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GEOLOGIST I

CASE MANAGER

Recruitment #23-001028-0004

Introduction

The Maryland Department of the Environment 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.


If you are looking for an exciting career committed to helping the environment for all Marylanders, please apply to become part of MDE’s workforce.  MDE offers competitive pay, great benefits, as well as an opportunity for advancement and professional growth – MDE offers you a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), state pension, supplemental retirement options (i.e. 401k, 457b, etc.).

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of the Environment

Land and Materials Administration

Oil Control Program - Compliance Division 

1800 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore MD  21230

Main Purpose of Job

The Geologist I is an entry-level position and will learn to 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. In these positions, the results of site assessments must be interpreted, and determine the extent of any required groundwater and soil remediation must be determined. The incumbents in these positions will learn to apply State laws and regulations to ensure regulatory performance at petroleum and hazardous substance UST/AST sites and transportation facilities and provide technical assistance and oversight on storage system investigation findings and oil pollution problems. The incumbents will also determine the potential public health and safety impacts of oil contamination in this environment and in drinking water supplies. The Geologist I investigate and audits UST/AST facilities to identify responsible parties for petroleum contamination and conduct audits and statistical analysis to determine if facilities comply with State laws and regulations. These positions ensure the enforcement of applicable statutes, regulations, permits, and policies pertinent to the Oil Control Program. The incumbents in these positions perform job functions within the State of Maryland, primarily in the Eastern Region of the Compliance Division. Emergencies, vacancies, and caseloads may require the performance of job duties in other areas of the State. 

The incumbents will be required to work outside in inclement weather and often at construction sites with loud heavy equipment.  It may be required to drive long distances to inspect sites located across the State of Maryland. Some sites are in high-crime areas and in conditions that can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. These conditions include plant toxins, mold fungus, bird and rodent feces, biting ticks, wild animals, and other site-specific conditions. 

The work involves visiting and inspecting areas containing chemical and physical hazards at a variety of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites (e.g., services stations, oil refineries, industrial/manufacturing operations, uneven terrain, old landfills, spill areas, dilapidated buildings, and debris-strewn sites). These positions may require the incumbents to lift heavy manhole covers, climb ladders, and work around heavy equipment with noise and vibration (e.g. tractors, drill rigs, backhoes). During site inspections, protective equipment is required and may include hearing protection, Tyvek suits, hard hats, steel toe/shank shoes, respirations, and chemical protective gear according to site-specific conditions. 

The incumbents may be exposed to hazardous conditions which may result in injury when performing duties such as visits to operating quarries and proposed mining sites. The incumbents on occasion may be required to walk for extended periods on uneven steep terrain. While at mining operations, the incumbent must adhere to State and federal safety requirements. The incumbents may be required to use a hard hat, hearing protection, goggles, gloves, or any other prescribed safety item. These positions are required to participate in the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) sponsored medical monitoring and training and follow MDE safety protocol. 

This position requires the incumbent 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 to drive a State vehicle.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

It is preferred that the selected candidate has the following:

  • Willingness to perform work in both office and field settings; 
  • Coursework in Physical Geology, Hydrogeology, or environmental law; 
  • Knowledgeable of Maryland regulations regarding oil spills and cleanup requirements; 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Training or experience conducting compliance inspections;
  • 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.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

4.  The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Medical Monitoring Program (MMP) is designed to detect health risks or adverse effects of occupational exposure to hazardous materials and to direct targeted treatment and occupational illness/injury prevention strategies.  MDE employees who may be exposed to hazardous materials are required to participate in a pre-placement, regular and/or post-termination medical examination.  MDE has determined that this position be part of the MMP; therefore, applicants selected for employment must successfully complete and pass the medical monitoring examination as a condition of employment.

SELECTION PROCESS

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, and 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 the interview).

Completed 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.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS  (Click CTRL link to view all benefits)

PERSONAL LEAVE - New State employees are awarded six (6) personal leave days annually (prorated based on start date)

ANNUAL LEAVE -  ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

SICK LEAVE – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

PARENTAL LEAVE – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

HOLIDAYS – State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

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 in our office by 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 at 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 #23-001028-0004. 

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Peggie Jefferson 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.  

This is a position-specific position for the Maryland Department of the Environment. The resulting certified eligible list will be maintained for one year. Persons interested in future vacancies within this classification must re-apply.  

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.



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