Title: CO – P4540 – Groundwater Characterization Geologist

Hiring Range: $50,811 – $96,448

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

Job Duties

The Agency: Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that will make a direct impact on improving the lives of Virginia citizens. At DEQ, our Mission is to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Our Vision is that all Virginians enjoy cleaner water, better air quality, and the productive reuse of land that was once contaminated.

What you will be doing: The Department of Environmental Quality’s Groundwater Characterization and Monitoring Program is part of the Office of Water Supply, in the Division of Water Planning. The program is seeking a qualified candidate to collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand the availability, quantity, and quality of groundwater in Virginia. The successful candidate collects and evaluates data from drill cuttings and other geological samples during intensive field operations, including mud rotary drilling, primarily in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, including the Eastern Shore. Prepares detailed, accurate geologic logs. Interprets hydrogeological data and geophysical logs to characterize local and regional hydrostratigraphy. Operates GPS and surveying equipment to collect high-precision coordinates and elevation data. Manages electronic data and physical inventory. Provides project oversight and management to complete State Observation Well installation associated with groundwater withdrawal permit special conditions. Provides Agency oversight of drilling, geophysical logging, downwell camera surveys, and other permit-required field operations. Communicates effectively with permittees and contractors. Collects groundwater data from Agency’s network of State Observation Wells. Ensures that established operating procedures are followed and data collected appropriately, on schedule. Enters data into USGS GWSI Aquarius system, reviews data entered by other staff, and processes the data to develop final copy for approval. Evaluates available hydrogeological data to determine trends in groundwater use, groundwater levels, and groundwater quality. Installs real-time monitoring equipment and performs routine maintenance and upkeep on assigned groundwater wells to ensure site security and safety. Oversees the operation and maintenance of scientific equipment (Satlink transmitters, pressure transducers, DCP transmitters, encoders, GPS, antennas, and solar collection power system) on assigned groundwater wells.

The selected candidate must have the ability to travel frequently, including overnight trips. Accessibility to both DEQ’s Piedmont Office located in Glen Allen, Virginia, and to the field area (Coastal Plain east of I-95, including Eastern Shore) is strongly desired.

Why DEQ? DEQ employs a wide range of professionals in varying fields – from engineers and scientists to information technology and communications specialists. All positions work collectively toward one goal: safeguarding Virginia’s diverse and abundant natural resources, which benefit agriculture, industry, and commerce, and provide a rich environment for people, plants, and wildlife. If you seek to be a part of this Mission, Vision, and culture, while also enjoying a wide range of state benefits, we encourage you to join today. To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at https://www.deq.virginia.gov.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Virginia hydrogeology.
  • Knowledge, skills, and abilities in each of the following:
    • Collecting hydrogeological data from well cuttings, cores, geophysical logs, and aquifer tests, including from wells deeper than 300 feet.
    • Groundwater observation/production well drilling techniques and well construction, including for wells deeper than 300 feet.
    • Collecting groundwater samples, including from wells greater than 300 feet deep, and analyzing groundwater chemical data with statistical methods.
  • Modeling groundwater flow and solute transport.
  • Data management, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS).
  • Project planning and management.
  • Communicating scientific concepts effectively, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Groundwater Chemistry, or a combo of work experience & education demonstrating an equivalent technical background.

Special Instructions: 

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions will be eligible to receive paid leave based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-698-4000

Email: HROCommunications@deq.virginia.gov