The Maine Geological Survey in the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announces a Hydrogeologist vacancy.
The Maine Geological Survey is a dynamic agency of geologists, hydrogeologists, and marine geologists that provides the people of Maine with essential geologic information about the land and water where we live and work. Our staff evaluate geologic resources and processes Statewide and summarize information about groundwater, mineral resources, surface deposits and bedrock materials, stability of coastal properties, and natural hazards such as storms, floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position conducts scientific projects as part of the Hydrogeology and Surficial Geology programs at the Maine Geological Survey. The position designs and carries out hydrogeologic investigations that ensure the full use and protection of groundwater and surface water resources. The successful candidate in this position may:
- Design and execute groundwater investigations at multiple watershed scales. Identify study locations based on knowledge of critical issues.
- Compile, model, and summarize data on Statewide water extraction and use. Assess the sustainability of water use through analysis of water extraction data, watershed information, groundwater principles, and groundwater modeling.
- Review permit applications and reports involving water extraction.
- Develop and use groundwater flow models, which may include data collection, dataset management, development of model framework, and calibration.
- Measure snowpack depth and groundwater levels around the State and manage collected data as part of long-term monitoring programs.
- Direct sampling and measurement activities for groundwater quality investigations.
- Conduct field mapping of aquifers and surficial geology, using knowledge of surficial and bedrock geology, glacial history, the geologic framework of the State, and principles of groundwater flow and storage.
- Write technical, popular, and educational reports about geologic research, maps, water resources, water quality, and water use.
- Present geologic information in oral format to diverse audiences including scientists, lawmakers, municipal officials, members of the public, and students.
- Collaborate with scientists in other State and Federal agencies and universities on hydrogeologic and hydrologic investigations.
For questions specific to the position, please contact Ryan Gordon at: ryan.gordon@maine.gov
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Master’s Degree in Geology or Hydrogeology with specialization in hydrology and/or water resource management, and three (3) years’ experience in geologic or hydrologic work at an administrative level responsible for project completion and financial and personnel management. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class): Licensed Geologist issued by the Board of Licensure of Geologists and Soil Scientists.
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of the principles, methods, and equipment used in hydrogeologic investigations.
- Knowledge of geologic mapping and the bedrock and surficial geology of Maine.
- Knowledge of data management, data analysis, statistics, and other principles of data science.
- Experience analyzing and visualizing datasets using common computer languages such as Python and R.
- Experience with computer modeling techniques and capabilities as used in groundwater flow software such as USGS MODFLOW or SUTRA.
- Experience using GIS software such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro or QGIS to support data management, analysis, and presentation.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the “APPLY” button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
If you can’t apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.
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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
Apply by: Nov. 1, 2024