Geoscientist

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Coal Center (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Geoscientist to apply scientific expertise to environmental decisions protecting communities and natural resources in Pennsylvania. You will study mining impacts on water, land, and nearby communities, assess data, and support regulatory decisions shaped by geology and hydrogeology.

The role focuses on evaluating mining operations, reviewing scientific data for regulatory decisions, and supporting permitting processes.

Qualifications

• One year as a Geoscience Trainee (commonwealth title); or
• One year of professional geology experience with a relevant bachelor degree including 30 credits in geologic coursework; or
• Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate and one year of professional geologic experience; or
• Equivalent combination including 30 geologic credits.

Responsibilities

• Review mining permits and evaluate geologic/hydrologic data.
• Interpret water quality, flow data, and environmental conditions to assess impacts.
• Coordinate technical reviews with agencies and staff for permit decisions.
• Prepare technical deficiency letters, findings, and recommendations.
• Inspect mine sites to collect data and identify pollution risks.
• Support water loss studies, stream recovery evaluations, and closure plan reviews.

Skills

Geoscience Trainee

Geologist experience

Geologist-in-Training

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology/hydrogeology/geoscience/etc.

Geologist-in-Training certificate

Job description

Would you enjoy a career which allows you to use your scientific expertise to directly shape environmental decisions that protect communities and natural resources? As a Geoscientist for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will have the fulfilling opportunity to apply your scientific skills to real-world environmental work. This role allows you to study how mining activities affect water, land, and our surrounding communities. You will help evaluate data and support decisions that protect the Commonwealth's natural resources.

This role focuses on evaluating mining operations, assessing environmental impacts, and reviewing scientific data for regulatory decision making. You will interpret geologic and hydrologic information, coordinate technical reviews, and support permitting processes. As a Geoscientist, you will perform the following duties:

• Review Permits: Assess mining permit applications and evaluate geologic and hydrologic data
• Analyze Impacts: Interpret water quality, flow data, and environmental conditions to determine potential impacts
• Coordinate Reviews: Work with agencies and staff to complete technical evaluations and permit decisions
• Prepare Reports: Develop clear technical deficiency letters, findings, and recommendations
• Inspect Sites: Visit mine sites to collect data and identify pollution risks
• Support Investigations: Assist with water loss studies, stream recovery evaluations, and closure plan reviews

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. 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 Coal Center. 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:

• One year as a Geoscience Trainee (commonwealth title); or
• One year of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or
• Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, and one year of professional experience in geologic work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.

Special Requirement

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Reassignment(Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
  • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and
  • (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Transfer(Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.)
  • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and
  • (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Voluntary Demotion
  • Reinstatement(Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

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

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.