Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Groundwater Characterization Geologist
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Glen Allen, Virginia, United States, 23060
Groundwater Characterization Geologist
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a self‑motivated and technically proficient groundwater characterizer to support statewide water resource management. The role involves field data collection, laboratory analysis, data management, and project coordination across Virginia’s physiographic provinces.
Responsibilities
Collect and analyze groundwater‑level and groundwater‑quality data from DEQ’s statewide network of 300+ observation wells, primarily in the Virginia Coastal Plain and Eastern Shore.
Process and enter groundwater data into DEQ and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) database systems; review and audit data entered by teammates.
Procure, install, operate, and maintain monitoring equipment, including data‑collection platform (DCP) loggers/transmitters, pressure transducers, encoders, antennas, and solar power systems.
Operate GPS and land‑survey equipment to collect precise position and elevation data; manage geospatial data with GIS.
Provide project oversight for drilling, installation, testing, and abandonment of deep wells (300+ ft); collect hydrogeologic data from drill cuttings, cores, and geophysical logs.
Transport field equipment and personnel by heavy‑duty pickup truck and operate a state‑owned or leased vehicle; manage jobsite hazards and workplace safety.
Communicate effectively with coworkers, agency partners, landowners, contractors, and the general public.
Work independently or with teammates in the field and the office, coordinating with the supervisor and teammates based in Glen Allen during the initial training period.
Qualifications
Major coursework or equivalent experience in geology, hydrogeology, aqueous geochemistry, chemistry, statistics, or a related natural and physical science field.
Knowledge of Virginia hydrogeology and general principles of geology and hydrogeology.
Skill in collecting groundwater‑level measurements, aquifer‑test data, groundwater samples, and hydrogeologic data from drill cuttings, cores, and geophysical logs from wells deeper than 300 ft.
Familiarity with drilling techniques and construction methods for observation and production wells deeper than 300 ft.
Experience operating and repairing powered scientific field equipment; operating GPS, land‑survey equipment, and DCP loggers.
Proficiency with GIS and data‑management software, including mobile platforms and applications.
Ability to utilize statistical software (e.g., R) for groundwater data analysis and visualization.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under variable weather and to exert up to 100 lb occasionally and 50 lb frequently.
Current Professional Geologist license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or ability to progress toward licensure.
Valid driver’s license and mandatory background check for U.S. Government facility access.
Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, combining in‑office and telework from the assigned location in Virginia.
Salary & Employment Hiring Range: $57,733 – $82,042 Employment Type: Full Time
Location & Travel Office location: either the Piedmont Regional Office in Glen Allen or the Tidewater Regional Office in Virginia Beach, to be determined in consultation with the successful candidate. A state vehicle may be required for work‑related travel. The role requires occasional overnight travel and extended field hours.
About DEQ The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth. With over 800 employees across six regional offices and a central office in Richmond, DEQ administers laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Collect and analyze groundwater‑level and groundwater‑quality data from DEQ’s statewide network of 300+ observation wells, primarily in the Virginia Coastal Plain and Eastern Shore.
Process and enter groundwater data into DEQ and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) database systems; review and audit data entered by teammates.
Procure, install, operate, and maintain monitoring equipment, including data‑collection platform (DCP) loggers/transmitters, pressure transducers, encoders, antennas, and solar power systems.
Operate GPS and land‑survey equipment to collect precise position and elevation data; manage geospatial data with GIS.
Provide project oversight for drilling, installation, testing, and abandonment of deep wells (300+ ft); collect hydrogeologic data from drill cuttings, cores, and geophysical logs.
Transport field equipment and personnel by heavy‑duty pickup truck and operate a state‑owned or leased vehicle; manage jobsite hazards and workplace safety.
Communicate effectively with coworkers, agency partners, landowners, contractors, and the general public.
Work independently or with teammates in the field and the office, coordinating with the supervisor and teammates based in Glen Allen during the initial training period.
Qualifications
Major coursework or equivalent experience in geology, hydrogeology, aqueous geochemistry, chemistry, statistics, or a related natural and physical science field.
Knowledge of Virginia hydrogeology and general principles of geology and hydrogeology.
Skill in collecting groundwater‑level measurements, aquifer‑test data, groundwater samples, and hydrogeologic data from drill cuttings, cores, and geophysical logs from wells deeper than 300 ft.
Familiarity with drilling techniques and construction methods for observation and production wells deeper than 300 ft.
Experience operating and repairing powered scientific field equipment; operating GPS, land‑survey equipment, and DCP loggers.
Proficiency with GIS and data‑management software, including mobile platforms and applications.
Ability to utilize statistical software (e.g., R) for groundwater data analysis and visualization.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under variable weather and to exert up to 100 lb occasionally and 50 lb frequently.
Current Professional Geologist license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or ability to progress toward licensure.
Valid driver’s license and mandatory background check for U.S. Government facility access.
Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, combining in‑office and telework from the assigned location in Virginia.
Salary & Employment Hiring Range: $57,733 – $82,042 Employment Type: Full Time
Location & Travel Office location: either the Piedmont Regional Office in Glen Allen or the Tidewater Regional Office in Virginia Beach, to be determined in consultation with the successful candidate. A state vehicle may be required for work‑related travel. The role requires occasional overnight travel and extended field hours.
About DEQ The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth. With over 800 employees across six regional offices and a central office in Richmond, DEQ administers laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection.
#J-18808-Ljbffr