JOB TITLE: LICENSED PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST

JOB CODE: 14931

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 work in the field of geology requiring independent legal and professional responsibility for work products.

An employee is this job independently selects appropriate approaches and methodologies within program guidelines and professional standards and takes professional and legal responsibility for work products. Work involves performing geologic analyses, conducting evaluations, and drawing conclusions that are used to make sound and defensible regulatory, environmental, or management decisions. Work also involves conducting geologic studies and investigations, evaluating permit applications, and developing policies, procedures, technical guidance documents, and reports regarding the geologic aspects of public health, public safety, or environmental regulatory programs. Work may include functioning as a lead worker over lower level geoscience staff. Work is assigned by a professional supervisor or program manager and reviewed for completeness, overall quality, and attainment of objectives.

   DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from lower level jobs based on the requirement to assume professional and legal responsibility for work products, and independently select approaches and methodologies within program guidelines and professional standards.

     • May serve as a lead worker over lower level geoscience and environmental employees by taking professional and legal responsibility for their work products, reviewing reports and technical recommendations, and providing guidance, assistance, and training.

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.)

• Assumes professional responsibility for work products, such as interpretations, chain-of-custody records, manifests, permits, affidavits, maps, plans, logs, cross sections, or other records.

• Gathers, evaluates, and interprets geologic data for the purpose of understanding the geology and geologic resources of Pennsylvania.

• Reviews geologic reports prepared by lower level geologic staff and contractors to determine the adequacy of the scope and methods of investigation, and the soundness of conclusions.

• Performs geotechnical analysis for bridge and highway engineering and design projects; and for construction and maintenance projects located on state park, forest, and game lands, or at Fort Indiantown Gap.

• Analyzes, evaluates, and solves hydrogeologic problems using analytical and numerical computer modeling techniques.

• Reviews public water system permit requests to determine if water treatment is required.

• Provides geologic expertise for the purpose of designing mine reclamation projects involving mine drainage pollution treatment and abatement, underground mine fires, subsidence control, and exploratory drilling.

• Designs or reviews the design of groundwater monitoring systems and establishes data reporting parameters and protocols.

• Prepares geotechnical designs for roadways and structures and prepares geologic reports, subsurface and contour maps, and stratigraphic data.

• Develops geologic policies, procedures, and technical guidance documents.

• Evaluates, designs, and reviews Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) plans for mining, pipeline, utility line, and other infrastructure projects.

• Conducts investigations involving slope movements, landslides, and occurrences of mine subsidence.

• Performs samplings during site visits to determine waste source areas and measures the extent of migration of groundwater containing specific chemical contaminants.

• Identifies and evaluates environmental human exposure pathways resulting from the transport of contaminants associated with selected hazardous waste sites.

• Provides expert testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.

• 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 federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to the geologic aspects of environmental regulatory programs.

• Knowledge of geologic computer modeling concepts and techniques.

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

• Ability to identify and evaluate rock and mineral specimens.

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

• Ability to understand and interpret geophysical logs.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active license as a professional geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

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