State of Maryland

A Geologist II is the intermediate level of professional work performing geological studies and investigations.  Employees in this classification apply theoretical and practical knowledge of geological and related earth sciences to assigned projects.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other Geologists but may provide guidance and training to lower-level Geologists, support staff or summer technical assistants.

Employees in this classification receive moderate 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 under general supervision.

Compiles and interprets data and information from geological, geophysical and hydrological field investigations, environmental sampling, existing files and land records, permits, and photographs in order to assess site or geographical area conditions;

Analyzes environmental samples for their physical and geochemical characteristics according to established agency procedures and policies;

Prepares and interprets geological maps that define environmental contamination in the earth, sediment and groundwater;

Applies relevant State and federal laws and regulations to environmental and public health safety problems and issues;

Prepares fact sheets, final reports, summaries and other documents to address well-defined or moderately sized geographical areas;

Uses a variety of standard office and specialized software applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information software (GIS) to simulate or model geological conditions, the movement of soil and water through the environment and the occurrence of environmental contaminants;

Uses standard office and specialized software applications to prepare maps, construction plans and graphics;

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

Operates, calibrates and troubleshoots a variety of scientific field and laboratory equipment and devices; Responds to inquiries from citizens regarding environmental and public health issues;

Interacts with technical professionals throughout the agency, representatives from other State and federal agencies, county health officials, business and property owners, and the public for purposes of gathering and providing geological data and information;

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

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

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

May assist with the operations of one or more laboratories following standard laboratory procedures and safety protocols;

May assist in developing or recommending new procedures for map production, data collection and sampling;

May provide technical guidance to summer technical assistants;

Performs other related duties.

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

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

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

Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards;

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

Ability to use available tools, techniques and software applications to study and investigate geologic and environmental issues and problems;

Ability to operate various scientific, sampling and surveying equipment and devices.

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

Experience: One year of experience performing professional geological work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Geology, Environmental Geology or a related earth science for the required experience.

2.  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.