Job Title: Field GeologistJob DescriptionThis full-time Field Geologist role focuses on true field geology, not an office position disguised as fieldwork. You will spend the majority of your time on project sites across the eastern United States, working alongside drilling crews to log rock core and sediment, document subsurface conditions, and maintain high-quality geological records. The position offers extensive regional travel, significant field exposure, and the opportunity to support mining, natural-resource development, and related engineering geology projects while developing strong technical skills in a supportive, safety-focused environment.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and direct drilling activities on active project sites, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Log rock core and sediment samples in detail, documenting lithology, structures, and other relevant geological characteristics.
- Maintain accurate and organized field documentation, including field notes, boring logs, sample records, and photo logs.
- Collect geological data through field mapping, site reconnaissance, and observation of drilling operations.
- Survey and record field data locations to ensure precise spatial referencing of samples and observations.
- Organize, transport, split, and sample rock core and sediment, including packing, labeling, and cataloging core boxes.
- Photograph and document samples and core boxes, creating complete and traceable photo records.
- Communicate daily field observations, progress updates, and preliminary results to the project manager and project team.
- Prepare boring logs, cross-sections, figures, and photo logs to support project reporting and analysis.
- Assist with groundwater and environmental assessments as needed, including data collection and basic field testing.
- Support data management and QA/QC processes to ensure the integrity and consistency of field data and records.
- Work flexible schedules, including approximately 10-day-on, 4-day-off rotations, to align with drilling and project requirements.
- Travel extensively across regional and multi-state project areas, often for 75% to 100% of work time, to support ongoing fieldwork.
- Safely lift, move, and stack core boxes and equipment, regularly lifting 60+ pounds while standing, squatting, and kneeling.
- Return to lodging each day to complete field notes, finalize daily reporting, and prepare for the next days field activities.
- Potentially support testing and evaluation of selected core samples as project needs require.
- Adhere to safety procedures and regulatory requirements while working around drilling operations, heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and remote field conditions.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Geology or a closely related field.
- 13 years of experience with rock core and subsurface investigations, including logging rock core and other types of samples.
- Experience logging rock core, handling samples, creating boring logs, working with drill crews, and maintaining detailed field documentation.
- Demonstrated experience with field reporting, including field notes, boring logs, sample records, photo documentation, and daily updates.
- Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and complete field notes, boring logs, sample records, and photo documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for daily field reporting and coordination with project managers.
- Ability to safely lift 60+ pounds regularly while standing, squatting, and kneeling.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively out of state for up to 10-day shifts, with 75% to 100% of time spent in the field.
- Schedule flexibility to work long days, variable hours, and consecutive 10-day-on, 4-day-off rotations based on project needs.
- Comfort working in remote areas with minimal supervision and in close proximity to active drilling operations and heavy equipment.
- Ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain while maintaining focus on safety and data quality.
- Enthusiastic, self-starting attitude with a teachable, detail-oriented, and safety-focused approach to fieldwork.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States, confirmed through standard employment verification processes.
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and OSHA physical as required for field and site access.
- Valid drivers license with a clean driving record suitable for frequent regional travel.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Masters degree in Geology is preferred and enhances advancement opportunities.
- Geologist in Training (GIT) certification is highly desirable but not required.
- Experience with GIS software and spatial data is preferred.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License is a plus for projects involving drone-based data collection.
- OSHA 10-hour safety training certification is preferred.
- OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification is preferred for projects involving environmental and hazardous materials work.
- MSHA Part 48(b) Surface New Miner certification is preferred for work on mining-related sites.
- Experience towing trailers and safely securing loads is beneficial for transporting equipment and core.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and related tools for reporting and data management.
- Interest in and aptitude for mining, natural resources, engineering geology, and potential groundwater and environmental projects.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing multiple samples, logs, and field records.
- Comfort with high levels of travel and autonomy, including multi-state project exposure and independent field assignments.
Work EnvironmentThis role is heavily field-based, with approximately 75% to 100% of work time spent on project sites rather than in an office. You will primarily work on active drilling projects across the eastern United States, including Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia, with potential future assignments in additional states such as Arizona, Wyoming, and Utah. Typical rotations are around 10 days on followed by time off, though schedules may vary based on drilling and project requirements. Daily fieldwork often involves 1214-hour days aligned with drilling schedules, creating significant overtime opportunities. You will be onsite with drilling crews, observing and supervising drilling activity, logging rock core and sediment samples, boxing and labeling core, maintaining boring logs, sample records, and photo logs, and transporting core when necessary. The work environment includes remote field locations, uneven terrain, extreme weather conditions, and close proximity to heavy equipment and active drilling operations. You will use tools such as an iPad or similar devices for field notes and reporting, along with standard geological field equipment. Travel-related expenses, including lodging and other approved project costs, are covered or reimbursed according to company policy, and meal per diem is provided for qualifying out-of-town travel, with different arrangements for day travel versus overnight travel. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and employees are eligible to participate in comprehensive benefits programs in accordance with applicable plan terms and company policies, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and related offerings, as well as a 401(k) program with safe harbor non-elective contributions and immediate vesting. The culture emphasizes safety, technical development, autonomy in the field, and strong support for employees who enjoy extensive fieldwork, multi-state travel, and hands-on geology focused on real rock, core, and drilling rather than primarily environmental sampling. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Acworth, GA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $48.00 - $48.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Acworth, GA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Acworth,GA.About Actalent
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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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