JOB TITLE: GEOLOGIC CONSULTANT

JOB CODE: 14935

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 highly advanced professional consultative work in the identification and resolution of geologic problems and challenges.

An employee in this job analyzes geologic methods and strategies and provides consultation to geologic and engineering staff in the investigation and resolution of unique and specialized geological situations, such as approval of alternative materials for abandoned mine land issues, the usage of acid mine drainage for hydraulic fracturing, and stray gas migration and water supply problems that result from fracturing. Work involves researching and investigating the nature and extent of geological occurrences, selecting courses of action, developing solutions and action plans, and making recommendations in the areas of abandoned mine reclamation, mine drainage issues, groundwater pollution mitigation, geotechnical design and permit review, regional and statewide geologic mapping, and geoenvironmental hazard studies. Work also involves overseeing work performed by geologists and geoscientists responsible for developing contract plans and project specifications; and conducting research, investigations, and resource assessments. Work includes advising agency senior management about the effects of new and emerging theories, concepts, and techniques as they pertain to geologic programs and work methods. Work may include participating in geologic research projects to create or change geologic standards or regulatory requirements, managing large or ongoing federal grant programs, and providing responsible charge oversight to unlicensed staff. Work is evaluated by a program manager for overall effectiveness, technical quality, and achievement of objectives and goals.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from the lower level jobs based on the responsibility to provide consultative services to agency program managers and directors by making recommendations to update and modernize standards and procedures; and to provide recommendations, interpretations, and support to other agency geologists in developing solutions for geologic problems that require advanced or innovative application of geologic principles.

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.)

• Consults on geologic issues and activities, such as investigations, inspections, and enforcement related to oil and gas operations, gas storage, and incident response and prevention.

• Consults on complex field investigations of abandoned mine land sites that have an emphasis on mine subsidence, deep mine fires, refuse bank fires, acid mine drainage, water well degradation, soil erosion, and surface grading.

• Evaluates and optimizes treatment system processes and performance for acid mine drainage treatment facilities.

• Oversees hydrogeologic reviews of abandoned mine land impacted by groundwater or water supplies that have been degraded or adversely affected by past coal mining operations.

• Oversees technical work performed by lower level geology staff to include data collection and inspection methods, technical report writing, and sketch and map development.

• Reviews and approves project proposals for applicability of federal, state, or local codes, regulations, executive orders, laws, or other requirements; and coordinates with appropriate agencies to gain approval for the proposed project.

• Plans and coordinates the development of project site maps, such as bedrock, surficial, subsurface, or 3D geologic mapping.

• Consults on geoenvironmental hazard assessments, groundwater studies, geophysical investigations, and the development of statewide base map layers.

• Manages federal grant programs, such as the United State Geological Survey’s StateMap, Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition, and Earth MRI programs; and specialized contract projects related to geologic storage of carbon or natural gas liquids.

• Consults with agency engineers, surveyors, and hydraulic technicians to provide technical or data collection assistance for projects involving drill log information of encountered minerals; alkaline addition requirements; geological formation identities; water sample analysis; or overburden characteristics, sampling, and analysis.

• Provides professional responsible charge as needed over unlicensed geologic staff members.

• Serves as a statewide expert for the evaluation and approval of alternate materials proposed for use in mining projects.

• Provides expert advice and testimony to state and local governmental agencies, planning agencies, conservations groups, industry, and the public.

• Performs technical and critical reviews of professional manuscripts, maps, and other illustrations being considered for publication.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• 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 project management principles and best practices.

• Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics as they apply to the interpretation and utilization of geologic data.

• Knowledge of geologic computer modeling concepts and techniques.

• Knowledge of field and laboratory geologic investigation methods and principles.

• Knowledge of technical writing.

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

• Ability to evaluate complex geologic and topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other remote sensing images.

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

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Knowledge of agency programs and projects.

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

• Two years of experience as a Licensed Professional Geologist or Senior Geoscientist (commonwealth titles);

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.

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 motor vehicle operator’s license.