State of Maryland

A Geologist I is the entry level of professional work learning to perform geological studies and investigations.  Employees in this classification support more experienced geologists in their investigations, environmental studies and projects by applying theoretical knowledge of geological and related earth sciences.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other Geologists.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a Geologist Supervisor, Geologist Manager or other designated supervisor.  The work is performed both in the office and in the field.  In the field, employees may experience a variety of conditions related to weather and terrain.  Employees must be available to travel throughout the State depending on the assignment.  They may be required to walk considerable distances over rough or unstable terrain and may be exposed to standard physical hazards associated with construction sites, and industrial and manufacturing operations and equipment.  At field sites, employees may be exposed to hazardous substances and fumes.  Employees may be required to carry heavy equipment exceeding 50 pounds.  Depending on the assignment, employees may be required to wear personal protective equipment.  Evening and weekend work may be required.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Geologist I, Geologist II and Geologist III, Environmental Programs and Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Geologist I learns to perform duties under close supervision.  The Geologist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Geologist III, Environmental Programs and Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  

Learns to collect and prepare water and soil samples using sampling gear and scientific measuring equipment;

Learns to gather and compile data from geological, geophysical, and hydrological field investigations as well as from other types of environmental sampling for assigned sites or geographical areas;

Learns to accurately identify and describe the physical and geochemical characteristics of samples;

Learns to interpret geological maps that define environmental contamination, reflect particular geological features or formations and identify water sources;

Learns to use conventional and global positioning satellite (GPS) surveying techniques to accurately locate sample sites, stream and well monitoring sites and sinkholes;

Learns relevant State laws and regulations and how to apply them to environmental and public health safety problems and issues;

Learns to prepare reports, sampling plans and various graphical displays according to established agency formats and scientific criteria;

Learns to maintain project files to include all pertinent documentation and makes files available for review by agency personnel and the public;

Learns to perform duties such as monitoring well drilling operations, siting new public water supply wells in areas safe from potential sources of contaminants, delineating wellhead protection areas for public water supply wells, and making vulnerability assessments for public water supply systems when assigned to an environmental program at the Maryland Department of the Environment;

May learn to prepare maps to digitally represent geological features and formations using the United States Geological Survey guidelines and cartographic standards for geologic map symbolization;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles, theories and techniques of geology and related earth sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics;

Ability to learn how to apply scientific principles, theories and techniques to the field of environmental geology or geological investigation;

Ability to learn and apply applicable State environmental laws and regulations;

Ability to learn the methodology needed for delineating wellhead protection areas for public water supply wells;

Ability to learn how to operate various scientific, sampling and surveying equipment and devices;

Ability to learn how to prepare and present technical information;

Ability to learn the procedures and protocols necessary to site new public water supply wells in areas safe from potential sources of contaminants;

Ability to learn how to perform vulnerability assessments for public water supply systems;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with State, federal and community representatives, property owners, business owners and the public.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Geology, Environmental Geology or a related earth science.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in physical science classification or physical science specialty codes in the geology field of work on a year-for- year basis for the required education. 

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. When assigned to an environmental program at the Maryland Department of the Environment, employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete and maintain certification as specified in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (Standards-29 CFR) 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. Information about these regulations is available in the Human Resources Office of the Maryland Department of the Environment or may be obtained at the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Website.

1. Employees in this classification may be required to walk over rough or unstable terrain or over long distances while wearing personal protection equipment such as respiratory protection equipment.

2. Employees in this classification may be subject to ongoing medical testing in accordance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

3. Employees in this classification may be subject to call-in on a twenty-four hour basis and, therefore, will be required to provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.