Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00204595

Description Activated On:  8/30/2023 10:10:06 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 professional work in the field of hydrogeology. The technical position is within the Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Cleanup Program, Special Projects Section in the Southeast Regional Office.

The employee in this class performs professional hydrogeologic duties involving the study, charting, preservation, utilization, protection, or remediation of hydrogeologic resources as necessary in support of the mission of the Environmental Cleanup Program. The employee will manage a caseload of projects under the Tanks Corrective Action (ACT 32) or Voluntary Cleanup Program (ACT 2), and provide technical expertise in support of the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program. The employee is responsible for meeting DEP's obligations under these programs by reviewing investigation and remediation reports submitted by consultants, as required under the Tank Corrective Action Program (Act 32) or Voluntary Cleanup Program (Act 2) within required timeframes, or providing geologic expertise in support of DEP's HSCA program.

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.

The employee in this class performs professional hydrogeologic duties.

Work routinely involves driving to various locations and conducting studies or investigations requiring the collection and evaluation of hydrogeologic data and the presentation of data and findings in graphic and narrative form. Work involves investigating groundwater contamination incidents to determine the source(s) and extent of pollution; and developing or reviewing proposed remediation measures to mitigate the effects of groundwater pollution or to restore groundwater quality to acceptable levels.

Conducts, promotes and manages site remediation in the five-county region under the auspices of the Environmental Cleanup Program. These sites can entail assessments and cleanups under the Land Recycling Program, Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program and the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Program.

Collects, compiles and analyzes written and oral reports, maps, photographs, other remote sensing images and subsurface hydrogeologic data such as geophysical well logs, water measurements, cores, well driller logs and water quality data.

Utilizes statistical packages and computer models in the evaluation of hydrogeologic data.

Prepares professional hydrogeologic reports, supplemented by maps, charts and other illustrations, at a level understandable to a broad range of scientists and non-scientists in order to report on existing conditions to support agency decision-making.

Reviews permit applications and plans for possible hydrogeologic impacts and recommends approval or denial; conducts investigations into groundwater pollution incidents to determine the extent of contamination and to recommend remedial measures; and/or develops or evaluates site specific groundwater monitoring programs by determining the proper design, placement and construction of monitoring wells, developing sampling methods and parameters, and interpreting sampling results.

Reviews proposed regulations, policies, procedures and technical guidance manuals developed by Central Office, and provides written comments.

Work requires knowledge of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law (CSL); the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA Act 108); the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (STSPA Act 32); and the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2); and the rules and regulations promulgated there under.

Responds to emergency situations such as spills and releases to assist or direct cleanup operations; coordinate acquisition of equipment or special services needed to clean up after emergency situations; work involves coordination with the region's Emergency Response Coordinator.

Serves on regional or statewide work groups or committees to develop or evaluate proposed rules, regulations, policies and procedures for a specific program area.

Conducts field inspections to determine the compliance status of a regulated facility and recommends appropriate corrective action as needed.

Participates in case compliance meetings with Office of Chief Counsel Attorneys, Program Specialists and Compliance Specialists and provides testimony at hearings as an expert witness for the Department in litigated cases where hydrogeologic issues are involved before the Environmental Hearing Board, District Magistrates, County and Commonwealth Court.

Meets with agency technical staff, public officials, private landowners, facility operators and industry representatives to discuss hydrogeologic problems and issues, to seek consensus and cooperation in the data collection process, to explain departmental rules and regulations, or to render technical advice and assistance on groundwater contamination and hydrogeologic problems.

Respond to requests for hydrogeologic information from other government agencies and the public.

Reads scientific literature, attends professional meetings and training courses relating to job responsibilities, or for ongoing professional development.

Responsible for ensuring that the Land Recycling Program database receives updates on current status of assigned cases.

Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Reviews permit and regulatory reports and draft Record of Decision (ROD).

Insures that efacts data is current.

Insures that CAP and Act 2 databases are current.

Drafts deficiency letters with regulatory citations.

Identifies issues encountered and recommends solutions to Section Chief.

Promote the four pillars of the DEP Vision - Operational Excellence, Climate Leadership, Cultural Competence and Environmental Justice.

Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include ensuring accuracy and completeness of entries, and where available, the use of system specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Conducts special projects and other related work as assigned.

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.

Work is assigned as site assessment, remediation reports, and final reports among others submitted. Work is prioritized based on response deadlines, workload, and urgency of case. Assignments, review and evaluation of completed work product and technical training are the role of my Supervisor and Section Chief. I keep my Supervisor and Section Chief informed, verbally and written, of progress on and of completed tasks. I work independently and receive supervision and advice, when required, from my Supervisor and/or Section Chief. I consult with my Supervisor and/or Section Chief in matters which impact objectives and potential problems.

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.  
Professional Geologist
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Communciates effectively verbally and in writing.
 2. Negotiate uneven and rough terrain.
 3. Conduct inspections and perform sampling activities.
 4. Carry and operate necessary equipment.
 5. Read and interpret chemical data.
 6. Legally operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
 7. Wear safety equipment as required.
 8. Operate a computer.
 9. Read, comprehend, retain information and prepare technical reviews.
 10. Maintain positive working relationships.