GEOLOGIST I - CONTRACTUAL

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is charged with protecting and preserving the State's air, water and land resources and safeguarding the environmental health of all Maryland’s citizens.  The Agency’s mission is to protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders with a vision of healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities and ecosystems in Maryland.

The Land and Materials Administration is recruiting for a Geologist I.  This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of the Environment.  This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies for this position/function only.  The resulting cert list will be maintained for one year.  Persons interested in future vacancies within this classification must re-apply.

This is a field position in Region I covering primarily Baltimore City and other assigned areas in Region I as needed. The incumbent will be required to report to the Baltimore headquarters office once a week.

Maryland Department of the Environment

Land and Materials Administration 

Oil Control Program - Compliance Division 

1800 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21230

The Geologist I will review and evaluate conditions of known or suspected oil contamination at underground and aboveground storage tank (UST/AST) facilities in order to investigate and determine the extent of remediation needed, and oversee remediation activities. The incumbent in this position will apply State Law and regulations to ensure regulatory performance at petroleum and hazardous substance UST/AST sites and transportation facilities, and will provide technical assistance and oversight on oil storage tank system investigation findings and oil pollution problems. The Geologist I will also learn to determine the potential public health and safety impacts of oil contamination in the environment and in drinking water supplies. The incumbent in this position will investigate and audit UST/AST facilities to identify responsible parties for petroleum contamination and conduct audits and statistical analysis to determine if facilities comply with State Law and regulations. The incumbent will also ensure the enforcement of applicable statutes, regulations, permits, and policies pertinent to the Oil Control Program.

This is a field position in Region I covering primarily Baltimore City and other assigned areas in Region I as needed. The incumbent will be required to report to the Baltimore headquarters office once a week.

The incumbent in this position will be required to drive a State vehicle.  If you maintain an out-of-state driving license, you must provide a certified copy of your driving record from the appropriate Motor Vehicle Administration at the time of appointment. Individuals must maintain a driver's license with no more than 5 points on their driving record in order to drive a State vehicle.   

Working conditions of the position are as follows:   

Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings. Site visits and the collection of environmental samples entail a variety of exposure to field conditions that can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. These conditions include inclement weather, extreme heat or cold, briars, plant toxins (poison, ivy), plant pollens (ragweed, etc.), etiological and biological agents (mold fungus, bird and rodent feces, biting ticks, wild animals), and other site specific conditions. Some sites may be in high crimes areas and present an added risk and stress to the employee. 

The Geologist I may be required to visit and inspect areas containing chemical and physical hazards at a variety of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites (e.g. service stations oil refineries, industrial/manufacturing operations, uneven terrain, old landfills, former spill areas, dilapidated buildings, debris-strewn sites).  Field work may involve exposure to standard hazards associated with industrial/manufacturing and construction sites (e.g. slip, trip and falls, falling objects), and work around heavy equipment such as noise and vibration (e.g. drill rigs, geoprobe, backhoes, tractors, motor engines).

The incumbent in this position may be required to lift heavy manhole covers, sampling equipment and supplies, climb ladders, and wear respiratory protection while performing work activities. The employee may also be required to drive for long periods to visit and investigates sites located across the State of Maryland. 

During site inspections and field sampling, the employee is required to wear personal protective equipment, (including gloves, hearing protection, and coverall, uniforms or Tyvek suits) that is appropriate to field conditions. This equipment routinely includes hardhats and steel toe/shank shoes, and it may be upgraded to include respirators and chemical protective gear according to site-specific conditions.

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. 

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

It is preferred that the selected candidate has the following: 

· Training or experience sampling soil or groundwater; 

· Training or experience conducting environmental field inspections or surveys;

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; 

· Knowledge or experience related to above ground and/or underground storage tank systems; 

· Training or experience related to oil spill containment;

· Successful completion of OSHA 40 hour Hazardous Waste Site Worker training; 

· Hold a valid Maryland underground storage tank system inspector, technician, or remover certification;

· Hold a valid precision tester certification; 

· Training or experience in studying, evaluating, tracking, and preparing technical reports regarding environmental activities and data;

· Training or experience with petroleum contamination assessments and remediation; 

· Knowledge of Maryland regulations regarding oil pollution and tank management.

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of this position. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be placed on the Eligible List categorized as BEST QUALIFIED. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.  Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable.  Please note that you will be required by the appointing agency to provide proof upon hire of all certifications, licenses, educational and work experiences.

For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date.  Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. 

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the immigration and Reform Control Act. You must be legally authorized and possess any necessary documents under this Act in order to be hired in the position for which you applied.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDE, Recruitment and Selection Division, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to Peggie Jefferson peggie.jefferson@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. Please reference #22-001028-0003. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Peggie Jefferson/MDE Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-537- 3879.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-537-3130 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.