Geologic Resources Section Chief (Geoscience Supervisor)

Lead the way in caring for the state’s natural treasures! As the Geologic Resources Section Chief with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you manage programs that oversee oil, gas, and mineral activities across state forests and parks. You help make sure development is safe, fair, and environmentally sound. This is a role for someone who wants to guide important decisions that affect land, water, and wildlife. Join a team that takes pride in safeguarding the state's natural heritage!

This position leads the Geologic Resources Section in managing energy and mineral resource activities on state lands and waters. It supports responsible use of natural resources while guiding staff and collaborating with agency partners. As a Geologic Resources Section Chief, you will perform the following duties: Program Leadership: Oversee staff who manage contracts and agreements for oil, gas, minerals, water protection, and reclamation on state lands Contract Oversight: Guide decisions on lease terms, assist with negotiations, and coordinate dispute resolution efforts Resource Evaluation: Conduct economic assessments of oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources to support agency decisions Technical Analysis: Interpret geologic logs, maps, and data to support studies and reports on resource development issues Data Management: Maintain and organize geospatial information, correspondence, and files for program operations Collaboration and Outreach: Work with agencies, officials, groups, and the public to share information and support program goals Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description . Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 5 days per 10 day pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

This position leads the Geologic Resources Section in managing energy and mineral resource activities on state lands and waters. It supports responsible use of natural resources while guiding staff and collaborating with agency partners. As a Geologic Resources Section Chief, you will perform the following duties:

Program Leadership: Oversee staff who manage contracts and agreements for oil, gas, minerals, water protection, and reclamation on state lands

Contract Oversight: Guide decisions on lease terms, assist with negotiations, and coordinate dispute resolution efforts

Resource Evaluation: Conduct economic assessments of oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources to support agency decisions

Technical Analysis: Interpret geologic logs, maps, and data to support studies and reports on resource development issues

Data Management: Maintain and organize geospatial information, correspondence, and files for program operations

Collaboration and Outreach: Work with agencies, officials, groups, and the public to share information and support program goals

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Possession of an active license as a professional geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or Two years as a Senior Geoscientist (commonwealth title); or Three years of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirements: All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent. Other Requirements: PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions. This position is not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Recruitment Methods: Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Promotion Without Exam Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Voluntary Demotion Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. ) Promotion Without Examination (PWOE): Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: Senior Geoscientist Geoscientist Licensed Professional Geologist We will also consider applications from current Commonwealth employees in pay scale group ST07 or ST08 for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career developmental relationship to this position. All applicants must meet the minimum experience and training requirements. Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination. The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Possession of an active license as a professional geologist issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or

Two years as a Senior Geoscientist (commonwealth title); or

Three years of professional geology experience, and a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field that includes 30 college credits in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field; or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.

You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Promotion Without Exam Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Voluntary Demotion Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. )

Promotion Without Exam

Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and

(b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Voluntary Demotion

Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. )

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: Senior Geoscientist Geoscientist Licensed Professional Geologist We will also consider applications from current Commonwealth employees in pay scale group ST07 or ST08 for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career developmental relationship to this position. All applicants must meet the minimum experience and training requirements.

Senior Geoscientist

Geoscientist

Licensed Professional Geologist

We will also consider applications from current Commonwealth employees in pay scale group ST07 or ST08 for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career developmental relationship to this position. All applicants must meet the minimum experience and training requirements.

Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.

The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

01

Yes

No

02

03

04

05

3 years or more

2 but less than 3 years

Less than 2 years

06

07

30 credits or more

15 but less than 30 credits

Less than 15 credits

08

09

10

Required Question