Hydrogeologist, Mid-Career

Company: GSI Water Solutions, Inc.
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description POSITION: Hydrogeologist, Mid-Career CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Exempt REPORTS TO: Practice Director LOCATION: Santa Barbara SALARY RANGE: $100,000.00 – $120,000.00 (exclusive of bonuses and other rewards) While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. GSI Water Solutions (GSI) is seeking a skilled Hydrogeologist who has project manager experience in California water supply issues to help manage a thriving and growing base of groundwater projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate, high-performing team of professionals making a positive impact in the water industry. ABOUT GSI: GSI Water Solutions is an employee-owned consulting firm specializing groundwater, environmental, and water resources with offices in Oregon, Washington, and California. At GSI, we take pride in being a company that treats its employees with respect and fairness and strives for all team members to feel they belong, have valuable insights, and can grow with us. We value work-life balance and are open to flexible work and scheduling arrangements. As hydrogeologists, engineers, environmental scientists, and water experts, we focus on helping our clients protect our shared natural resources. We help develop and manage groundwater resources and ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of this invaluable resource. As an example, we have long been a champion of using aquifer storage and recovery technologies to save water for drought conditions and provide environmental benefits to fish and streams which may be impacted by development and climate change. ABOUT OUR HYDROGEOLOGISTS: Our Hydrogeologists, Mid-Career play a crucial role by combining technical expertise with strong managerial and leadership skills. They ensure the successful completion of projects through complex analyses, meticulous project management, insightful interpretation of data, and report writing. They typically manage smaller projects (or aspects of larger projects) with the potential to take on more complex projects as experience is acquired. Their ability to mentor junior staff and cultivate client relationships underscores their pivotal contribution to our continued growth and success in the industry. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL: Complete complex analyses and calculations. Manage and organize field programs and conduct technical briefings to field staff. Perform interpretation of subsurface data. Generate complete proposals and technical reports. Participate in technical review of project work and reports. Develop project budgets and scopes for review by senior-level project manager. Participate in contract review. Develop and maintain client contact before and after completion of job. Participate in marketing activities. Mentor entry-level and other mid-career staff to develop skills in fieldwork, data interpretation and project management. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the required knowledge and abilities include: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 6 years of professional experience; -OR- a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 8 years of professional experience. -AND- 2 years experience in managing projects. We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. We value potential, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Research shows that many qualified candidates, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. We’re interested in the whole person, not just a checklist. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Professional geologist or certified hydrogeologist license within the state that work will be performed is preferred. Current and valid driver's license and clean driving record. VALUED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Experience in water resources planning, water supply development, and/or groundwater management in California. Advanced coursework in hydrogeology. Experience in groundwater supply, municipal production well design, construction, and testing, environmental groundwater characterization, and/or water resource management projects, including preparation of technical reports and proposals and budgets. Thorough knowledge of groundwater flow and well hydraulics. SUCCESS FACTORS: An understanding of the technical complexities of groundwater management issues in California. Proficient in all phases of business development activities. Excellent technical skills with the ability to organize and manage work efforts of various types. Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and report-writing skills. Ability to work independently and in teams. A self-starter with an entrepreneurial character. Emotional intelligence and humility. Appreciation for diversity. Service and action-oriented. BENEFITS: Flexible/hybrid work schedules 401k with employer match, up to 4% Potential for annual bonus based on company performance. Employee-Owned company through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Highly competitive medical, dental, vision insurance plans for employees and their families with alternative care coverage included in medical plans. Access to medical and dependent-care flexible spending accounts Employer paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. 5 weeks of paid time off annually (pro-rated the first year based on start date) Paid time off for certification and licensing exams Paid attendance at professional conferences in support of career development Paid memberships in professional organizations Reimbursement for professional registrations and renewals Cell phone stipend to assist with the cost of using a personal cell phone for business purposes Discounts on Carhartt and Danner clothing and footwear PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work performed is conducted primarily in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. While performing the duties of the job, you will frequently be required to sit, talk, and hear. Visual acuity sufficient to view documents and computer screens, with or without correction, is required. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb short distances, balance and stoop, kneel and crouch. Fieldwork activities may involve lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking over uneven terrain. Fieldwork activities may include exposure to various environmental conditions, including but not limited to: inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and/or potential exposure to hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required for field activities to ensure safety and compliance with OSHA standards. Travel to project sites, client meetings, and regulatory agencies as needed. Travel frequency will vary depending on project locations and requirements but, in general, will comprise approximately 30-50% of work time. Project areas are generally local, or within an approximately a two to three-hour drive. Overnight stay may be required at the expense of GSI. EEO STATEMENT: We also support environmental justice, green practices, and carbon footprint reduction. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Keywords: GSI Water Solutions, Inc., Compton , Hydrogeologist, Mid-Career, Engineering , Santa Barbara, California