Geologic Resources Section Chief (Geoscience Supervisor)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Geologic Resources Section Chief in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to lead programs that oversee oil, gas, and mineral activities across state forests and parks.

You will guide staff, manage contracts and agreements, evaluate natural resource data, and collaborate with agency partners to ensure development is safe, fair, and environmentally sound.

Qualifications

• Active professional geologist license or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or closely related field with 30 college credits in geology/geophysics/geochemistry/engineering geology.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff who manage contracts and agreements for oil, gas, minerals, water protection, and reclamation on state lands.
• Guide decisions on lease terms, assist with negotiations, and coordinate dispute resolution efforts.
• Conduct economic assessments of oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources to support agency decisions.
• Interpret geologic logs, maps, and data to support studies and reports on resource development issues.
• Maintain and organize geospatial information, correspondence, and files for program operations.
• Work with agencies, officials, groups, and the public to share information and support program goals.

Skills

Professional Geologist license

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology or related field with 30 credits in geology/geophysics/geochemistry/engineering geology

Job description

Lead the way in caring for the state’s natural treasures! As the Geologic Resources Section Chief with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you manage programs that oversee oil, gas, and mineral activities across state forests and parks. You help make sure development is safe, fair, and environmentally sound. This is a role for someone who wants to guide important decisions that affect land, water, and wildlife. Join a team that takes pride in safeguarding the state's natural heritage!

This position leads the Geologic Resources Section in managing energy and mineral resource activities on state lands and waters. It supports responsible use of natural resources while guiding staff and collaborating with agency partners. As a Geologic Resources Section Chief, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Oversee staff who manage contracts and agreements for oil, gas, minerals, water protection, and reclamation on state lands
• Contract Oversight: Guide decisions on lease terms, assist with negotiations, and coordinate dispute resolution efforts
• Resource Evaluation: Conduct economic assessments of oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources to support agency decisions
• Technical Analysis: Interpret geologic logs, maps, and data to support studies and reports on resource development issues
• Data Management: Maintain and organize geospatial information, correspondence, and files for program operations
• Collaboration and Outreach: Work with agencies, officials, groups, and the public to share information and support program goals

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 5 days per 10 day pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Possession of an active license as a professional geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• Two years as a Senior Geoscientist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.