- Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, site characterization, subsurface investigations, and remediation projects—preferably at oil and gas facilities (refineries, terminals, bulk plants, pipeline corridors, and upstream/midstream assets).
- Experience with soil, groundwater, vapor, and stormwater field collection methods; familiarity with petroleum hydrocarbon constituents and related geochemistry.
- Demonstrated application of geological knowledge to monitoring and subsurface investigations in both field and office settings, including LNAPL assessment and recovery monitoring.
- Strong technical writing skills; experience preparing monitoring and investigation reports and remediation documentation.
- Independent field work and leadership of field teams, including: Driving to project sites and coordinating daily field logistics
- Subcontractor oversight and utility clearance coordination
- Soil drilling, characterization, and sampling
- Monitoring well (groundwater and soil vapor) installation and test pit excavation
- Soil, sediment, soil vapor, sanitary system, surface water, and groundwater sampling
- Surface and borehole geophysical techniques
- Aquifer testing (slug tests, packer testing, step-drawdown, and tracer tests)
- Remedial systems performance monitoring (e.g., SVE, air sparge, pump-and-treat)

- Experience preparing plans, permits, and reports for hazardous waste, air quality, stormwater, and wastewater programs; familiarity with SPCC-related tasks and oil and gas compliance deliverables is a plus.
- Ability to clearly communicate with subcontractors, regulatory agents, and clients during field activities; familiarity with California regulatory frameworks (e.g., Regional Water Quality Control Boards, DTSC, CUPAs; local air districts) preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 80% to various job sites within the US (primary area of travel is Northern California, including the Bay Area and surrounding region).
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER or current annual refresher.
- 10-hour and/or 30-hour OSHA Construction Supervisory certificate.
- First Aid/CPR certificate.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic data management tools; experience with GIS/CAD/data visualization tools is a plus.
- California GIT or PG (or the ability to obtain) preferred.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options ,  well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.