GEOLOGIST 4 (S28)
Career Family: GEOLOGIST
New Jersey treats Geologist 4 as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
This is the senior rung of the Geologist series, the level you reach after Geologist 3. The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY 2027 range lands between $91,628 and $134,900, and state payroll currently lists 5 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. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Geologist 4 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Department of Environmental Protection.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Environmental Protection | 3 |
| Department of Transportation | 2 |
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
- Geologist 4 — $91,628 – $134,900 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 80th 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 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $130,339. The agencies employing the most are:
- Environmental Protection (3)
- Transportation (2)
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 direction of a supervisory official in a State department or agency, supervises the performance of professional staff engaged in the highly complex 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 highly complex geological data; coordinates and supervises geological projects involving full responsibility for scientific research, recommendations, and implementation for all phases of projects; 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. Makes determinations that consider social, economic, safety, and environmental aspects. Supervises and reviews preliminary construction plans and specifications where rock slope sections are proposed. Supervises the preparation of geology maps, profiles, and other related studies prior to subsurface exploration. Supervises the conduct of studies and gathering of information of rock conditions and blasting operations on construction projects to evaluate the stability of rock slopes. Supervises investigations and the collection of geologic data for geological studies; upon completion of such studies, incorporates the essential information into reports, maps, or permits designed for reproduction or public distribution. Supervises the preparation of complex geological reports, cross sections, and maps showing the areal distribution and attitude of geologic formations, deposits, underground water occurrences, and other features. Maintains close liaison with mineral producers in the State to keep current with their problems and to provide effective assistance. In accordance with department protocol, participates in or provides information at meetings, hearings, conferences, and public information activities, such as speaking engagements, meetings, or press releases, concerning the application of appropriate scientific techniques to geological projects and program activities of the unit. Supervises the development of rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and other formal documents pertaining to geological programs. Prepares project or unit budget(s) and plans the use of funds, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Provides expert advice and assistance, including court testimony for the Attorney General's Office; prepares departmental orders when litigation involves geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, or geochemical issues, and provides high-level expertise for the revision of standards and regulations. Plans, conducts, or participates in training programs for federal, State, and local government employees and private sector personnel regarding the application of scientific techniques to hydrogeologic, geological, geophysical, or geochemical studies. Reviews and/or supervises the review, preparation, application, or evaluation of mathematical or computer models used in the application of scientific techniques into reports, and proposals pertaining to geological investigations. 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. 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 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, 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 basic principles of organizing and administering a work unit. Knowledge of geological equipment and the methods used in compiling, interpreting, presenting, and mapping subsurface geology. Knowledge of groundwater instrumentation and its uses in groundwater hydrology. Knowledge of the techniques used in designing and directing field or laboratory studies in geohydrology, hydrogeology, or geophysics. Ability to read, understand, and apply information pertaining to the natural resources, geography, geologic settings, and history and aquifer systems of the State of New Jersey. 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 plan, organize, and delegate program activities. Ability to explain and apply new or routine technical procedures, and provide advice, assistance, and training to personnel regarding complex geological problems. Ability to organize and direct the collection and evaluation of geological, geophysical, and hydrological data and incorporate it into technical or scientific reports and maps used for problem solving. Ability to prepare project or unit budget(s) and plan the use of funds, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Ability to provide testimony as an expert witness for the Attorney General's Office when litigation involves the application of scientific techniques. Ability to understand and interpret geological and geophysical data to locate and trace boundaries of geological formations and structures. Ability to plan and conduct public information activities including public speaking, news media interviews, public hearings, press releases, and publications on geology, geophysics, and hydrogeology. Ability to deal with the public in a diplomatic manner. Ability to develop rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to geology, groundwater, or related geologic disciplines. Ability to develop appropriate investigative and research projects to assess the potential or actual existence of ground water problems, water supplies, or mineral resources. 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 supervise the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Ability to prepare detailed correspondence. 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.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position 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. Eight (8) years of professional experience in geology, geophysics, and/or hydrogeology, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. 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 four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree in one of the above-listed disciplines from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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.