Salary: $33.14 – $49.79 Hourly
Location: Multiple Locations, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 39607
Agency: 560 Department of Natural Resources
Unit: 2310 DNR OGM MINERALS
Opening Date: 12/28/2023
Closing Date: 1/15/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Recruiter: aren Weir / kweir@utah.gov / 801-538-7425
# of Openings: 1
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Location: 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 or 319 North Carbonville Road, Price, Utah 84501 or 318 North Vernal Ave, Vernal, Utah 84078
Schedule Code: B – Competitive Career Service – Employment in this position requires a probationary period.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.
Job Description
Job Title: Geologist/Hydrologist (Environmental Scientist II or III)
*This position may be filled at the Environmental Scientist II or III
*Environmental Scientist II – starting salary will range between $28.16 to $42.30 per hour depending upon experience and qualifications, or per DHRM Rules for current employees of the State of Utah. This is a working-level job. Incumbents require general supervision, demonstrate scientific knowledge and skills, and exercise independent judgment within the limits of delegation, to effectively coordinate environmental regulatory or enforcement projects or facilities related to federal or state environmental laws, rules, policies & programs.
*Environmental Scientist III – starting salary will be $33.14 to $49.79 per hour depending upon experience and qualifications, or per DHRM Rules for current employees of the State of Utah. This is a working-level job. Working with minimum supervision, incumbents perform a wide range of tasks requiring the application of an extensive base of science. Applies expertise and knowledge to the field for permitting and other regulatory and compliance enforcement activities that apply to their scientific specialty. May lead and coordinate large multifaceted pollution emitting/discharging projects/facilities.
Job Description
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and dedicated hydrologist/engineer to join our team. As a member of the Minerals team, you will play a crucial role by helping support a viable mining industry necessary to preserve the economics of the nation, safeguard the environment and public health and help achieve successful reclamation of lands affected by mineral mining activities. The candidate will specialize in hydrology aspects of non-coal mining and coordinating with other federal, State and local governments and environmental groups. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the responsible development of mining projects in the state of Utah while safeguarding the surrounding environment.
The ideal candidate for this role is a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in hydrology and a proven track record of working in mining or related industries. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively, are essential. As a Hydrologist, you should also have a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the mining sector.
Principal Duties:
As an Environmental Scientist, you will:
- Review technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Assess and respond to permit applications, amendments and revisions for non-coal mines and exploration permits with emphasis on hydrology aspects.
- Conduct inspections to determine if mining and exploration activities comply with State Rules and take enforcement action as needed.
- Review bond release applications and evaluate ongoing reclamation.
- Provide technical expertise on hydrology to government agencies and mine operators.
- Develop maps using satellite data, drone data and information provided by the operator.
- Coordinate permitting/enforcement with other government agencies.
The Ideal Candidate
The model candidate is someone who:
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology with an emphasis in Hydrogeology; Geological or Civil Engineering with a background in hydrogeology/hydrology; Engineering Geology; Hydrogeology.
- Strong knowledge of hydrogeological principles, groundwater modeling, and environmental regulations.
- Proficient in using software applications such as GIS and LiDAR drone imagery.
- Experience with hydrological and geotechnical field investigations, including drilling, well installation, and water sampling.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Has experience with environmental regulations related to mining and reclamation practices.
- Physically able to hike over rough terrane and can operate a vehicle off the pavement
- Work independently on small projects or assist more senior scientists/engineers on larger projects
Why You Should Join Our Team
Please join our team if you want to work for an agency that encourages self-expression, creative problem-solving is valued and encouraged. In addition, the job offers a good balance of office and fieldwork. You will work autonomously on small projects such as permitting small mines and exploration projects and work with a multidisciplinary team on large mine projects. As a member of the Minerals Team, you will help ensure that the nation has access to critical minerals such as beryllium, magnesium, copper, and limestone. You will work in diverse areas of the State that can range from the Kennecott Pit in Salt Lake County to remote areas that few people ever visit. Additionally, the State of Utah offers great benefits and generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your friends and family and have a positive work-life balance.
The Department
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To learn more about the Department of Natural Resources, click here.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(REQUIREMENTS)
- Has a bachelor’s degree or higher in Geology with an emphasis in Hydrogeology; Geological or Civil Engineering with a background in hydrogeology/hydrology; Engineering Geology; Hydrogeology, or another related field.
- Has experience with environmental issues related to mining/industry.
(PREFERRED)
- Has excellent writing skills to ensure great communication with operators, staff, and other agencies.
- Has general knowledge of mining including, the construction of high walls, slope stability, roads, and pads.
- Has general knowledge of mining and reclamation activities.
- Has the knowledge to evaluate risk to the environment and public from mining and exploration activities.
- Has experience with navigating and orienteering using maps, compass, and GPS.
- Has experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads and wheel tracks.
- Has an understanding of the role of other federal and state agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.
- Is proficient with standard computer programs/software.
- Is proficient with GIS/GPS software and survey equipment.
- Can review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Can read and interpret technical information, drawings, maps, and computer models.
Supplemental Information
Special Working Conditions or Physical Requirements:
- Risks that require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
- Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift moderately heavy items (up to 30 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
- The engineer must have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, walk over rough and rocky terrain (including steep slopes), and work alone in undeveloped, remote areas and willingness and/or ability to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle or all terrane vehicle on unimproved roads and trails.
- Driving a vehicle for up to eight hours a day.
- The environmental scientist is required to take trips away from their office. The day trips may last up to twelve hours and overnight trips once or more during field season. The overnight trips will usually be one or two nights. The engineer can either stay in an approved motel or camp.
- Typical Work Schedule: 40 hours/week, possibility 4/10 hour days, some telework is encouraged.*
*This position is currently a hybrid of both in-office and remote work days. Please note, that a position’s eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
Agency: State of Utah
Address: 4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100; Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
