Geoscientist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection, is seeking a Geoscientist to evaluate mining operations, assess environmental impacts, and review scientific data for regulatory decisions. You will interpret geologic and hydrologic information and support permitting processes.

The role involves coordinating technical reviews, preparing findings and recommendations, visiting mine sites, and assisting with investigations such as water loss studies and closure plan reviews.

Qualifications

• One year as Geoscience Trainee or one year of professional geology experience with relevant degree.
• Bachelor's degree in geology or closely related field with at least 30 geologic course credits.
• Active Geologist-in-Training certificate from PA board and one year of geologic work.
• Equivalent experience and training including 30 geologic credits.

Responsibilities

• Review mining permit applications and evaluate geologic and hydrologic data.
• Interpret water quality and flow data to assess potential environmental impacts.
• Coordinate technical reviews with agencies and staff for permit decisions.
• Prepare clear findings, deficiency letters, and recommendations.
• Inspect mine sites to collect data and identify pollution risks.
• Support investigations such as water loss studies and closure plan reviews.

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology or related field

Geologist-in-Training certificate

Job description

Geoscientist

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. Apply today for a meaningful profession where you can make a positive environmental impact!

Summary

Examples of duties

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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,607.00 (before taxes).
• 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 job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); 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.

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).

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.

Supplemental information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.