PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST III
8376C3
Pay Grade: 31
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is advanced professional or supervisory work in geology.
Work involves performing highly complex duties of a specialized nature in an
assigned program area; supervising a specialized component of a statewide
program; and/or coordinating projects or leading other geologists in
investigating, collecting, and analyzing geological field samples and data or
may individually conduct controversial or sensitive projects involving contacts
and coordination with outside agencies. Supervision of staff may be a component
of the work.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Professional Geologist II in which the incumbents perform
difficult technical duties that may be project oriented and/or conduct more
complex independent field investigations or surveys, requiring minimal guidance
and direction, and may be assigned several concurrent projects requiring
coordination with professional peers, government, and the private sector.
Differs from the Professional Geologist IV in which the incumbents perform in an
administrative and policy role in a specialized area of geology or a district or
state wide program as a supervisor. The significant legal, policy, financial,
coordinative, and administrative implications of assignments; responsibility to
provide program level interpretations, conclusions, and guidance to agencies and
committees; and leadership in initiating and pursing geologic initiatives
defines this level.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Plans and supervised the work of a group of field parties obtaining geological
and related data to be used in the design, construction, maintenance and
remediation of Kansas infrastructure, writes reviews and approves technical
reports, and serves as an expert witness on issues related to this work.
Participates in special research, product development and evaluation for
geological investigation and studies.
Supervises, conducts and reports on complex geologic issues regarding
foundations, failures, construction materials either in a man-made or natural
setting.
Plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of other geologists or contractors,
reviews their work for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with state and
federal guidelines and provide technical assistance or information.
Plans, conducts, and assigns to other geologists or contractors field
investigations or surveys and collect samples for lab analysis. Conducts or
assigns various geologic, geochemical, geothermal and geophysical projects.
Conducts, coordinates, and assigns the analysis of field samples and data to
identify rock/soil types, groundwater conditions and resources, geothermal
energy potential, quality mineral resources, petroleum and natural gas
potential, or earth instability.
Reviews, conducts, and prepares geological, statistical and cross sectional
mapping. Compiles and interprets information from geologic sources and
laboratory tests results, drill logs, and other studies.
Authors, edits, reviews, and critiques reports, papers, or geotechnical articles
written by professional colleagues or themselves.
Defines and eliminates groundwater pollution sources related to oil and gas
production, salt solution mining, LPG storage operations, petroleum storage
tanks, dry cleaning facilities, contaminated sites, industrial operations,
abandoned or improperly constructed water wells, injection of industrial wastes
and injection of brine into deep wells.
Plans, conducts and assigns activities related to surveillance, permitting,
monitoring, and inspection of industrial waste and oil field brine injection
systems, water well construction and abandonment, salt solution mining wells,
LPG and natural gas storage in salt caverns, LPG brine storage ponds,
underground porosity gas storage, and oil and hazardous materials spill
investigations.
Conducts geological and hydrogeological studies of deep subsurface formations to
determine proper well construction methods to meet specific needs in oil field
brine and industrial waste disposal, salt solution mining, LPG and natural gas
storage in salt caverns, underground porosity gas storage, and to set
environmentally sound criteria for well plugging.
Designs or supervises the development of monitoring systems for surface and
underground storage of brine and hydrocarbons.
Researches and reviews environmental laws which impact the operations of a state
agency.
Prepares technical reports on special groundwater quality investigations and
conducts geologic evaluations and reviews consultant proposals for engineered
pollution control facilities or pollution remediation plans.
Performs project management of complex environmental remediation sites involving
investigation, remedial system design and oversight of remedial efforts.
Plans and supervises work of lower level and/or project geologists,
environmental or regulatory technicians or consultants; provides technical
guidance and establishes priorities for all projects within the assigned area.
Participates in or supervises an area of statewide program activities pertaining
to the control of groundwater aquifer designation, acceptable minimum standards
for well construction and completion, brine injection depths, hydrogeologic and
geologic design criteria for solid and hazardous waste sites, and oil field
waste management facilities, and state funded abandoned well plugging projects.
Represents the agency at meetings, hearings, and conferences with the public and
federal, state and local governmental agencies.
Evaluates and recommends program and budget requirements.
Develops or recommends rules, regulations, and amendments necessary to carry out
activities and functions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to geological
specialty.
*Knowledge of geologic processes and their interrelationships.
Knowledge of petroleum exploration and production operations and/or gas storage
operations.
Knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater and the
mechanics of groundwater pollution movement.
Knowledge of engineering properties and geologic materials.
*Knowledge of the principles of supervision.
Abilities
*Ability to prepare and direct the preparation of comprehensive technical
reports and analysis.
*Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting
departmental policies and procedures.
*Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
*Ability to speak effectively in public.
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
associates, governmental and industrial officials and the public.
*Ability to supervise.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Professional geology license recognized by the
Kansas Board of Technical Professions and two years of experience as a
professional geologist.
NC: 03/05
REV: 08/05 |