State of Maryland

A Geologist Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey is the full performance level of professional work as a program consultant with the Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) at the Department of Natural Resources.  Employees in this classification function as the acknowledged expert in one or more specialized areas within the geological discipline or earth science field.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other Geologists but provide technical and program expertise to program area staff, departmental executives and administrators as well as individuals outside the Department.

Employees in this classification receive managerial supervision from a Geologist Program Chief, Maryland Geological Survey or other designated manager.  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. The work may involve exposure to chemicals found in laboratory settings.  Employees may be required to walk considerable distances over rough or unstable terrain.  Employees may be exposed to standard physical hazards associated with well drilling, construction, mine or quarry sites.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous substances and fumes at field sites.  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 Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey is differentiated from the Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey in that the Geologist Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey functions as the designated technical and program expert for a specialized area within the geological discipline or earth science field while the Geologist Lead/Advanced assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains lower-level Geologists or functions as a technical resource within a section of a MGS program area.  The Geologist Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey is differentiated from the Geologist Program Chief, Maryland Geological Survey in that the Geologist Program Chief, Maryland Geological Survey functions as a first-line supervisor over a program area of professional Geologists, environmental and support staff.

Serves as the designated technical and program expert in a specialized area(s) within geology or earth science, a consultant to Geologist Program Chiefs or higher-level administrators or executives, or as the State or national expert in the field;

Recommends and designs programs and projects with potentially significant impact on the agency’s policies concerning public health and safety, environmental protection and natural resources management;

Develops new environmental or advanced scientific methods for application in complex or high profile issues;

Develops instructional and educational materials and provides specialized training to individuals outside the Department;

Writes articles and technical reports for presentation and publication within the broader scientific community;

Represents the Department at technical meetings, public hearings, and legislative hearings by defending and promoting the Department’s mission and objectives;

Acts as a consultant to individuals outside the Department including those from other State and federal agencies, local jurisdictions and universities;

Prepares technical documents, briefings for the Director or other members of senior management, and correspondence in response to public or executive inquiries;

Provides expert testimony for the State at judicial hearings; Performs other related duties.

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

Knowledge of State and federal environmental laws and regulations;

Skill in interpreting regulations as they apply to one or more specialized areas or fields within environmental geology;

Skill in communicating highly technical information to lay persons;

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

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

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

Experience: Six years of experience performing professional environmental 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 one year of 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.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. 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.

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.