GEOLOGIST 1 (P19)
Career Family: GEOLOGIST
New Jersey classifies Geologist 1 as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
It is the lowest-paid of the 4 Geologist grades, a step below Geologist 2, whose band tops out about $13,845 higher. The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $60,876 and $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 14 people in the title, led by Environmental Protection.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Geologist 1 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Department of Environmental Protection.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Environmental Protection | 8 |
| Department of Transportation | 6 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Geologist series
- Geologist 1 — $60,876 – $88,743 (this title)
- Geologist 2 — $72,896 – $106,798
- Geologist 3 — $83,582 – $122,832
- Geologist 4 — $95,955 – $141,386
Promoting to Geologist 2 raises the top of the band by about $13,845. Its top salary lands around the 30th 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 14 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $69,587. The agencies employing the most are:
- Environmental Protection (8)
- Transportation (6)
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 close supervision of a Geologist 3 or other supervisory official in a State department or agency, conducts field and office work pertaining to sub-surface investigations, soil compaction, mineral resources, and other related geological work; compiles and analyzes geological data; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Performs soil and rock sample studies and ground water studies. Performs field geology surveys, borings, and geophysical surveys. Performs 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. Reviews preliminary construction plans and specifications where rock slope sections are proposed. Prepares geology maps, profiles, and other related studies prior to subsurface exploration. Conducts studies and gathers information of rock conditions and blasting operations on construction projects to evaluate the stability of rock slopes. Gathers and compiles data, and analyzes and interprets the results of geological fields, laboratory and/or office work concerned with the natural resources, minerals, fossils, geological formations, underground waters, topography, and other features of the area assigned. Prepares geological reports, cross sections, and maps showing the areal distribution and attitude of geological formations, deposits, underground water occurrences, and other features. Prepares professionally competent reports, graphs, and diagrams on geological problems as they pertain to the occurrences of rock, minerals, mineral fuels, groundwater, or the application of geology to regional planning or industrial development. Collects samples needed for laboratory study and, upon completion of such studies, incorporates the essential information in reports, tables, charts, or other forms as directed. Maintains and prepares material for files, permanent records and/or study collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, core borings, or well samples used by the agency in its work. Utilizes and maintains special geological tools and equipment. May present, in non-technical language, the geological information gathered by staff for the use of students, teachers, or interested non-geologically trained individuals through reports, short summaries, statistical sheets, diagrams, and/or illustrated lectures. Determines the number, location, depth and types of boring and piezometer tests based on the regional and local geology for boring operations and assists in the periodic inspection of boring operations and procedures. Prepares and interprets computer data related to individual geological projects. Assists in the development of in-house geological oriented programming. Utilizes computer applications in geological problem-solving. Plans, initiates, and conducts research programs to assure the best type of aggregates for the purpose specified. Performs petrographic analyses on all aggregate sources supplying the Department, including the examination of aggregate materials under suitable microscope to determine structural relationships and to identify the phases or minerals present, and make use of differential thermal and infrared spectroscopy, to determine the physical and chemical properties that have a bearing on the quality of material for its intended use; makes recommendations regarding continued acceptance of these materials. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Prepares detailed correspondence. Maintains 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 AND ABILITES: 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 geologic 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 groundwater 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, minerals, and in displaying and collecting them. Ability to organize assigned geological work, analyze geological problems, and develop effective work methods. Ability to utilize and maintain special geological tools and equipment. Ability to analyze and interpret geological data. Ability to participate in geological field trips and investigations. Ability to prepare accurate, competent geological maps, reports, and diagrams based on geological data previously gathered. Ability to present geological information to lay and professional groups. Ability to plan, collect, and analyze geological data for computer processing and to read and interpret the results. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to prepare detailed correspondence. Ability to maintain 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. Five (5) 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 one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in geology from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. SN4019N/AP20-SNNE19N/AP19- 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