Salary: $61,947.00 - $88,235.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-19812-14921
Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division: CN Geolgc Mapping Div
Opening Date: 02/27/2025
Closing Date: 3/13/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14921
Position Number: 00110499
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00382210
Bureau / Division: Geologic Mapping Division
Worksite Address: 3240 Schoolhouse Rd
City: Middletown, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17057
Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email: RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
THE POSITION Are you eager to embark on a thrilling career in geology? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is on the lookout for a passionate individual committed to safeguarding the well-being of both Pennsylvania's residents and its natural surroundings. If you aspire to launch your career with the Commonwealth as a Geoscientist, we encourage you to apply today and join our dedicated team!
DESCRIPTION OF WORKIn this role, you will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and supporting colleagues involved in various research initiatives that encounter discrepancies within the stratigraphic framework necessary for establishing cohesive geological connections and digital datasets. You will collaborate within a team on designated regional, county, or quadrangle field mapping projects and stratigraphic framework studies at multiple scales, focusing on the geological characteristics of the Commonwealth. Your responsibilities will include studying and analyzing the evolution of sustainable natural geological systems and resources, characterizing and interpreting data related to regional geology, assessing groundwater quality and flow paths, and examining phenomena such as sinkholes and landslides, as well as naturally occurring elements. Additionally, you will gather, analyze, and interpret geological data to enhance the understanding of Pennsylvania's geology and its resources. You will also be tasked with creating and interpreting geological maps and reports, hazard maps, energy resource maps, stratigraphic sections, aerial photographs, cross sections, and other remote sensing imagery and geological descriptions utilizing GIS, databases, and various methodologies. Furthermore, you will collect, interpret, and evaluate subsurface geological and hydrogeological data, and develop and deliver presentations on geological activities, including current conditions, findings, and recommendations derived from geological studies to a diverse audience, including public officials, professional peers, educators, students, and the general public. Your role will also involve providing geological support for maintenance and construction projects on state forest, park, and game lands, operating motor vehicles as necessary, and performing related tasks as required.
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 a 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time on an ad-hoc basis. 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 Middletown.
- This position may require travel and overtime as needed.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONSMinimum Experience and Training Requirements:- One year as a Geoscience Trainee (commonwealth title);or
- 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 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 Requirements:- 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%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/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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Health & WellnessWe 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 PlanningWe 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 BalanceWe 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 CultureWe 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 PerksSometimes, 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 visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
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Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered 'No', type N/A in the text box below.
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?
04
If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, 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?
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 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.
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?
08
If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, please provide the issuing state and certificate number. If you answered 'No', type N/A in the textbox below.
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 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 upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
10
Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience performing professional geologic work?
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 this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
- 30 credits or more
- 15 but less than 30 credits
- Less than 15 credits
- None
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CS-INSTRUCTIONS 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. You
must complete the application
and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will
not be 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 our
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WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COLLECTION AND COMPILATION OF GEOLOGIC DATACollects a variety of field, surface, and subsurface geologic data in connection with geologic investigations and related activities. This includes locating, describing, identifying, and collecting mineral/rock samples and core/drill cuttings; collecting structural, geophysical, geochemical, hydrogeologic and geologic data; and collecting data necessary to the interpretation of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Uses geographic information systems (GIS), databases, and other methods to compile and organize the geologic data.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience collecting field, surface, AND subsurface geologic data using GIS, databases, or other methods to compile and organize the data. I was responsible for developing and executing the data collection methods.
- B. I have experience collecting field, surface, OR subsurface geologic data using GIS, databases, or other methods to compile and organize the data. I was responsible for developing and executing the data collection methods.
- C. I have experience collecting field, surface, OR subsurface geologic data using GIS, databases, or other methods to compile and organize the data. I was NOT responsible for developing the data collection methods.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to physical geology, field geology, structural geology, or sedimentology.
- E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
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In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on 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 type(s) of geologic data you collected.
- The method(s) you used to compile and organize the data.
- Your specific duties and level of responsibility.
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If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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
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WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA INTERPRETATIONInterprets surface and subsurface geologic, geochemical, geophysical, seismic, and hydrogeologic data, and data from other sources such as laboratory tests of geologic samples, topographic and geologic maps, aerial photographs, reports of investigations, studies, permit applications, and similar sources. The results of these assessments are used to formulate and/or support various geologic activities including establishing data inventories; conducting detailed geologic investigations of bedrock, surficial deposits, mineral deposits, oil, gas, groundwater and/or landforms and making recommendations; and defining hazardous geologic conditions.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience interpreting surface/subsurface geologic, geochemical, geophysical, seismic, or hydrogeologic data from laboratory tests of geologic samples, topographic/geologic maps, aerial photographs, reports of investigations/studies, or permit applications. I was responsible for developing conclusions and providing recommendations for a solution, course of action, or further research based on my interpretation.
- B. I have experience interpreting surface/subsurface geologic, geochemical, geophysical, seismic, or hydrogeologic data from laboratory tests of geologic samples, topographic/geologic maps, aerial photographs, or reports of investigations/studies. I was responsible for developing conclusions but someone else provided the recommendations for a solution, course of action, or further research based on my interpretation.
- C. I have experience interpreting data NOT related to geology. I was responsible for developing conclusions.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis.
- E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
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In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on 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 type(s) of data you interpreted.
- Your specific duties and level of responsibility.
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If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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
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WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGIC AND GRAPHIC MATERIALCreates geologic maps, stratigraphic and structural cross-sections, data tables, charts, and other geologic exhibits such as posters and digital models (along with the explanatory legends) which are used to support and explain the content and conclusions of reports of investigations or studies. These work products are compiled as digital (or print) copy using geographic information systems (GIS), graphics software, and other specialized software.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience creating geologic maps, stratigraphic and structural cross-sections, data tables, charts, posters, AND digital models using GIS, graphics software, or other specialized software.
- B. I have experience creating geologic maps, stratigraphic and structural cross-selections, data tables, charts, posters, OR digital models using GIS, graphics software, or other specialized software.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to GIS, cartography, or graphic design.
- D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
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In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on 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.
- Your experience developing documents, exhibits, or other products and the relationship to the content or conclusions of investigations, studies, etc.
- The type(s) of documents, exhibits, or other products you developed.
- The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
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If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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
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WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONWrites technical documents (reports, articles, publications, emails, etc.) related to geologic activities which contain information such as existing geologic conditions, hazards, or problems and support, advise actions, or recommendations. Documents may serve as a scientific reference or data source for articles published in professional journals/publications, or serve as notification concerning the status, progress, or results of geologic investigations, studies, or projects.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience writing technical reports, articles, or publications related to geologic activities. I was responsible for the final document.
- B. I have experience writing technical reports, articles, or publications related to topics other than geologic activities. I was responsible for the final document.
- C. I have experience writing portion(s) or section(s) of technical reports, articles or publications related to any type of scientific activity. Someone else was responsible for the final document.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing or report writing.
- E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
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In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on 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 type(s) of technical documents/publications you have written.
- The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
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If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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
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WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PRESENTATIONSDevelops and conducts verbal presentations on geologic activities (i.e., present conditions, conclusions, and/or recommendations obtained from geologic studies, investigations, or similar projects) to public officials, professional colleagues, educators, students, staff, and the public.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience developing AND conducting verbal presentations related to geologic activities.
- B. I have experience developing OR conducting verbal presentations related to geologic activities.
- C. I have experience conducting verbal presentations on any topic NOT related to geologic activities.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or communications.
- E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
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In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on 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 type(s) of verbal presentations you developed and/or conducted.
- The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
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If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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