Engineering Geologist

🏔️
Senior Project-Level Engineering Geologist

📍

Location:

Costa Mesa, CA (On-site, with limited local fieldwork)

💰 Pay Range: $40.00 – $72.00/hour (based on experience and certifications)

Are you a licensed CEG with a passion for solving complex geological challenges? Join a collaborative, Southern California-based geotechnical team as a Senior Project-Level Engineering Geologist. This role offers the opportunity to lead diverse projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors—providing critical geological insight that shapes safe, sustainable development.

You’ll work closely with clients, engineers, and regulatory agencies, taking ownership of your projects from proposal through delivery. This is a great fit for a self-starter who thrives in a smaller, high-impact environment with direct client interaction and the autonomy to drive results.

• Lead geotechnical and engineering geological investigations and site assessments
• Conduct soil and rock mapping, slope stability analysis, seismic hazard evaluations, and groundwater assessments
• Develop and manage field investigation plans (drilling, sampling, geophysical surveys)
• Prepare detailed engineering geology reports with actionable design recommendations
• Collaborate with engineers, hydro geologists, and environmental scientists to integrate findings into project plans
• Engage with clients throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal development and technical presentations
• Provide expert consultation during permitting processes and legal proceedings as needed
• Mentor junior staff and oversee project teams on a task-by-task basis
• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and regulatory frameworks

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related field (Master’s or Ph.D. a plus)
• California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) and Professional Geologist (PG) license
• 7+ years of experience in engineering geology, with a strong portfolio of project leadership
• Deep knowledge of Southern California geology, including seismic hazards and slope stability
• Strong communication skills and ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Proficiency in geotechnical software and field instrumentation
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, and client relationships
• Familiarity with residential development and private-sector projects is a plus

• Local focus
  :
  Most projects are in Southern California—minimal travel, no overnight trips
• Flexible structure
  : 4 days in-office, 1 remote (with preference for in-person collaboration)
• Autonomy
  :
  Take ownership of your projects and client relationships
• Supportive culture
  :
  Small, tight-knit team with an open-door policy and no micromanagement
• Growth potential
  :
  Opportunity to step into a principal-level role without administrative burden
• Perks
  :
  Healthcare fully paid by the company, 401(k) plan, and a culture that values work-life balance

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $72.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
  Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2025.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.