State of Maryland

A Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey is the full performance level of professional geological work with the Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) at the Department of Natural Resources.  Employees in this classification apply theoretical and practical knowledge of geological concepts and principles, mapping, computer modeling and sampling to the geological research and projects of a program area at the MGS.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other Geologists but may provide guidance and training to lower-level Geologists, support staff or summer technical assistants.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Geologist Program Chief, Maryland Geological Survey.  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 I, Geologist II and Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey and Geologist III, Environmental Programs are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Geologist I learns to perform duties under close supervision.  The Geologist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey and Geologist III, Environmental Programs both perform the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision, however the Geologist III Environmental Programs performs the work at the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Geologist III Maryland Geological Survey performs the work at the Department of Natural Resources.  The Geologist III, Maryland Geological Survey is differentiated from the Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey in that the Geologist Lead/Advanced, Maryland Geological Survey assigns, reviews and approves the work of lower-level Geologists or functions a technical resource within a section of an environmental program area.

Conducts geologic surveys to identify and study various geological features and characteristics of the State’s coastal, water, mineral and land resources;

Conducts field research to gather and compile necessary data for geological map production;

Compiles and interprets data from field investigations, environmental sampling, existing files and land records, permits, photographs and toxicology reports to assess site or geographical area conditions;

Collects and analyzes water and soil samples for their physical, geohydrological and geochemical characteristics according to established departmental procedures and policies;

Transports samples in conformance with laboratory quality control standards and reviews the results obtained from designated State or federal laboratories;

Produces maps to precisely represent geological and environmental features and formations for use by the public, property owners and interested parties involved in land and road development;

Prepares maps and other graphical materials to identify water supply sources, topographic features, wells, mineral resources, sinkholes and other geological features of the environment;

Prepares documents, technical reports, geological assessments and summaries to address well-defined or moderately-sized geographical areas;

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

Operates, calibrates and troubleshoots a variety of scientific field and laboratory equipment and devices;

Presents technical information during public hearings or seminars, ensuring that information is understood by a wide audience;

Responds to general inquiries from the public regarding the geology of the State, or specific issues involving water supply quality or sinkhole locations; explains results of drilling tests and analyses to property owners;

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;

Evaluates the availability and the quality of water supplies, locates aquifers and conducts pumping or aquifer testing, locates potential groundwater contaminant sites and determines their potential effect on municipal or public water supply wells, when assigned to the Hydrogeology and Hydrology Program;

Monitors test drilling projects;

May assist in developing or recommending new procedures for map production, data collection and sampling;

May train and provide guidance to lower-level Geologists, student worker or summer technical assistants;

May testify at administrative hearings and court trials on matters regarding the review of permit applications;

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 various scientific, sampling and surveying equipment and devices;

Skill in collecting, compiling and interpreting sampling data;

Ability to prepare technical documents, assessments and summaries in a clear, concise manner according to established standards and guidelines;

Ability to produce maps and graphical presentations based on field, laboratory or literature research;

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 available 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: Three 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.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.