Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Geoscientist in Pennsylvania
Geoscientist
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4467069)
Apply
Geoscientist
Salary
$60,734.00 - $86,514.00 Annually
Location
Allegheny County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-81534-14921
Department
Department of Environmental Protection
Division
EP SWRO Env Clnup Brwnflds Rdv
Opening Date
04/18/2024
Closing Date
5/1/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
14921
Position Number
00069482
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST07
Bureau / Division Code
00354550
Worksite Address
400 Waterfront Dr
City
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
15222
Contact Name
OA, CE DEP
Contact Email
RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
Bureau / Division
Department of Environmental Protection - Southwest Regional Office/Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Redevelopment
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Embark on an exciting career in the field of geology! The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking candidates who are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvania's citizens and environment. If you are interested in furthering your career as a Geoscientist with the Commonwealth, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Geoscientist, you will analyze and evaluate the plans, reports, and test data for geologic assessments. Part of your duties will be to p erform technical and critical review of hydrogeologic studies and remediation proposals. You will also provide technical recommendations for submissions involving the land recycling program, storage tank program, and other contaminated site and remediation projects. You will investigate groundwater pollution incidents caused by spills or other toxic and polluting substances.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00069482) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You will have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 3 days a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pittsburgh.
Travel will be required for site visits.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,734 (before taxes).
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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; 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:
You must possess an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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%20Info/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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
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/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
02
If "Yes", please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date in the text box below. If "No", please type N/A.
03
Do you possess a valid current license as a Professional Geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists?
Yes
No
04
If you answered 'Yes', please provide your license number and expiration date in the text box below. If you answered 'No', type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Geoscience Trainee for one full year?
Yes
No
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Do you possess an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?
Yes
No
08
If "Yes", please provide the issuing state and certificate number in the text box below. If "No", type N/A.
09
Have you completed 30 college level credits in geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or other appropriate geology courses?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
Yes
No
10
Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience performing professional geologic work?
Yes
No
11
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
12
How much graduate coursework have you completed in geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or a closely related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
30 or more credits
15 but less than 30 credits
Less than 15 credits
None
13
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page. (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3)
Yes
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - GEOLOGIC DATA COLLECTIONParticipate in and/or oversee the systematic collection of geologic and hydrogeologic information and evidence such as soil or rock cores, water samples, well and/or borehole logs, geophysical, geochemical or related data for subsequent evaluation and analysis, and prepare various technical materials in support of geologic/hydrogeologic studies, investigations, or projects.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing complex activities related to this work behavior including one or more of the following: collecting of or overseeing the collection of geophysical data such as surface and subsurface borehole geophysical logs, seismic profiles, electrical resistivity profiles and gravity and magnetic measurements; geochemical data such as rock, mineral, soil and water chemistry; core and/or cutting samples; and/or hydrogeologic data such as field measurements of slow discharge rates, static water elevations, or aquifer tests and installation of wells; OR I have provided instruction and/or supervision to other Geologists in conducting these activities.
B. I have experience performing the more routine aspects of the job such as collecting sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock data such as bed forms, vertical sequences, fossils, key minerals, and textures; structural data such as attitude of bedding, cleavage, foliation, lineation, fractures, faults and similar features; geologic data from mine maps, oil and gas maps, drilling exploration records, and geologic and engineering reports; OR I have performed these activities with supervision or assistance from others more experienced than I am.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate or graduate coursework related to this work behavior but had little opportunity to actually perform professional work of this type.
D. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The types of geologic data you collected.
The duties you performed.
Your level of responsibiiity.
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - GEOLOGIC DATA INTERPRETATION
Participate in the interpretation of geologic, geochemical, geophysical and hydrogeologic data; and data from other sources such as geologic tests and reports, data files, topographic and geologic maps, aerial photos, reports, studies, permit applications, etc. Use the results of assessments to formulate and/or support judgments or conclusions and to document activities or conditions related to various geologic activities.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing complex activities related to this work behavior including one or more of the following: interpreting geophysical data such as surface and subsurface borehole geophysical logs, seismic profiles, electrical resistivity profiles, and gravity and magnetic measurements; geochemical data including rock, mineral, soil and water chemistry; hydrogeologic data such as well construction details, field measurements of slow discharge rates, static water elevations, groundwater models, and aquifer tests; and/or a variety of technical reports, literature and documents; OR I have provided instruction and/or supervision to other Geologists in conducting these activities.
B. I have experience performing more routine aspects of the job such as interpreting data from soil and rock samples, core and/or cutting samples; structural data such as attitude of bedding, cleavage, foliation, lineation, fractures, faults, and similar features; data from sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock; and geologic data from mine, oil and gas maps; drilling exploration records, and/or geologic and engineering reports; OR I have performed the activities in this work behavior with supervision or assistance from others more experienced than I am.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate or graduate coursework related to this work behavior but had little opportunity to actually perform professional level work of this type outside the academic environment.
D. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The types of geologic data you interpreted.
The duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGIC AND HYDROGEOLOGIC STUDIES
Participate in the development of concepts and methods used in field and laboratory studies, investigations or projects related to activities such as elevation of basic surface or groundwater resources, potential pollution of water from accidental spills/leaks, water pollution abatement, mining reclamation, mining or solid waste operations, erosion and/or sedimentation, contamination or loss of water supply, foundation investigations, or similar matters which may contaminate, degrade, use or otherwise affect geologic/hydrogeologic features.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing most of the more complex activities listed in this work behavior which included one or more of the following: conducting investigations of surface and groundwater pollution, contamination, disruption or depletion of water resources from mining operations, construction, climatic influences, dewatering, erosion and sedimentation, and actual or suspected introduction of water pollution materials into the environment; and/or developing derivative surface or subsurface maps or project areas elaborating on mineral resources, engineering or environmental geology; OR I have provided instruction and/or assistance to other Geologists in conducting these activities.
B. I have experience performing more routine aspects of the job such as conducting surface and/or subsurface geologic and hydrogeologic investigations or studies necessary for the geologic or hydrogeologic documentation of structure, stratigraphy and geology/hydrogeology of a specified study or subject area; and/or developing graphic materials to illustrate the three-dimensional and sequential aspects of bedrock units and surficial deposits; OR I have performed the activities of this work behavior with supervision or assistance from others more experienced than I am.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate or graduate coursework related to this work behavior but had little opportunity to actually perform professional level work of this type outside the academic environment.
D. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The types of studies, investigations or projects you conducted.
The duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
23
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL WRITING
Prepare or participate in compiling, organizing, drafting and editing written technical materials and reports related to geologic and hydrogeologic matters such as reports of field investigations and studies, pollution reports, and technical papers; prepare supporting geologic and/or hydrogeologic exhibits such as maps, charts, cross-sections, soil profiles, etc.; organize and prepare technical materials and reports related to surface and/or subsurface geologic and/or hydrogeologic investigations or studies, or surface and/or groundwater monitoring programs which document conditions such as water quality, flow systems, seasonal variations of water and aquifer yield; organize and prepare reports of investigations, inspections and/or incidents documenting actual, suspected or potential surface or groundwater pollution, contamination, disruption or depletion of water resources such as climatic influences, dewatering, mining operations, abandoned mine reclamation, construction erosion and sedimentation, etc.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience as the primary author/co-author/developer preparing technical written material such as technical papers, reports, duties, etc.
B. I have professional experience researching/compiling a section of material for publication or assisting primary authors in the preparation of technical materials.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate/graduate studies or research preparing technical material, but had little opportunity to actually perform professional level work of this type outside the academic environment.
D. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.
24
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The types of technical documents/publications you prepared.
The types of audiences targeted.
The duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
25
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
26
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Prepare and conduct formal oral presentations to the public, peers, supervisors, managers, other government officials, and similar groups relative to conditions, conclusions, and/or recommendations obtained from geologic and/or hydrogeologic studies, investigations and similar projects.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience preparing and conducting formal oral presentations on geologic/hydrogeologic matters before groups of technical staff, supervisors, other government officials, the public, academic review groups, professionals and similar groups.
B. I have professional experience in conducting oral presentations on geology topics but have received guidance and assistance from others in developing training materials or preparing oral presentations.
C. I have experience conducting oral presentations on subjects unrelated to geology.
D. I have successfully completed a public speaking course but had little opportunity to actually perform professional level work of this type outside the academic environment.
E. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.
27
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The geologic/hydrogeologic subjects for which you gave a presentation.
The types of audiences targeted.
The duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
28
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov