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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00171839 |
Description Activated On: 8/18/2026 10:24:53 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This is a professional, technical position in the Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields Program in the Southcentral Regional Office. The employee in this class analyzes and resolves environmental contamination problems as related to specific hydrogeologic situations, including unique hydrogeologic regimes associated with soil and/or groundwater pollution problems. This position is assigned to a program which includes storage tank regulations and other remedial activities. If the position is filled as a Geoscience Trainee, the incumbent will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the duties of a Geoscientist. If the position is filled as a Geoscientist, the incumbent will perform a variety of duties within a geographical area of the Commonwealth involving the regulation of facilities to ensure compliance with the Commonwealth's Rules and Regulations and environmental laws |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Work functions conducted by a Geoscientist, under the oversight of a Licensed Professional Geologist (LPG), include: Conducts hydrogeologic investigations in response to soil and groundwater contamination complaints, pollution incidents, spills, and activities which have a potential to pollute soil and/or groundwater resources. Identifies sources of soil and groundwater contamination. Approves and/or requires necessary remedial measures for all soil and/or groundwater pollution cases. Compiles and analyzes unique hydrogeologic and geologic data, performs hydrogeologic mapping through field and laboratory investigations, determines engineering and environmental conditions related to hydrogeology, and identifies rocks and minerals as they relate to hydrogeologic problems. Prepares hydrogeologic memorandums, supplemented by maps, charts, and other illustrations, at a level understandable to a broad range of scientists and non-scientists. Reviews technical reports related to the assessment, characterization, and remediation of contaminated soil and/or groundwater and makes recommendations with respect to Federal and State laws and regulations on how to approach and remedy these problems. Utilizes best professional judgment where applicable. Meets with elected officials, conservation groups, industries, and the public to explain hydrogeologic standards and principles as they relate to Department activities. Advises agency managers concerning the advantages, disadvantages, and effects of using new technology and/or changing existing hydrogeologic practices, procedures, and technical standards. Performs technical reviews of proposed regulations, policies, procedures, and projects. Initiates enforcement action when appropriate and acts as an expert witness in soil and/or groundwater related legal actions. Maintains (when assigned) and utilizes program vehicles, air monitoring equipment, and scientific equipment. Performs non-routine functions as required in emergency situations. Performs authorized job duties consistent with Management Directives, Policies, and Procedures. Follows Standard Operating Procedures, reviews permit applications and drafts record of decision, enters appropriate data into eFACTS, drafts deficiency letters with regulatory citations, identifies issues encountered, and recommends solutions to Environmental Group Manager. Work involves response to emergencies and pollution incidents and requires travel within the Commonwealth and overnight stays. Field investigations include: locating monitoring wells; measuring depth-to-water and water/oil interface in wells; observing dug pits; sampling for inorganic and organic parameters; measuring rock strike and dip; physical and chemical field testing of water; interpreting resistivity surveys; analyzing aerial and ground photography; identifying geologic formations; and assessing topographic and drainage systems. Work often includes sample collection, data compilation, and data analysis with written and oral reports which include conclusions and recommendations. Maps, photographs, remote sensing images, and subsurface hydrogeologic data such as geophysical well logs, water level measurements, cores, well driller logs and water quality data are often used to supplement reports. Provides expert advice and technical support to staff. Promotes and exemplifies the Department’s Mission, Vision, and Values in all aspects of work performance and professional conduct. Advances DEP’s strategic priorities through collaboration, commitment to data-driven decision-making, delivery of high-quality customer service, and active participation in modernization and continuous improvement initiatives. Inputs, maintains, and updates data in prescribed formats to meet data quality standards established through guidance, training, policy, and procedure across all DEP electronic data systems. Responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity of all entries, as well as utilizing available system tools and validation processes to minimize duplicate records and data quality issues. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, guidance, and training requirements related to assigned duties and DEP electronic data systems. In conjunction with the supervisor, participates in knowledge management and knowledge transfer efforts by identifying key aspects of assigned duties and proactively sharing knowledge with other employees to support continuity of operations and organizational effectiveness. Develops, maintains, and annually updates a comprehensive desk manual documenting essential duties, standard operating procedures, workflows, system processes, key contacts, reference materials, and other critical operational information necessary to support continuity of operations and effective knowledge transfer. Employees are responsible for ensuring desk manuals remain accurate, current, and accessible in accordance with Department requirements. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Primary direction for the attainment of the goals and objectives of the Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields Program is contained in its standard operating procedures and the employee performance standards. Goals are established for the assigned work area. Specific work items are periodically assigned with deadlines given. Technical geologic work items are assigned, routinely evaluated and reviewed upon completion by an LPG-in-responsible-charge who has the authority to accept, reject, or modify the professional work completed under discharge according to the standards of the profession. Work generally assigned through the program plan is reviewed upon completion and on a semi-annual basis. Performance evaluation is a continuous process, and is summarized in the annual performance evaluation report, which includes the participation of the LPG-in-responsible-charge. The trainee level requires direct supervision by the supervisor for a period of 12 months, not to exceed 24 months. Employee performance is reviewed under the Commonwealth’s EPR system, with a review occurring at least semi-annually. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class C Driver's License 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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