State of Maryland

A Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey is the lead or advanced level of professional geological work with the Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) at the Department of Natural Resources.  Employees in this classification function either as lead workers or at an advanced level in a program area at the MGS.  Employees in this classification with lead worker responsibilities assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level Geologists but do not supervise other positions.  Employees in this classification with advanced level responsibilities provide both broader and more in-depth levels of technical knowledge to other Geologists within their program area but do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Geologist Manager, Maryland Geological Survey or other designated supervisor.  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 Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey is differentiated from the Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey in that the Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey either assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains lower-level Geologists or functions as a technical resource within a section of an environmental program area while the Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey is differentiated from the Geologist Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey in that the Geologist Program Consultant, Maryland Geological Survey functions as the designated expert for a specialized area within the geological discipline. 

Geologist Lead

Assigns, reviews, and approves the work of lower-level Geologists within a program area of the MGS;

Trains less experienced Geologists in areas, such as the analysis and interpretation of geologic, geohydrological and geochemical data interpretation, sample preparation and examination, development of geological maps and cross sections and test drilling operations;

Selects, plans and oversees geological investigations and projects for an MGS program area;

Works collaboratively with geologists, engineers and environmental personnel from other State agencies, such as the Department of the Environment and the State Highway Administration Resources or representatives of federal programs, such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to provide technical expertise and requested information;

Provides recommendations regarding approaches to water resource management, land and road planning and the design of geologic investigations to officials of local jurisdictions and colleagues at other State agencies;

Presents technical information during public hearings and ensures that information communicated may be understood by a wide audience;

Responds to inquiries from the general public;

Prepares technical reports, articles and information sheets for publication and presentation at professional forums;

Testifies as a subject matter expert during administrative and judicial hearings and court trials on environmental geology, scientific issues, and departmental policies;

Applies relevant State and federal regulations to environmental and public health and safety issues;

Uses a variety of standard office and specialized software applications, such as geographic information software (GIS), to simulate or model geological conditions, the movement of soil and water through the environment and the occurrence of environmental contaminants;

Uses a variety of standard office and specialized software applications to prepare maps, construction plans and graphics;

Uses conventional and global positioning satellite (GPS) surveying techniques to locate sinkholes, well and stream monitoring points and to gather topographic data;

May design geologic, geophysical or hydrological data bases using database management tools;

Performs other related duties.

Geologist Advanced

Serves as a technical resource for an MGS program area by assuming leadership responsibilities for applied geological investigations and projects;

Conducts independent research and field investigation in applied geological areas, such as ground water quality, management of water resources, shoreline erosion, assessment of mineral and land resources, and brackish-water intrusion;

Develops and implements new investigative techniques and sampling methodologies;

Formulates policies and procedures to advance program area goals and objectives;

Selects, plans and oversees geological investigations and projects for an MGS program area;

Works collaboratively with geologists, engineers and environmental personnel from other State agencies, such as the Department of the Environment and the State Highway Administration Resources or representatives of federal programs, such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to provide technical expertise and requested information;

Provides recommendations regarding approaches to water resource management, land and road planning and the design of geologic investigations to officials of local jurisdictions and colleagues at other State agencies;

Presents technical information during public hearings and ensures that information communicated may be understood by a wide audience;

Responds to inquiries from the general public;

Prepares technical reports, articles and information sheets for publication and presentation at professional forums;

Testifies as a subject matter expert during administrative and judicial hearings and court trials on environmental geology, scientific issues, and departmental policies;

Applies relevant State and federal regulations to environmental and public health and safety issues;

Uses a variety of standard office and specialized software applications, such as geographic information software (GIS), to simulate or model geological conditions, the movement of soil and water through the environment and the occurrence of environmental contaminants;

Uses a variety of standard office and specialized software applications to prepare maps, construction plans and graphics;

Uses conventional and global positioning satellite (GPS) surveying techniques to locate sinkholes, well and stream monitoring points and to gather topographic data;

May design geologic, geophysical or hydrological data bases using database management tools;

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 operating a variety of scientific, sampling and surveying equipment and devices;

Ability to assign, review and approve the work of professional Geologists;

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 tools, techniques and software applications to study and investigate geologic and environmental issues and problems;

Ability to communicate technical information to a wide audience.

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

Experience: Five years of experience performing professional 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.

1. Employees in this classification may be required to walk over rough or unstable terrain or over long distances while wearing personal protective equipment.

2. 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.