JOB TITLE: SENIOR GEOSCIENTIST

JOB CODE: 14932

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The geology series describes professional work in the application of geologic principles in support of agency specific programs.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional and scientific work in the field of geology conducting geologic studies and investigations and identifying, characterizing, and mapping geologic resources.

An employee in this job performs all phases of and serves as a project leader for complex geologic studies and investigations having a major geologic impact or application and pertaining to groundwater, energy, minerals, geologic hazards, and other aspects of geology or landscapes. Work involves characterizing, interpreting, mapping, and evaluating regional geology, the quality and quantity of groundwater, coal, natural gas, petroleum bearing rocks, metallic and non-metallic minerals, sinkholes, landslides, and naturally occurring elements. Work includes developing policies, procedures, and technical guidance documents; reviewing permit applications; and creating maps and reports to provide a description of the geological characteristics of an area, locate and develop economic resources, minimize environmental impacts of development, and to understand, prevent, and mitigate geologic hazards. Work may include serving as a lead worker over lower level geoscience employees by assigning and reviewing work, including the preparation of reports and technical recommendations, and providing guidance, assistance, and training. Work is performed under the general direction of a professional supervisor or program manager and is reviewed for completeness, overall quality, and attainment of objectives; and adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

      • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job based on the responsibility for developing, conducting, implementing, and evaluating complex geological investigations characterized by mineral rights ownership, reservoir engineering, and mapping products used to predict geophysical natural hazards; and independently selecting approaches and methodologies within program guidelines and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Gathers, analyzes, and interprets complex geologic data, aerial photographs, geologic maps, and remote sensing images for the development of geologic maps and reports.

• Serves as a technical resource and assists lower level geologic staff by analyzing and resolving complex geologic situations.

• Manages mineral, oil, natural gas, and gas storage, and other land use activities under an agency’s jurisdiction by constructing lease amendments, managing lease surety, auditing royalty payments, and monitoring well production.

• Evaluates tracts on state forest and state park land for potential oil and gas production and natural gas storage.

• Manages agreements and leases related to oil and gas development on state forest and state park land from initial drafts through implementation and monitoring.

• Meets with officials, conservation groups, private businesses, and the public to explain geologic standards and principles as they relate to commonwealth projects.

• Uses geospatial and geographic information systems (GIS), databases, and other methods to compile, analyze, and present geologic data and information.

• Prepares geologic maps and cross sections resulting from field and laboratory investigations.

• Performs geologic services such as responding to requests for geologic information from other government agencies and the public.

• Determines environmental conditions related to geology at drilling sites, well access roads, pipeline rights-of-way, and other state-owned lands.

• Identifies minerals, rocks, and fossils as they relate to geologic problems and investigations.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of general and historical geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, mineralogy, field geology, structural geology, petrology, geomorphology, paleontology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.

• Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics as they apply to the

interpretation and utilization of geologic data.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of geospatial or geographic information systems (GIS) and database software.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to interpret topographic maps, aerial photographs, remote sensing images, and geologic maps.

• Ability to prepare geologic maps and reports resulting from field and laboratory investigations of complex settings.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to analyze written and numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a Geoscientist (commonwealth title);

or

• Two years of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field;

or

• Possession of an active license as a professional geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.