Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleAssistant Geologist / Geologist Trainee
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $69964 to $105354 Annually
Duties Description This position is located in the Division of Environmental Remediation Bureau of Spill Response and Prevention in Region 6 in Potsdam, NY. The primary duties of the Assistant Geologist are:
• Respond during workday and periodically during after-hours and weekends to petroleum and chemical spills, and emergency incidents as required/directed to ensure a proper cleanup is completed.
• Review and evaluate spill cleanup plans, investigative reports and closure reports for
completeness and accuracy.
• Collect evidence to identify source, cause and responsible parties for spills.
• Provide general guidance regarding proper cleanup procedures, transport and disposal of spill cleanup wastes.
• When appropriate and in consultation with the Regional Spill Supervisor, hire State response and remedial contractors for petroleum and chemical spill cleanups. Review contractor resources and invoices for accuracy.
• Assist with inspection of regional petroleum and chemical bulk storage facilities as assigned.
Provide follow-up to ensure problems are corrected and refer non-compliant facilities for legal enforcement as appropriate.
• Complete detailed inspection reports for spill response and/or bulk storage responses and inspections while on-site and update appropriate databases in a timely manner. Build and archive case file documentation.
• Provide assistance with completion of Investigative Summary Reports (ISR), state cost recovery, and FOIL requests as needed.
• Assist NY State Comptroller's and Attorney General's office with cost recovery as required.
The duties will also include providing geological services under the direction and oversight of the Regional Spill Supervisor, or other Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist. These may include interpretation of groundwater, soil, soil vapor, sediment, rock data or measurements, field geologic observations or surveys, as well as the application of geologic principles during development of remedial investigations, feasibility studies, or design documents for use in addressing the environmental problems which have arisen at the subject sites or facilities.
The candidate will occasionally participate in Petroleum Remediation projects. They will use knowledge of environmental sciences to ensure adequate cleanup of short- and long-term remedial work. Retain,oversee and manage State-hired contractors where appropriate for Petroleum/HazMat spill cleanup.
Minimum Qualifications Geologist Trainee, NS: bachelor's degree or higher in earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology.
Assistant Geologist, G-20: bachelor's degree or higher in, earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology, AND:
Either 1. proof of passing the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination,
OR 2. a professional geologist licensure with current registration.
This position is also open to the following candidates:
Reassignment Eligible - Those currently in the title and employed by DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Those who have previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - Those with one year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications (see above) and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55- b/55-c program.
Individuals appointed as a Geologist Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as a Geologist Trainee and pass the National Association of State Boards of Geologist's Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination. If you pass the FG by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Geologist title without further examination. If you do not pass the FG by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 475 of the Laws of 2014, all professional geologists in New York State must obtain licensure under Title VIII of the Education Law; based on this, you will be required to obtain your professional geology license in order to be promoted in the future.
Additional Comments *If appointment is at the Assistant Geologist, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $84,532. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $77,532 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000 specific to this title and location.The job rate for this position is $105,354. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $98,354 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000 specific to this title and location.
Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles. If appointed at trainee level, you will receive the differential upon advancement to grade 20.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department’s Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for this position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must provide 24-hour response on a rotational basis and work during normal business hours.
Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.