Professional Geologist 1 (3513)

SERIES CONCEPT


Geology is a profession that is regulated through statutes and administrative rules by the Oregon State Board of Geologist Examiners (OSBGE). Geologists are licensed by OSBGE to perform work in the "public practice of geology" as Registered Geologists (RG). Geologists may be further registered in the specialty of engineering geology as Certified Engineering Geologists (CEG). The work done by Registered Geologists also includes several specialties that do not have a requirement for additional registration beyond the RG. These typically include hazardous material hydrogeology (environmental geology), and economic geology, along with hydrology, paleontology, and geophysics. The Concept of the Series includes four (4) levels that span the range from entry level graduate employees with no experience, to the expert level with many years of specialized experience and professional registration.

Geologists perform work within the Oregon Department of Transportation on projects, policies, and programs integral to the development of transportation projects, maintenance and operations of highways and other transportation facilities. Geologists work in the specialties of engineering geology, hazardous material hydrogeology (environmental geology), or economic geology.

Geologists work in close association with Civil Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers during project development by performing or directing geologic site investigations in the field; performing independent design of geologic project elements; performing or directing specialized testing of soil, rock, and groundwater; and analyzing the results as they apply to the final design of transportation projects. For example, this work may be done to evaluate the stability of foundation conditions for bridges and walls, or to design repairs for landslides and unstable slopes. Geologists may perform or direct the testing of soil and groundwater for contamination, and direct how contaminated materials will be removed or dealt with by contractors during construction. Geologists may perform investigations on active or potential materials sources like quarries to determine whether the engineering properties of materials are suitable for transportation projects, and whether the source is economically feasible for development. Geologists also work in program and policy areas advising management and coordinating with other agencies, academia, and the public on issues related to operations, planning, funding, and permitting by resource and local agencies, and geologic hazard mitigation.

Geologists may direct the work of consultants and contractors by writing and administering Architectural and Engineering (AandE) contracts, Personal Services contracts, and General Services contracts. This includes responsibility for developing the scope of work, price negotiations, schedule and delivery of final work products, quality review, and ensuring the accuracy of invoice payments.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST 1


This is the third level of a four-level series. It represents the journey and full proficiency level. Employees at this level recognize and define geologic conditions, problems, and hazards that may affect transportation projects and evaluate methods for their solution, which requires a background of professional education, training, experience, and licensure through the OSBGE as Registered Geologists or Certified Engineering Geologists.

The nature and degree of complexity of the work distinguishes this class from the lower levels. At this level employees are experienced in the practice of a specialized field of geology, and they are fully licensed to take Professional of Record responsibility as defined in Oregon Administrative Rule for their work, and the work of lower level staff that are led by this employee. This level is further distinguished from the lower levels by the nature and complexity of the assignments, interpretation of rules and regulations, project specific interaction with regulatory agencies, and the absence of close guidance and supervision.

The absence of responsibility to represent the agency as an expert in a highly complex field of professional specialization, or manage significant projects having a broad impact on the State's infrastructure distinguishes this class from the higher level. It is further distinguished by the absence of advising management on program or policy-related issues and leading the development and strategic direction of a specialized geology area.

Geologists at this level routinely lead, coordinate, and direct the work of lower level unlicensed staff, and contractors that perform geologic investigations on moderately complex to complex projects. They also write and help administer General Services contracts including drilling contracts, traffic control, rock scaling, and geophysical field surveys. This includes responsibility for the Scope of Work, price negotiations, schedule and delivery of final work products, quality review, and ensuring the accuracy of invoice payments. Geologists at this level often sit on statewide committees providing information and recommendations for technical standards and practices, and they help implement statewide programs within their discipline in their regional areas of responsibility. They provide project level technical advice to supervisors, managers, private industry, professional peers, and local, state, and federal agencies on issues within their areas of expertise including, but not limited to subsurface conditions, landslide and rockfall, material sources, disposal sites, facility siting, and hazardous materials. As professionals of record, they may also represent the Agency and provide testimony during legal proceedings.

Assignments within their area of expertise may also overlap with the Professional Engineering classes, particularly work in engineering geology that may overlap with civil or geotechnical engineering work.


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:



All the knowledge and skill requirements for the Associate in Geology 2 level

AND

KNOWLEDGE:



Professional level knowledge of a geological field of specialization such as engineering geology, hazardous material hydrogeology (environmental geology), or economic geology.

Professional level knowledge of the requirements for geologic information on routine to complex civil engineering projects, and the techniques for field investigations, monitoring, and laboratory testing necessary to meet standards of practice.

Knowledge of the regulatory requirements that apply on assigned projects, and the various individuals and agencies that are involved for coordination and information sharing.

Knowledge of emerging science and technologies that may be considered or found useful for certain types of projects, geologic conditions, or investigations.

Knowledge of the kinds of geologic conditions and hazards that are likely to exist in the geographic areas of practice, and the ability to use that knowledge to inform transportation planning, project scoping, design, and maintenance and operations.

SKILL
:


Skill in independently conducting field investigations, recording observations, researching and analyzing data collected, and assessing the significance of geologic conditions.

Skill in independently planning and organizing equipment, materials, staff, contractors, and consultants to perform investigations. This includes the ability to coordinate and motivate others, schedule, assign, review, and direct work, and make recommendations for performance evaluations.

Skill to initiate and administer general service contracts for subsurface investigations, including negotiating prices, and ensuring accurate invoicing and payments.

Skill in interpreting and following the laws, rules, and regulations governing geologic projects.

Skill in the professional determination of geologic conditions and hazards, their effect on civil engineering projects, and making the appropriate design changes or recommendations as needed.

Skill in the professional determination of geologic conditions and hazards, their effect on civil engineering projects, and making the appropriate design changes or recommendations as needed.

Skill in the professional determination of geologic conditions and hazards, their effect on civil engineering projects, and making the appropriate design changes or recommendations as needed.

Skill in the production of final professionally stamped documents including reports, project construction plans, details, drawings, specifications, and estimates.

Skill in the production of manuals, guidance documents, and templates.

Skill in mentoring, coaching and training lower level employees.

Skill in providing professional information, advice, or assistance to agency personnel, managers, private industry, professional peers, academia, local, State, and Federal agency officials, and the public.

Skill in effectively representing the agency to the public and outside contractors, and testify in administrative hearings or court proceedings.

Skill in planning and organizing equipment, materials, and staff to accomplish work.

Write clear and concise technical reports, and draft policies, procedures, standards, legislation, and administrative rules.


In addition, some or all of the following skills may be required for specific positions:

Valid Oregon Driver's License and an acceptable driving record.


NOTE:
The KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS are required for initial consideration. Some duties performed by positions in this class may require different KS's. No attempt is made to describe every KS required for all positions in this class. Additional KS requirements will be explained on the recruiting announcement.