Class Code: 04410

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

GEOLOGIST 4

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, supervises the work of professional and technical geologic personnel in one or more of the following geologic programs: stratigraphy, economic geology, hydrogeology, remote sensing, geographic information systems, soils geology, highway construction; plans and implements programs designed to develop, manage, and protect natural resources; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Supervises and evaluates the work of subordinates; effectively recommends personnel actions related to selection; disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves of absence, grievances, work schedules and assignments, and administers personnel related policies and procedures.

Directs the work of a geological section in order to meet agency goals and objectives by developing projects, plans, and division goals, coordinating the activities of the staff toward the completion of projects, determining project priorities, etc.

Advises agency staff, other governmental agencies, private industry, or the general public in a variety of geologic fields and areas in order to inform them of the state's natural resources, the potential for development of those resources, and the best ways to utilize them; reviews the situation or problem presented to determine specific information needed; does necessary research to gain needed information, including reviewing similar problems experienced previously; determines the most appropriate action based on existing guidelines and policy utilizing expertise as senior geologist.

Directs or participates in inter-division or inter-agency geological projects or studies in order to provide expertise in a specific field of geology and assure that agency goals and objectives are being met; identifies problem; develops or directs others who develop goals and objectives to arrive at desired outcome, relying on expertise in the field of geology to provide the necessary resources and direction needed to complete the project.

Prepares technical reports on natural resources areas or topics in order to disseminate information to agency staff etc., by gathering and organizing background information and putting it into appropriate format.

Performs geologic research in order to gather information on the geology of Iowa by gathering all necessary information from various sources, interpreting data to extract desired information, synthesizing data and results into appropriate format, and disseminating information to the proper audience.

Prepares division budget to project expenses based upon sound fiscal reasoning and utilizes funding most effectively by determining staff and resource needs for any current and planned projects, determining if costs are sound and necessary or if a more appropriate alternative exists, projecting potential costs for those needs, documenting rationale for expenditures, and submitting those figures to higher authority for approval.

Proofreads geologic manuscripts prepared by staff geologists to assure completeness, accuracy, and clarity; reviews the manuscripts for content and structure; edits; writes any comments or suggestions for the use of the staff geologist who wrote the manuscript.

Serves on one or more of a variety of geological boards, task forces, or committees to make recommendations on desirable or necessary action in regard to the natural resources of Iowa; assists the group in defining the problem and discussing possible solutions; incorporates information from other boards, committees, and task forces; provides input to the final product (report, recommendation, etc.).

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the current principles, practices, literature, and trends in professional and technical field and laboratory geology, and related fields.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management and employee supervision.

Knowledge of modern methods, materials, procedures, and equipment used in geological field and laboratory work.

Knowledge of the employing agency's programs, policies, and regulations as they affect projects and programs, budget and purchasing, field studies, recordkeeping, etc.

Knowledge of computer software for analyzing research data and writing reports.

Knowledge of statistical and numerical methods used to analyze data and determine the accuracy and appropriateness.

Ability to establish program objectives and performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.

Ability to present facts, data, and opinions clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to other geologists, higher level management, representatives of other agencies, and the general public for purposes of explanation, persuasion, negotiation, and defense of positions taken by the employing agency.

Ability to make management decisions based on geological research and management data.

Ability to plan, organize, control and effectively supervise the work of subordinates.

Ability to accurately and objectively appraise the performance of subordinates according to established goals and objectives in order to determine training needs, rectify performance problems or weak areas, and recognize the achievement and potential of workers.

Ability to obtain necessary data from scientific and technical documents, reports, and other reference materials to document proposals or theories, seek out alternate procedures, etc.

Ability to establish work priorities and schedules to effectively utilize available resources, meet department/agency goals, and comply with state/federal requirements.

Ability to form logical, reasonable conclusions and make sound recommendations based on available geological research data.

Ability to apply personal ethical standards such as honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness, required to be a productive employee.

Ability to identify and provide resources, provide assistance and remove or reduce barriers to ensure and enhance quality performance of teams or groups.

Ability to ensure that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, appraised, and developed and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science and the equivalent of four years of full-time professional geology experience;

OR

graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in a natural science, computer science, math or engineering field and six years of full-time professional experience in an earth science related position including groundwater, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems or other related earth science specialty;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of eighteen semester hours of graduate level course work with major emphasis in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geologic field for each year of the required experience;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of twelve months of full-time experience as a Geologist 3 or two years of full-time experience as a Geologist 2.

Selective Certification

For designated positions, the appointing authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of experience, or a combination of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in one of the following areas:

173 economic geology

181 engineering geology

230 geographic information system (G.I.S.)

231 environmental geology

232 glacial quaternary geology

281 hydrology

664 stratigraphy

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

Effective Date: 10/97 CSH