GEOLOGIST 3 (R26)
Career Family: GEOLOGIST
In New Jersey, Geologist 3 is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
On the Geologist ladder it falls between Geologist 2 and Geologist 4. The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $83,582 and $122,832, and state payroll currently lists about 11 people in the title, most of them at Environmental Protection.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Geologist 3 appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Environmental Protection.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Environmental Protection | 11 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Geologist series
- Geologist 1 — $63,663 – $92,953
- Geologist 2 — $72,896 – $106,798
- Geologist 3 — $83,582 – $122,832 (this title)
- Geologist 4 — $95,955 – $141,386
Promoting to Geologist 4 raises the top of the band by about $18,554. Its top salary lands around the 69th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 11 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,264. The agencies employing the most are:
- Environmental Protection (11)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of a Geologist 4 or other supervisory official in a State department or agency, supervises the performance of field and office work pertaining to sub-surface investigations, soil compaction, mineral resources, and other related geological work; supervises and reviews the collection and analyses of geological data; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Supervises the performance of soil and rock sample studies and ground water studies and interprets and evaluates such data. Supervises field geology surveys, borings, and geophysical surveys. Supervises the performance of structural geology studies, including block diagrams, joint system studies, three-point problems, and stereographic projections. Utilizes the Brunton Compass to perform outcrop/geological mapping, strike and dip surveys, and joint system surveys. Makes determinations that consider social, economic, safety, and environmental aspects. Supervises and reviews preliminary construction plans and specifications where rock slope sections are proposed. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of geology maps, profiles, and other related studies prior to subsurface exploration. Conducts and/or supervises the conduct of studies and gathers information of rock conditions and blasting operations on construction projects to evaluate the stability of rock slopes. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of complex geological reports, cross sections, and maps showing the areal distribution and attitude of geological formations, deposits, underground water, and other features. Supervises the collection of samples needed for laboratory study and, upon completion of such studies, incorporates the essential information in reports designed for reproduction and public distribution. Supervises the collection of material and the compilation of statistical information indicating the annual amount and value of mineral production in New Jersey. Designs embankments and cuts for road projects. Evaluates proposed road routes in relation to natural hazards and subsurface. Maintains close liaison with mineral producers in the State to keep current with their problems and to provide effective assistance. Oversees contractors conducting subsurface investigations. Records information concerning the geology of an area, which is obtained by examining new road cuts, quarry operations, mines, well samples, well cores, and reports of mineral production. Conducts presentations before lay and professional groups on the subjects of New Jersey geology and topography, mineral resources, and ground waters. Supervises the care, use, maintenance, and storage of geological equipment, materials, tools, and supplies. Supervises and reviews reports, graphs, and diagrams on geological problems as they pertain to the occurrence of rock, mineral, or ground water, or the application of geology to regional planning or industrial development. Evaluates drainage conditions for proposed and existing roads. Answers complex inquiries related to the geology, topography, and mineral resources of the State, including ground water. Prepares and interprets computer data related to individual geological projects. Develops in-house geological oriented programming. Utilizes computer applications in geological problem solving. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Prepares detailed correspondence. Maintains and/or supervises the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the principles of structural geology, petrology, and field geology techniques. Knowledge of lithology, essential mineral content, and groundwater. Knowledge of soil and rock sampling and other subsurface exploration techniques. Knowledge of rock behavior in slopes and excavations, and of stabilization methods. Knowledge of rock blasting techniques. Knowledge of geological formations and tectonic principles. Knowledge of the procedures, tools, instruments, materials, and supplies used in geological and geophysical studies and/or investigations. Knowledge of the problems likely to be encountered in making investigations of the location, extent, quality, and availability of the mineral resources and ground water supplies. Knowledge of the methods used in compiling, interpreting, and presenting geological information in geological reports, maps, or cross-sections on mineral resources, geological structures, variation in the lithology, mineral or fossil content on formations, groundwater, geology, and economic geology. Knowledge of the capabilities and applications of computers in geological situations and projects. Knowledge of the principles, standards, and techniques used in preparing scientific reports and maps for publication. Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in working with the Brunton compass, the plane-table and alidade, the petrographic microscope, and other specialized tools or equipment used in geological investigations. Knowledge of the geology, topography, mineral resources, and ground waters of New Jersey. Knowledge of the techniques and use of specialized geological tools and equipment used in identifying fossils, rocks, and minerals, and in displaying and collecting them. Ability to organize assigned geological work, analyze geological problems, and develop effective work methods. Ability to read, understand, and apply New Jersey laws, rules, standards, regulations, and procedures as they pertain to the conducting of hydrogeological, geophysical, or geological investigations, studies, and related activities. Ability to understand and interpret geological and geophysical data to locate and trace the boundaries of geological formations and structures. Ability to collect material and to compile and record needed statistical information. Ability to give appropriate assignments and instructions to professional, technical, and other bureau employees. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with mineral producers within the State in order to understand their needs and to provide effective assistance. Ability to understand and interpret geophysical data in mapping geological formations and mineral resources. Ability to present geological information to lay and professional groups. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to prepare and/or supervise the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to prepare detailed correspondence. Ability to maintain and/or supervise the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in geology, geophysics, and/or hydrogeology. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in geology, or a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by thirty (30) semester-hour credits in geological subjects; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in geology from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. SC4E25N/AR26-SCNL25N/AR25- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 7/17/2021