Title: CO - P6013 - Groundwater Characterization Geologist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $80,417

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Central Office

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Groundwater Characterization Geologist. This position gathers and analyzes data to understand the availability, quantity, and quality of groundwater in Virginia. The Groundwater Characterization Geologist collects groundwater-level and groundwater-quality data from DEQ’s statewide network of 290+ monitoring wells, in accordance with established schedules and operating procedures. Processes data collected in the field, enters data into DEQ and USGS database systems, and reviews data entered by other staff. Procures, installs, operates, and maintains monitoring equipment, including data collection platform (DCP) logger/transmitters, pressure transducers, encoders, antennas, and solar collection power systems. Safely operates power tools and groundskeeping equipment to maintain well sites in working condition. Operates global positioning system (GPS) and surveying equipment to collect precise position and elevation data. Manages geospatial data with geographic information systems (GIS). Organizes electronic records and physical inventory. Documents the occurrence of groundwater-level declines, well interference, or aquifer depletion, to enable DEQ to address potential problems through management practices. Communicates effectively with landowners, permittees, contractors, other stakeholders, and interagency partners. Provides project oversight and management for drilling, installation, testing, and abandonment of deep wells (300+ feet). Assists in the collection of hydrogeological data from mud-rotary drill cuttings, wireline/rotosonic cores, and geophysical logging, primarily in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, including on the Eastern Shore.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of Virginia hydrogeology.
• Skills in managing competing priorities in a dynamic team setting.
• Valid Virginia driver's license and ability to operate vehicles in the field.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities in each of the following:
• Collecting water-level measurements and groundwater samples, including from wells deeper than 300 feet.
• Analyzing groundwater data with statistical methods.
• Operating and repairing powered scientific field equipment.
• Collecting hydrogeological data from well cuttings, cores, geophysical logs, and aquifer tests, including from wells deeper than 300 feet.
• Groundwater observation/production well drilling techniques and well construction, including for wells deeper than 300 feet.
• Collection and management of scientific field data with geographic information system (GIS) and/or related software, including mobile platforms and applications.
• Combination of education, training, and/or experience equivalent to major coursework in aqueous geochemistry, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology, statistics, natural and physical science, or a related field.

Additional Considerations

• Availability to work across the entire Virginia Coastal Plain field area and at DEQ’s Piedmont Regional Office (Glen Allen).
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to travel overnight as needed, sometimes multiple nights per month.
• Knowledge and skills in using the R programming language for hydrogeological data analysis and visualization.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Please Read Carefully:

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Emily Duncan

Phone: (804) 845-4910

Email: HROCommunications@deq.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.