Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleAssistant Geologist / Geologist Trainee - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $107621 Annually
Duties Description The Assistant Geologist/Geologist Trainee (AG) will assist with the implementation of and perform geology duties related to the Region 1 Water Withdrawal, Long Island Wells and Well Driller programs. Assist with Long Island Water Supply inspections, compliance, and water well driller programs, as well as special initiatives. Implement regional protocols and special initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the Long Island aquifer system.
Keep the Regional Water Manager, and other involved DEC managers informed of accomplishments, emerging issues, and high-profile matters.
The AG will review public water supply, Long Island well, and dewatering permit applications and modifications. They will use hydrologic principles and practices in order to ensure that permits are issued in accordance with ECL Article 15 and 6 NYCRR Part 601 and 602, do not cause negative environmental impacts, and promote sustainability of Long Island’s sole source aquifer system.
The AG will assist with the development, review and implementation of water conservation plans for all types of water uses. The AG will also assist with the implementation of regional aquifer management and sustainability planning and strategies, including those listed in ECL Article 15 and those which develop from the Long Island Groundwater Sustainability Study. The AG will review, track and evaluate pumpage data, saltwater water intrusion, and other water quantity and quality concerns, and may perform trend and statistical analysis of such. The AG will keep the Regional Water Manager and water supply staff apprised of any change in trends, exceedance of limits, etc. The AG will perform reviews of pump tests, hydrogeologic calculations and assist senior staff with regional modeling as needed.
The AG will perform GIS mapping and analysis associated with the Long Island Groundwater Sustainability Study. In addition, they will assist with mapping new and historical water wells using GIS, updating the regional LI wells database with said data and keeping the Region’s DEC info locator layers updated in accordance with DEC requirements. The AG will assist with the creation of new layers for DEC info locator as appropriate.
The AG will monitor and track permit compliance, initiate enforcement actions once permit threshold has been exceeded, and follow up on enforcement actions as appropriate. This may involve testifying in administrative hearings or in court: initiating field investigations & responding to complaints (must be able to communicate effectively and convey specific factual information verbally and in writing); organizing and analyzing data, identifying important findings and providing sound recommendations based on best hydrogeologic principles and practices, writing/editing reports; performing many varied computer tasks; performing many varied team tasks.
The AG will be responsible for assembling, writing and editing various reports and providing sound recommendations based on best hydrogeologic principles and practices. They will assist with the management of the Regions LI wells database and perform other DOW tasks as needed.
Minimum Qualifications Experience with, minor or certificate in GIS/geospatial science preferred.
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a noncompetitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their noncompetitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
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 $97,673. This amount is comprised of a base salary of $74,193, an increased hiring rate of $9,980 specific to the title and location of the position, and a geographic pay differential of $13,500 specific to the title and location of the position.
The job rate for this position is $107,621. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $13,500, specific to this title and location.
Please note, the increased hiring rate and geographic pay differential are not extended to the Geologist Trainee title. If appointed as a Geologist Trainee, you will receive the geographic pay differential upon advancement to the Assistant Geologist.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available, 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.
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.