Geospatial GIS Trainee (Geoscience Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Geospatial GIS Trainee to develop mapping skills and support geologic projects across the state. You will assist with creating maps, data analysis, and updating geospatial resources used by the Bureau of Geological Survey and other programs.

This full-time role offers telework options up to 5 days per pay period and a structured training environment to gain hands-on experience in geology, GIS workflows, and data standards.

Qualifications

• Active Geologist-in-Training certificate or acceptable to PA board.
• Bachelor’s degree in geology/geophysics/geochemistry or related field with 30 geologic credits.
• Equivalent combination including 30 geologic credits.
• Within 3 months of graduation to meet educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Learn GIS tools and assist with geologic mapping tasks.
• Prepare geologic maps, cross sections, charts and data layers.
• Contribute to implementing geospatial data standards and quality checks.
• Explore data sources and techniques to improve mapping workflows.
• Assist with federally funded project deliverables and outreach materials.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Education

Geology/geophysics degree

Job description

THE POSITION

The Geospatial GIS Trainee role with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources gives you the chance to develop technical mapping skills in a supportive learning environment. In this job, you will assist with creating maps, analyzing data, and updating geospatial resources used across the state. Your work will help document geological features and support scientific projects. This position is ideal for individuals interested in technology, data, and geoscience.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports geospatial work within the Bureau of Geological Survey by learning GIS tools, assisting with mapping tasks, and contributing to data standards and updates. The role focuses on gaining hands‑on experience with geologic mapping, data analysis, and geospatial workflows. As a Geospatial GIS Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Map Preparation: Assist in creating geologic maps, cross sections, charts, graphics, and data layers using GIS tools
• Data Learning: Learn geospatial methods from staff scientists and support others through technical guidance
• Standards Participation: Contribute to implementing geospatial data standards for content and quality assurance
• Data Investigation: Explore new data sources, tools, and techniques to improve mapping and analysis
• Project Support: Assist in preparing federally funded project deliverables using recognized geologic schemas
• Community Outreach: Participate in presentations, field trips, and written materials for scientific and public audiences

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per 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 (LOCATION). 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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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; or
• A bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field including or supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession and maintenance 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.

EXAMINATION 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.