PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST II

8375C3

Pay Grade: 29

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is professional level work in geology, performing a variety of technical duties in conjunction with the study and investigation of the earth’s structure and composition. Work may include lead worker responsibilities to direct staff or supervising staff who assist in conducting field investigations and other geologic projects.

Work involves performing the analysis and interpretation of complex geological data and information necessary to develop and recommend solutions to specific problems in various geologic disciplines including engineering, hydro, economic, petroleum, geothermal, environmental or hazard geology.

Work may include investigating, collecting, and analyzing geological field samples and data, preparing maps, reports and statistics of findings, making recommendations and publishing information. Work assignments may be project oriented and involve functional leadership responsibilities.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Geology Associate I in which the incumbents perform less complex geologic reviews and field investigations, may assist higher level professional geologists in geological investigations, surveys and related activities by recording data obtained from field investigations and preparing geologic reports. At this level incumbents require guidance and direction in performing the work.

Differs from the Professional Geologist III which the incumbents work with a high level of technical expertise and are expected to represent the agency in their subject area of specialty when interacting with local, state, and federal agencies, private industry, professional peers, and the public. At this level, incumbent’s primary responsibility is coordinating projects or leading other geologists in accomplishing the work.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Oversees and participates in office, geologic field studies and investigation pertaining to proposed infrastructure.

Conducts field and laboratory research related to mineral research, rock formations and soil conditions affecting geotechnical engineering designs.

Directs and participates in all activities of engineering a geological survey for highway design, construction, maintenance and remediation projects; including reconnaissance and corridor studies, detailed subsurface investigations, and preparation of maps; plan profiles, cross sections and complex geotechnical reports.

Evaluate salt solution mining wells, LPG storage areas, surface mining and underground storage tanks, industrial waste injection wells and improperly abandoned or constructed water wells to detect and prevent sources of surface and subsurface pollution.

Examines applications for underground injection of oil field brine or drilling permits for oil and gas wells, underground porosity gas storage wells, as well as seismic and cathodic protection boreholes; ensures applications comply with state rules and regulations; researches available data; works with oil and gas operators and contractors to ensure that applications are in compliance.

Prepares final recommendations for approval or denial of drilling permits, underground injection applications, and underground porosity gas storage permits.

Reviews well construction information and prepares recommendations for both routine and complex well plugging operations that are consistent with state rules and regulations.

Prepares various subsurface maps and geologic sections related to petroleum explorations and production operations or underground porosity gas storage operations.

Prepares and reviews applications for unitization applications and prepares testimony in support or opposition of such applications; prepares testimony and prepares exhibits at compliance and enforcement regulatory hearings.

Coordinates and participates in geologic field studies and/or investigations, and projects related to groundwater pollution investigations and performs area groundwater quality surveys related to the development of regulatory standards or resolution of the problems.

Completes geologic and hydrogeologic reviews and evaluations of applications for pollution control facilities, hazardous and solid waste sites, and mining operations; evaluates proposed plugging programs of abandoned wells and oil field waste management facilities.
Interacts with consultants to negotiate remedial work and oversees all aspects of remediation.

Interprets and provides explanation of data on environmental geology to industries, government agencies and/or prepares and presents testimony or exhibits at hearings and public meetings.

Reviews and evaluates site safety and oil field waste management plan proposals for completeness and accuracy.

Investigates spills, recommends clean up methods and conducts tests to determine the severity and extent of the environmental contamination; writes specifications for review of such projects.

Coordinates and participates in major land use planning studies involving the use and interpretation of geologic data.

Participates in all activities of engineering a geologic survey for highway design, construction and maintenance projects which may include reconnaissance studies, detailed subsurface investigations, and preparation of maps, plan profiles, cross sections, and complex geotechnical reports.

Conducts bridge rehabilitation studies, assists in developing plans to rehabilitate bridge structures, and writes geological reports concerning foundations for new bridge construction.

Conducts investigations or surveys, and collect samples for lab analysis and analyzes field samples and data to identify rock and soil types, groundwater conditions and resources, quality mineral resources, and geothermal energy, petroleum and natural gas potential, or instability of earth instability problems.

Reviews published maps and current project data, participates in geological surveys, drafts geological maps and cross sections or reduces and analyzes field data, and conducts statistical mapping and compiles and interprets information from geologic source documents and laboratory test results, drill logs, and other studies.

Prepares field activity summary reports and preliminary and final geological reports of findings and recommendations for management review.

Reviews preliminary contract plans and specifications to ensure that engineering designs are consistent with geologic conditions or standards,

Evaluates groundwater conditions and hazard potentials to determine feasibility, location, and safe and economical development of projects,

Obtains and provides technical information, advice, or assistance to agency personnel, private industry, professional peers, and local, state and federal officials to answer questions or resolve problems and ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Prepares and reviews hydrogeologic studies of subsurface information to recommend surface pipe setting depths, cementing and both routine and complex plugging procedures, and construction and abandonment procedures in environmentally sensitive areas.

Examines and recommends approval of applications for underground injection of oil field brine or the transfer of ownership of oil, gas, salt water disposal, injection leases and permits.

Acts as field geologist on projects including logging test drilling, designing and constructing monitoring points, designing and implementing aquifer tests, witnessing various production and integrity testing of wells, sampling, documenting field activities and directing field teams.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of the principles and practices applied in conducting geologic field studies and investigations, including researching and analyzing geologic data and samples.

*Knowledge of the sources of technical information.

*Knowledge of geologic processes and their interrelationships.

Knowledge of engineering surveys and foundation design.

Knowledge of engineering properties of soil and bedrock, slope stability a foundation designs.

Knowledge of petroleum exploration and production operations and/or gas storage operations

Knowledge of the principles of supervision.

Abilities

*Ability to analyze and present complex technical data effectively.

*Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

*Ability to prepare and use maps, plans, cross-sections, charts, geophysical well logs, and related graphical material and reports.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, private officials, and the public.

Ability to be a project lead worker in field activities and other geologic projects.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Professional geology license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

NC: 03/05
REV: 08/05