Geologist, Registered

Full Job Description

SALARY
$54.37 - $65.60 Hourly
$113,089.60 - $136,452.16 Annually

We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Geologist, Registered, position in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

POSITION: Under general direction, supervises staff and performs technical oversight for projects involving environmental contamination of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater.

Reviews and analyzes geologic and hydrogeologic data with respect to the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.

Works in conjunction with other state environmental oversight agencies involved in the County’s Voluntary Remedial Oversight Program.

Reviews and approves groundwater monitoring and soil vapor well construction and destruction. Provide hydrogeologic input on sustainability of production wells within county.

Performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a technical class in which the incumbent is expected to render expert opinions on geologic factors in the areas of identification, availability of water supplies; environmental impact to fresh water supplies resulting from development activities; groundwater and geologic issues associated with solid waste disposal; and soil mechanics and seismic issues associated with building safety.

This class differs from Engineering Geologist in that the latter's emphasis is on complex civil engineering geological issues.

NOTE: We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Geologist, Registered in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria for both the County Health and Public Works department.

*Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence.

1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence, and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave.

A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies.

If you qualify for this position and pass the required selection steps, your name will be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) and department(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HEREto view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

1. Retirement reciprocity
2. Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• At least two (2) years lead or supervisory training and experience in environmental health or a related field;
• At least five (5) years of experience as a geologist for environmental investigations with a recognized environmental agency, organization or company;
• Have education and/or experience in civil engineering and/or geology;
• California Professional Civil Engineer or Geologist license;
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and communicate well with staff and clients;
• Strong customer service skills;
• Demonstrated ability to assure environmental regulatory programs and services are implemented in a manner that seeks to promote and prioritize health equity;
• Willingness to exercise creativity, innovation, and flexibility while maintaining fundamentally sound environmental regulatory programs;
• Ability to effectively use performance data for monitoring the improvement of organization functions and outcomes.

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Requirements

1. Provides technical guidance to staff on soil, soil vapor, and groundwater issues associated with individual environmental projects and program wide issues.

Reviews adequacy of environmental reports and workplans that contain geologic and hydrogeologic interpretation.

Documents may include Phase I Site Assessments, Phase II investigations and workplans, Corrective Action Plans, Human and Ecological Risk Assessments, and Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems.

2. Attends interagency meetings related to the Voluntary Remedial Oversight Program.
3. Provides oversight to consultants in the collection of field data and preparation of complex studies involving groundwater, soil vapor, soil, and geology.
4. Advises management and decision-makers on individual environmental projects and county-wide environmental issues.
5. Reviews and approves soil boring and monitoring well permits for conformance to the California Well Standards. Provides oversight for the construction of monitoring wells and destruction of monitoring wells and soil borings.
6. Determines when environmental projects are suitable for case closure.
7. Advises management and decision-makers on individual projects.
8. Serves as resident geologist on complex projects; provides project direction to staff, contractors, and consultants.
9. Assists in budget preparation.

Qualifications

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Geologist issued by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG).

Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required. Independent travel throughout the County, including difficult to reach areas, is required.

Knowledge of: principles and practices employed in hydrology and engineering geology to include groundwater, drainage, watershed analysis, safe yield, recharge, slope stability, seismic risks, and soil mechanics; collection and analysis of data; and principles of contract administration and supervision.

General knowledge of the Alquist-Priolo Act. California Environmental Quality Act and California land use and planning law.

Ability to: critically analyze and evaluate hydrologic, watershed, geologic and soils reports; prepare and verbally present reports and comprehensive studies; utilize and maintain a computer data base for groundwater basins; read and analyze aerial photographs; establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with others, plan, direct and evaluate the work of others including subordinates, supervisors, members of the public and specialists in other agencies; speak clearly and concisely before large groups; explain technical information in lay terms.

Additional Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored.

Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list.

An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI.

Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.

At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.




REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.

We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.







Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.







County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy.

This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations.

A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.




Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check and satisfactory reference checks.

Appointee will also be subject to a post-offer medical examination. Appointee must satisfactorily complete a (12) twelve-month probationary period.




Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.







EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENTThe County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates.

The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.




APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled with first considerations beginning January 30, 2026. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.




Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead,
County Health, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org