Environmental Hydrogeology Specialist - Augusta - 1857 (Anticipated Vacancy)

Department of Environmental Protection; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 56,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta, Maine seeks an Environmental Hydrogeology Specialist to provide professional hydrogeologic services for investigation, remediation, and monitoring of contaminated sites, including PFAS. The position emphasizes data collection, GIS, and clear communication with diverse stakeholders.

Minimum qualifications include geologist licensure, broad hydrogeology knowledge, and the ability to manage projects, review work plans, and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Eight-year combination of education and experience in hydrogeology, hydrology and geology.
• Licensed as a Geologist by the Board of Licensure of Geologists and Soil Scientists.
• Knowledge of PFAS and contaminant fate in subsurface.
• Familiarity with GIS, data visualization software, statistics and plotting tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide hydrogeologic investigations, remediation and monitoring for contaminated sites.
• Oversee and participate in soil and hydrogeologic investigations and review work plans and reports.
• Collaborate with DEP staff and other agencies to achieve cleanup goals.
• Present conclusions to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Hydrogeology expertise

Verbal communication

Writing skills

Education

Geologist licensure

Geology/Hydrogeology degree

Tools

GIS

Statistical software

Geochemical data plotting

Job description

Environmental Hydrogeology Specialist -ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date: September 25, 2026 Closing Date: End of the day October 13, 2026 Location: Augusta Position Number: 08300-1857 Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round Class Code: 9484 Grade: 26 (Professional/Technical Unit) Salary: $56,264.00 - $78,998.40 Per Year* *This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires typically start at step one. Annual step increases are based on performance reviews and authorization of such increases. Interested candidates need to submit a Direct Hire Application, Cover Letter, and detailed Resume* *For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position provides professional hydrogeologic services relating to the investigation, remediation, and monitoring of sites contaminated by a variety of petroleum and hazardous substances. This position is expected to have the skills or experience needed to develop a specialty related to contaminant hydrogeology and a working knowledge of the geochemistry of emerging contaminants, including, but not limited to, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Duties include review, oversight, and participation in soil and hydrogeologic investigations, and review of work plans and reports for the Department of Defense, RCRA, Superfund, Brownfields, Voluntary Response Action, Solid Waste, Uncontrolled Sites, and other Bureau programs. The position collaborates with staff throughout the Department to achieve cleanup goals and interacts with staff in other agencies at the state and federal levels. The successful candidate is expected to be skilled in the use of a variety of sampling, geophysical, and testing tools and in the collection of soil, hydrological, and geological data during field investigations. Familiarity with GIS, database and data visualization software to support project evaluations and recommendations is also expected. Strong verbal and writing skills are required for the presentation of conclusions to technical and non-technical audiences including Department staff, consultants, responsible parties, and the general public. For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Chris Evans at [phone].

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An eight (8) year combination of education and experience in the fields of hydrogeology, hydrology and geology including experience in responsible charge of geological work.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Licensed as a Geologist by the Board of Licensure of Geologists and Soil Scientists. Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience: Knowledge of contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface. Knowledge of investigation and remediation methodologies at contaminated sites. Knowledge of emerging contaminants including PFAS. Familiarity with GIS, statistical, geochemical, and data plotting software. Ability to manage projects in order to meet project deadlines. Ability to identify and analyze problems, reach logical conclusions, and make sound, risk-based, cost-effective decisions. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.