What are the responsibilities and job description for the Geoscientist position at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?
NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2025-20360-14921. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM MARCH 7, 2025 TO MARCH 20, 2025, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION.
The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a qualified Geoscientist to join their team. This role is pivotal within the realms of hydrogeology and safeguarding public health, particularly in connection with the Safe Drinking Water (SDW) initiative. Candidates for this position should possess the ability to perform visual inspections across challenging landscapes, as well as the skills to read and interpret plans and specifications. Additionally, the successful applicant will be responsible for drafting both technical and administrative documents, making strong communication skills essential for this role.
An individual in this role autonomously carries out a range of hydrogeologic and public health protection responsibilities within the Northeast Region, focusing on the utilization, development, and safeguarding of hydrogeologic features that are essential for the siting, design, construction, and protection of public groundwater sources. This position involves offering expert guidance to field personnel regarding the execution of enforcement actions, which includes conducting thorough research on case files, preparing necessary documentation, and serving as a witness in enforcement proceedings. Additionally, the employee addresses inquiries related to hydrogeologic data concerning groundwater availability, quantity, quality, as well as the siting, design, and construction of water wells. Furthermore, the individual is tasked with preparing Hydrogeologic Internal Review and Recommendation (IR&R) documents for public water supply permit applications that involve new groundwater sources, providing informed recommendations to the Section Chief and Program Manager under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Geologist.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Wilkes-Barre.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $61,947.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, and one year of professional experience in geologic work; or
- One year as a Geoscience Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.
Special Requirement:
- This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
Salary : $61,947 - $88,235
