Job Information
WSP USA Early Career Geologist in Rifle, Colorado
This Opportunity
WSP has a career for an Early Career Geologist for our Rifle, CO office. A May 2025 graduate would be a good fit for this opportunity. This involved will be in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.
Rifle, Colorado is a small town located on the beautiful Western Slope of Colorado, and centrally located 30 minutes west of Glenwood Springs; 1 hour northeast of Grand Junction, CO; 90 minutes northwest of Aspen, CO; 2 hours west of Breckenridge, CO and 3 hours west of Denver, CO.
Located directly on the Colorado River and near some of Colorado’s most popular tourist destinations, Rifle is the ideal location for adventure seekers. Residents enjoy skiing, fly fishing, hiking, camping, rafting, and mountain biking all located right out your backdoor. Rifle Mountain Park (popular with rock climbers) is located 16 miles north of Rifle and Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap state parks are close by. There is access to BLM areas Hubbard Mesa Open Area, Rifle Arch and the Roan Plateau. The Rifle Creek Golf Course is 6 miles north of the center of Rifle.
Rifle is home to the Garfield County Fair Grounds which hosts a weeklong extravaganza of family events and professional rodeos and bull riding.
Your Impact
Under the mentorship and guidance of a Senior Scientist, perform routine field work related to soil sampling, soil gas sampling, groundwater sampling, stormwater sampling, boring logs, and other assignments as designated.
Perform field work including drill rig geologist, logging drill cuttings, recording drill characteristics, monitoring and managing well installation, and development.
Oversight and recording data for aquifer testing, and evaluation of data using standard empirical formulas and software (e.g., AQTESOLV).
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory documentation, and logbooks.
Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of organic and inorganic compounds to determine their composition.
Conduct regulatory compliance inspections (stormwater and SPCC)
Prepare site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
Implement safe work practices in the field in accordance with the HASP
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Strong verbal communication skills, good attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or related degree.
0-1 years of relevant work experience.
Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
Must be able to pass a HAZWOPER physical and be medically able to wear a tight-fitting respirator.
Familiarity with the concepts of reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances, processes, or products.
Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
This role is subject to a client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of the client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.
Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening.
Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
Knowledge of environmental permitting and NEPA a plus.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Must pass background check and drug screen.
Preferred Qualifications:
A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
Experience drafting using ArcGIS®, AutoCAD®, Civil 3D®, or Visio®
Compensation and Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
Expected Salary (Colorado only): $52,000 - $65,000
WSP USA is providing the compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.