Geologist

State of Indiana•Jasonville, IN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Geologist provides geological consultation and technical expertise in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geology for the State of Indiana. The position is based in Jasonville, Indiana, is team oriented, and has no remote work. The role supports the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Reclamation, which oversees active coal mining and reclamation, including restoration of abandoned or improperly reclaimed coal-mined land. The division also administers state laws for clay, shale, and oil shale mining. Depending on agency needs, this role may also perform additional duties for the Department of Natural Resources or the Indiana Department of Transportation. The Geologist reviews technical documents and reports, evaluates construction materials and soils, supports regulatory compliance and enforcement, and participates in field investigations and project planning. The role may include expert testimony in formal proceedings. Additional DNR duties may concern oil and gas permits and underground drinking-water sources; additional INDOT duties may concern sampling programs, geotechnical instrumentation, and drilling operations. The position is exempt from overtime compensation; employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours of work and/or paid leave per pay period to receive base biweekly salary.

Requirements

Must be registered as a Licensed Professional Geologist in Indiana.
Broad knowledge of principles, practices, theories, and methodologies in geologic and hydrogeologic science and related fields.
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, environmental regulations, acts, and guidelines, and ability to interpret and apply them.
Broad knowledge of applied statistics, environmental design, geologic sampling, and interpretation of geologic analysis.
Thorough knowledge of remedial and corrective action as it relates to various program areas.
Ability to conduct intensive research for geologic and hydrogeological advancement of the program area.
Ability to determine resolutions and new approaches to geotechnical problems.
Specialized knowledge of well hydraulics, groundwater modeling, drinking-water management, waste and wastewater management, and related regulations.
Bachelor’s degree in Geology with an emphasis on Hydrogeology or Engineering Geology, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related area.
Six years of work experience in geology, hydrogeology, environmental management, or related fields.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
For DNR employment, working knowledge of oil and gas industry history and practices; construction of oil- and gas-related wells; underground injection; petroleum resource management; oil and gas remediation; and GIS and surveying principles for site location.
For INDOT employment, knowledge of AASHTO, ASTM, Indiana Test Methods, and INDOT specifications.
For INDOT employment, advanced knowledge of and ability to operate geologic field instruments and construction testing equipment such as LWD and DCPT.
For INDOT employment, advanced knowledge of survey and mapping techniques.

Responsibilities

Provide geological consultation using technical expertise in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geology.
Review and evaluate technical guidance documents, reports, journals, and related articles.
Report findings and make recommendations regarding structures, construction materials, aggregates, and soils.
Interpret and apply applicable state and federal regulatory rules, guidance, and policies concerning geological investigations and contaminant remediation.
Facilitate the preparation and editing of staff reports and correspondence for consistent application of laws and regulations.
Assist with geological enforcement actions.
Propose regulatory revisions, identify new agency or program needs, and develop long-term strategies to address them.
Educate staff on implementing geological policies and programs.
Lead or assist field teams during site investigations.
Analyze data and test results to propose solutions to issues and complaints.
Create internal schedules and define work scopes, milestones, deliverables, and end products.
Maintain organized site files and program databases, and manage resources for strategy implementation.
Participate in pre-hearing conferences, provide expert-witness testimony in pre-trial depositions and hearings, and testify in administrative or court hearings.
When assigned to DNR oil and gas work, process and evaluate applications and issue permits for oil- and gas-related wells and county test holes; review plans for mines, oil wells, dams, and related water-resource structures for accuracy and compliance with legal and technical requirements.
When assigned to DNR water work, analyze and interpret complex data to determine the location and extent of underground drinking-water sources.
When assigned to INDOT, administer the ledge and pit sampling program, conduct and analyze sampling tests, and publish results to ensure compliance with specifications and compatibility with recommended uses.
When assigned to INDOT, serve as technical expert for geotechnical instrumentation and supervise SPT and CPT drilling operations to ensure projects are completed correctly and on time.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned; duties may change with or without notice.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, and vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies, including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.