Environmental Hydrogeology Specialist - Augusta - 1857 (Anticipated Vacancy)

maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 56,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Paid vacation leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta seeks an Environmental Hydrogeology Specialist to lead hydrogeologic investigations, remediation, and monitoring of contaminated sites. The role develops specialty in contaminant hydrogeology and PFAS knowledge, with GIS and data analysis supporting evaluations.

The candidate collaborates across programs, reviews plans and reports, and communicates findings to staff, consultants, and the public. Direct hire process applies.

Qualifications

• Eight year combined education/experience in hydrogeology, hydrology or geology.
• Licensed as a Geologist by the Maine Board or equivalent.
• Experience with soil and hydrogeologic investigations and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Provide hydrogeologic services for investigation, remediation, and monitoring.
• Review work plans and reports for multiple programs and sites.
• Utilize GIS and data visualization to support project evaluations.
• Present conclusions clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Geology-related degree

Tools

GIS

Data visualization

Geophysical tools

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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 premiu