Senior Staff Geophysicist/Geologist

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance


• Dental insurance


• Flexible spending accounts


• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)


• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)


• Long-term disability


• Supplemental life insurance


• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan


• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)


• Bonus program


• Paid time off


• 9 Paid Holidays


• Wellness program


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a motivated candidate, Senior Staff Level Geophysicist/Geologist (3+ years), in our Baltimore, Maryland office.  This position is part of our geophysical group that focuses on near-subsurface geophysical investigations to support civil engineering and environmental applications. Our geophysical team supports interesting and challenging projects, mostly across the United States, and occasionally in other countries. Candidates with more experience are encouraged to also apply and share about their applicable skills and desire for growth in a cover letter.

Please provide a cover letter, especially if your resume does not demonstrate your applicable skills and experience.

Relocation assistance will be considered.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in the cohesive, positive culture of the geophysical group. 

• Perform geophysical field work including ability to coordinate with, and lead a field crew for the collection of geophysical data.

• Follow QA/QC of geophysical data and deliverables in accordance with procedures.


• Assist with the preparation of geophysical scopes, proposals, deliverables and reports for a variety of applications, projects, and clients.


• Communicate efficiently to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the quality expectations of the client.


• Support other groups (dams, geotechnical, tunnels) with as the need arises.

Required Skills/Experience:

• 3 or more years of professional experience with near-surface geophysics for civil engineering and environmental applications.


• Experience with data collection of some or all of the following common methods: seismic refraction; MASW; electrical resistivity imaging (ERI); and GPR.


• Bachelor's Degree in Geophysics, Geology or related Science.


• Willingness and ability to conduct geophysical field work, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, being physically able to negotiate undeveloped wooded areas with steep terrain, construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside in varied weather conditions.


• Willingness and ability to travel, including out-of-state assignments that may last a few days to weeks, or occasionally longer.  Travel requirements will vary but they are expected to be up to 80%.  


• Strong work ethics and a desire for continual self-improvement.


• Valid driver's license and ability to drive company or rental vehicles.


• Ability to work with the geophysical group members through a variety of remote and in-person means including via teams, messaging, and meetings.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• PG and/or PGp Licensure eligibility and desire to pursue


• Experience with processing data and with some or all of the following: Surfer, Geosoft oasis montaj, Radan, Examiner, Surfseis, ParkSeis, Seisimager, Rayfract, RES2DINV, EarthImager


• Experience with OpenGround, GIS, qGIS, CADD


• MSHA, OSHA 30 hr, OSHA HAZWOPER training and up to date refreshers


• Excellent oral and written communication skills


• Ability to multi-task and set and follow your own schedule, and set expectations from supporting staff to meet project deadlines

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check


• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for this position is between $65,000 to $95,000 per year. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.