ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

State of California; Sacramento, Long Beach (CA, CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

State of California – Department of Conservation is seeking a Field and Regulatory Specialist (Engineering Geologist) to perform complex field inspections of geothermal wells and related facilities, conduct data reconciliation, and assist with permitting and compliance duties. The role requires broad knowledge of geothermal operations and strong analytical capabilities.

The position is located in Sacramento/Long Beach with hybrid telework, and requires attention to safety, regulatory rules, and

Qualifications

• Position requires Engineering Geologist classification and related qualifications.
• Experience with geothermal wells, well permitting, and field inspections.
• Knowledge of data management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex field inspections and surveillance of geothermal wells and attendant facilities and leases.
• Assist with well permitting responsibilities and regulatory enforcement.
• Evaluate production, injection history, compliance records; prepare geologic, engineering, and statistical reports.

Skills

Field inspections

Geothermal knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

Job Posting:Field and Regulatory Specialist

Department of Conservation

JC-530103 -

JC-530103 - Field and Regulatory Specialist
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

$6,488.00 - $12,215.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/8/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

In accordance with CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

This position is subject to the Department of Conservation’s Conflict of Interest code. Candidates may be precluded from employment with the department if they, or their spouse, hold interests in oil, gas, or geothermal entities.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary by 3% i n exchange for leave credits. The salary range(s) included in this letter do not reflect this reduction in pay.Employees appointed to this classification will have theirmonthly salary reduced and will accrue PLP 2025hours on the first day of each pay period in accordance with their applicable Bargaining Unit contract .

PLEASE NOTE: All relevant work experience, skills sets, and professional qualifications mustbe listed on the STD. 678. Applications will be screened based on the information provided on the STD. 678 and not on your resume or SOQ. Failure to include required information on the STD. 678 may result in elimination from the recruitment process. APPLICATIONS WITH "SEE RESUME" OR “SEE ATTACHED” WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Under the direction of the Senior Oil and Gas Engineer (Supervisor), the Engineering Geologist will function as a Field Engineer within the Geothermal Program and may support the Alternative Wells program. The incumbent will perform activities associated with the development of natural resources both independently as well as in a team environment. As a Field and Regulatory Specialist, the incumbent is expected to conduct complex field inspections and surveillance of geothermal wells and attendant facilities and leases, and other wells that may potentially be geothermal in nature including idle deserted wells. Complex inspections may include activities related to well construction to final plugging and abandonment and site remediations, warm and hot springs and other geologic features related to geothermal energy. The incumbent will research and gather operator and well information and documentation, perform files reviews and data reconciliations, evaluate production and injection history, compliance records, and perform geologic, engineering and statistical work. Utilizing a variety of computer programs, applications, and databases, the incumbent will perform complex calculations, evaluations, and create reports and documentation following standard procedures. The incumbent will assist with well permitting responsibilities, and perform surveillance, inspections, and sampling in a safe manner that may include wells, well work, attendant facilities, environmental lease inspections, and natural geothermal features. The incumbent will enforce legislative mandates and ensure operator compliance. This position performs assignments that requires a high degree and breadth of knowledge of geothermal and/or oil/gas field production/injection operations, experience in reviewing geologic and engineering data, as well as superior skills in data management, communication, and presenting results of analysis.

This position is contingent on budget approval.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

This position will belocated in Sacramento and/or Long Beach and is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule based on the Departments operational needs and telework policy .

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must show proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Please see the attached duty statement for information related to this positions working conditions.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST $6,488.00 - $7,735.00A $7,428.00 - $9,296.00B $9,142.00 - $11,449.00C $9,754.00 - $12,215.00D New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

United States

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation (DOC) administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment, and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land, and mineral resources.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

• This position requires a valid Driver’s License.
• This position requires a medical evaluation.
• This position is subject to the Department’s Conflict of Interest Code.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbally/written)
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments
• Ability to promote a positive working environment and relationship with others

DOC employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision benefits
• Paid sick and vacation
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Transit Subsidy

Additional benefit information can be found on the following websites:

Information regarding benefits provided by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found at www.calpers.ca.gov .

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.conservation.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareer.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  • 1. Please describe your experience working on oil, gas or geothermal projects or wells. Provide as much detail as possible.
  • 2. Please describe your experience implementing rules or regulations and enforcing them. Describe your interactions with the regulated community.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note: This position requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Applications submitted without an SOQ or an SOQ that does not answer the items/questions, and/or does not follow formatting instructions will be considered not interested in this position and will be eliminated from the selection process. Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Where assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ should be your own original. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section for more information.

Do not email or fax your application. Emailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

If you are applying for more than one recruitment, a separate State Application (STD. 678) is required for each recruitment for which you would like to be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: