Geologist I

HGL currently has a position open for a Geologist I based in the Denver, Colorado area. This role will support U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental projects primarily in the Rocky Mountain region. Projects commonly involve investigation and remediation of sites with groundwater and soil impacted by emerging contaminants (PFAS), chlorinated solvents, and petroleum compounds as well as abandoned mine lands.

About the role

The Geologist I will work out of our Lakewood, CO office either in the office or on field assignments. This role requires 50-70% travel, primarily in the Western U.S., but may include occasional travel across the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Ensure field operations are conducted in a safe manner in accordance with project specific Site Safety and Health Plans / Health and Safety Plans and standard operating procedures.
• Participate on field teams for collection of water, soil, soil vapor, surface water and sediment samples utilizing various sampling techniques.
• Perform / conduct field subcontractor oversight inclusive of drilling, monitoring well construction, waste transportation and disposal, and heavy equipment operation.
• Contribute to the preparation of work plans and project deliverables (e.g., UFP-QAPPs, RI Reports, SSHP/HASPs, power point presentations, and technical memoranda).
• Assist with data entry, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data using statistical and visualization tools.
• Potentially assist with remedial system operations and maintenance services.
• Utilize approved digital and AI-assisted tools, where appropriate, to support technical documentation, data analysis, project communications, and workflow efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and organization.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and other MS Office applications.
• Ability to walk on rugged terrain and lift equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Possess or have ability to obtain OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification upon employment and be able to work in various levels of PPE including a respirator, if required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technologies and digital tools to improve project delivery and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Previous experience with environmental investigations including various groundwater, soil, and surface water/sediment methodologies.
• Experience with monitoring well drilling, logging, installation and sampling; developing boring logs and review/interpretation of geological boring logs.
• Prior experience contributing to the preparation of technical reports, memoranda, and work plans.
• Knowledge and experience of CERCLA, DoD, DOE, EPA, and/or RCRA projects.
• PFAS sampling or remediation experience.
• Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve technical writing, data analysis, research, visualization, or project delivery efficiency.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift/move/relocate items up to 50 lbs.
• Walking long distances and over uneven or mountainous terrain.
• Ability to see details at close range and interpret/analyze visual data (maps, graphs, warning indicators, etc.).
• Driving a company or personal vehicle.
• Analyzing and synthesizing data.
• Reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations.
• Writing reports, proposals, or technical documentation.
• Communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Managing competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.).
• May work in environments with loud noises, dust, or hazardous materials.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Potential for longer days up to 12 hours in duration.

Schedule

HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week; however, fieldwork schedules will deviate based on job requirements and may require longer hours and weekends. This position requires 50-70% travel, primarily in the Western U.S. Office type: Fully in-office 5 days per week.

Pay

The annual salary for this position ranges from $47,860 - $67,004. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills.

About HGL

At HGL, we share a drive and vision to restore natural resources and provide ongoing stewardship of our environment to benefit present and future generations. We believe that we can make a difference in improving the world we live in through collaboration, teamwork, and a positive work environment. This unites and empowers us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

HGL is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. Projects at HGL primarily span the United States and its territories, tackling problems associated with emerging contaminants (like PFAS), radiological contamination, and military munitions, along with chemical contamination in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil. With over 550 employees, HGL offers a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future.

HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. We encourage the responsible use of approved AI-enabled and digital technologies to improve productivity, technical quality, decision-making, and project delivery.