Demo

Staff Geologist

Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Columbia, SC Other
POSTED ON 10/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/28/2026
General Responsibilities:

This position is for a Staff Hydrogeologist / Environmental Geologist focused on site investigations, regulatory compliance, field operations, data interpretation, and technical reporting.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

Key Requirements

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant environmental consulting or hydrogeology experience
  • Professional Geologist (PG) or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) in South Carolina preferred (or ability to obtain through reciprocity)
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Technical Skills

Candidates should have experience with:

  • SCDES UST investigations and regulatory reporting
  • SCDES Voluntary Cleanup Program assessments and reporting
  • Groundwater monitoring well installation
  • Soil borings and vapor pin investigations
  • Oversight of drilling subcontractors
  • Soil and rock logging using USCS classification
  • Soil, groundwater, surface water, and soil vapor sampling
  • QA/QC and chain-of-custody procedures
  • Slug tests and hydraulic conductivity evaluations
  • Conceptual Site Model (CSM) development
  • Groundwater contour mapping and contaminant plume mapping
  • CAD and GIS software
  • Risk assessments and corrective action planning
  • Technical report writing

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead hydrogeologic field investigations
  • Supervise drilling and sampling activities
  • Analyze hydrogeologic and geochemical data
  • Develop maps, cross-sections, and conceptual site models
  • Prepare: 
    • Site-Specific Work Plans (SSWPs)
    • VCC Work Plans
    • Initial Site Characterization Reports
    • Tier I/II Assessments
    • Media Management Plans
    • Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
  • Support regulatory closure, No Further Action (NFA) determinations, and Certificate of Completion acquisition
  • Mentor and oversee junior staff

Physical & Travel Requirements

  • Regular field work in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and 100 lbs occasionally
  • Climbing, kneeling, crawling, and working around drilling operations
  • Overnight travel may be required
Requirements:

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will have:

  • Environmental consulting experience in South Carolina
  • Direct UST assessment and remediation experience
  • Strong technical writing skills
  • GIS/CAD proficiency
  • Experience managing subcontractors and field crews
  • Ability to independently complete site investigations and regulatory deliverables

Hourly Wage Estimation for Staff Geologist in Columbia, SC
$36.00 to $47.00
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