Hiring Range: $57,733 – $82,042
Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME
JOB DESCRIPTION
In this position, the successful employee is self-motivated to understand Virginia hydrogeology and able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic team setting. Actively engages in up to 12 months of supervised on-the-job training to prepare for independent operations. Works independently or with teammates, as needed, in the field and the office. Collects groundwater-level and groundwater-quality data from DEQ’s statewide network of 300+ observation wells, primarily in the Virginia Coastal Plain, including on the Eastern Shore. Adheres to established schedules and operating procedures. Processes and enters groundwater data into DEQ and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) database systems. Reviews and audits data entered by teammates. Procures, installs, operates, and maintains monitoring equipment, including data collection platform (DCP) logger/transmitters, pressure transducers, encoders, antennas, and solar power systems. Safely operates power tools and groundskeeping equipment to maintain well sites in working condition. Operates global positioning system (GPS) and land-survey equipment to collect precise position and elevation data. Manages geospatial data with geographic information systems (GIS). Organizes electronic records and physical inventory. Communicates effectively with coworkers, agency partners, landowners, permittees, contractors, and the general public. Provides project oversight and management for drilling, installation, testing, and abandonment of deep wells (300+ feet). Collects hydrogeological data from mud-rotary drill cuttings, wireline or rotosonic cores, and geophysical logging. Safely operates heavy-duty pickup trucks in daily field trips across the assigned field area. Works extended hours in the field, as needed. Travels overnight as needed, occasionally for multiple nights. Safely manages jobsite hazards, such as noise, irregular ground surfaces, and variable weather. Exerts up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 50 pounds of force frequently. Passes a mandatory background check to access U.S. Government facilities and networks. Preferably, either possesses a current Professional Geologist license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or is able to progress toward licensure. For this position, the assigned office location may be either the Piedmont Regional Office in Glen Allen or the Tidewater Regional Office in Virginia Beach, to be determined in consultation with the successful candidate. In either case, the initial training period of 6 to 12 months will require daily coordination and frequent meetings with the supervisor and teammates based in Glen Allen. For an employee assigned to Virginia Beach, a state vehicle can be used for work-related travel to Glen Allen. This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver’s license is required. Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing data to characterize groundwater quantity, quality, and availability across the Commonwealth. Ensures that the necessary information is available for resource-management decisions, water supply planning, and the creation or expansion of defensible groundwater management areas. Documents the occurrence of groundwater-level declines, well interference, or aquifer depletion to enable DEQ to address potential problems through management practices. Designs and manages contractual and cooperative projects. Conducts and oversees field operations, including at active drilling sites. Operates and maintains the statewide network of groundwater observation wells to ensure data quality. Manages physical inventory to support field operations. Manages databases to support scientific evaluation. Serves as the department’s expert on technical aspects of groundwater in all physiographic provinces of Virginia.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of both Virginia hydrogeology and the general principles of geology and hydrogeology.
• Skill in collecting groundwater-level measurements, aquifer-test data, and groundwater samples, including from wells deeper than 300 feet.
• Skill in collecting hydrogeological data from drill cuttings, sediment cores, and geophysical logs, including from wells/boreholes deeper than 300 feet.
• Knowledge of drilling techniques and construction methods for observation and production wells, including those deeper than 300 feet.
• Skill and ability in operating and repairing powered scientific field equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in using software, such as the R programming language, for statistical analysis and visualization of groundwater data.
• Knowledge and skill in the collection and management of scientific field data with geographic information system (GIS) and/or related software, including mobile platforms and applications.
• Skill and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather conditions and to exert 100 pounds of force occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.
• Combination of education, training, and/or experience equivalent to major coursework in geology, hydrogeology, aqueous geochemistry, chemistry, statistics, natural and physical science, or a related field.
• A current Professional Geologist license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or the ability to progress toward licensure.
• This position requires operation of a state-owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver’s license is required.
• This position requires successful completion of a background check to access U.S. Government facilities and networks.
ABOUT US
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
