Geoscientist

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Geoscientist

Salary

$61,947.00 - $88,235.00 Annually

Location

Luzerne County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-20360-14921

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP NERO Sf Drnkg Wtr

Opening Date

03/28/2025

Closing Date

4/11/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

14921

Position Number

50697660

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST07

Bureau / Division Code

35/4280

Bureau / Division

EP NERO Safe Drinking Water

Worksite Address

2 Public Square

City

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18701

Contact Name

Susan Kreiser-Array

Contact Email

skreiserar@pa.gov

THE POSITION

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.

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DESCRIPTION OF WORK

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.

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 (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: 


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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!


See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

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 visit www.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 you answered "Yes", please provide your driver's 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?
  • 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 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?
  • Yes
  • No
08
If you answered "Yes", please provide the issuing state and certificate number in the text box below. If you answered "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 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 https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and 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. 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 your answer to this question is 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 https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and 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. 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 FAQ page.
  • Yes
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - GEOLOGIC DATA COLLECTION Participate 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The type(s) of geologic data you collected.
  3. The duties you performed.
  4. Your level of responsibiiity.
16
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The type(s) of geologic data you interpreted.
  3. The duties you performed.
  4. Your level of responsibility.
19
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The type(s) of studies, investigations or projects you conducted.
  3. The duties you performed.
  4. Your level of responsibility.
22
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The type(s) of technical documents/publications you prepared.
  3. The type(s) of audiences targeted.
  4. The duties you performed.
  5. Your level of responsibility.
25
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The geologic/hydrogeologic subjects for which you gave a presentation.
  3. The type(s) of audiences targeted.
  4. The duties you performed.
  5. Your level of responsibility.
28
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

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