Geologist I

Job Title: Geologist I
Location: Lakewood, CO

Description/Job Summary

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

HGL currently has a position open for a Geologist I based in the Denver, Colorado area. This position 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.

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/Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING 

The person hired for this role will be responsible for: 

• Ensuring 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.
• Participating on field teams for collection of water, soil, soil vapor, surface water and sediment samples utilizing various sampling techniques.
• Performing / conducting field subcontractor oversight inclusive of drilling, monitoring well construction, waste transportation and disposal, and heavy equipment operation.
• Contributing to the preparation of work plans and project deliverables (e.g., UFP-QAPPs, RI Reports, SSHP/HASPs, power point presentations, and technical memoranda).
• Assisting with data entry, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data using statistical and visualization tools.
• Potentially assisting with remedial system operations and maintenance services.
• Potential for up to 50% travel within the U.S. (primarily in western U.S.) will be associated with this position. 
• Utilize approved digital and AI-assisted tools, where appropriate, to support technical documentation, data analysis, project communications, and workflow efficiency.

Minimum Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

The ideal candidate will need the following as a foundation for success in this role:

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT – Preferred, not required 

• 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

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS

• Ability to lift/move/relocate items up to 50 lbs.
• Walking long distances
• Walking over uneven or mountainous terrain
• Ability to see details at close range
• Ability to interpret and 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
• Must be able to travel up to 70% per year
• 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.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Details

Work 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.

Office Type: Fully in-office 5 days per week.

Travel: 50-70%

A favorable pre-hire drug test and physical are required.

All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.

MORE ABOUT HGL AND THE OPPORTUNITY

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 - WHO WE ARE 

The exceptional quality of our people is key to our strength. We value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team. We offer a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. By cultivating a culture of innovation, we’re able to adapt and augment our services to solve complex environmental and natural resources challenges. 

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 is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. By joining HGL, you will be working toward restoring the environment and protecting our future.

HGL - WE INVEST IN YOU

It’s not just a job, it’s your career. HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. Achieve your career goals and help HGL achieve its mission of restoring the environment to beneficial use for our clients and communities. 

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected category. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should contact Human Resources directly at 703-478-5186.

EEO notices: US Equal Opportunity Employment Poster, US Equal Opportunity Supplemental Poster, Know Your Rights, and Pay Transparency Notice.

A full list of benefits is available at www.hgl.com/careers/.

Digital & AI Proficiency: HGL encourages the responsible use of approved AI-enabled and digital technologies to improve productivity, technical quality, decision-making, and project delivery. Candidates who demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and experience leveraging emerging technologies are highly valued.

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. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

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