Geoscientist

Full Job Description

Begin a fulfilling career that plays a vital role in protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and public health.

As a Geoscientist, you will take on meaningful responsibilities such as reviewing work plans, permits, and remediation reports, and evaluating site investigations to ensure cleanup efforts meet regulatory standards.

This role allows you to apply your scientific expertise to real-world environmental challenges, develop specialized technical skills, and contribute to decisions that safeguard communities and natural resources.

If you are looking for a career with purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, this position is an excellent path to pursue.

Requirements

In this role, you will work closely with the District Geotechnical Engineer and support all functions of the Geotechnical Unit.

You will conduct geologic and soils site reconnaissance and prepare detailed reports and recommendations for Department-designed roadway and structure projects.

This work includes performing geologic field mapping, completing engineering geology investigations, examining rock and soil characteristics, and analyzing geologic data, aerial photographs, geologic maps, and other remote-sensing imagery.

Your responsibilities will involve interpreting field and laboratory data, documenting site conditions, and contributing to geotechnical design decisions.

You will play a key role in identifying geologic hazards, evaluating subsurface conditions, and ensuring that project designs are supported by accurate and thorough geologic assessments.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Indiana. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $63,335.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, and one year of professional experience in geologic work; or
• One year as a Geoscience Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.