Geologist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 9, 1969

Scope

This series specification describes six geologist classes used statewide. Related classes in engineering and petroleum geology, geophysics, seismology, and geochemistry as well as subprofessional geologic aids are not included.

Definition of Series

Classes in this series describe staff work concerned with providing interpretive geologic services and conducting geologic investigations. Principal work assignments include gathering, analyzing, and disseminating geologic data, crustal strain and seismic risk investigations, geological and geophysical mapping, and geologic hazards identification, analysis, and reporting. Services performed are the inventory of mineral and marine geologic resources, the publishing of geologic information, the maintenance of a geologic data center, and the review and analysis of geologic reports submitted by governmental agencies.

Work assignments are varied and may be comprised of field surveys, research studies, laboratory analyses, technical report review, data processing, technical writing and editing for publication, map compilation, economic analyses, mineral resource studies, and administrative and management activities; and to do other related work.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series is typically at the class level of Assistant Geologist Range A. Possession of a graduate degree in geologic or earth sciences of mining engineering permits entry at the Assistant Geologist Range B level.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level, variety and complexity of work, nature and degree of public and interagency contact, amount of supervision received and exercised, latitude for independent judgment and action. Other factors considered in borderline allocations include the degree of scientific knowledge and specialized abilities required for the position and of impact of the work on other Division and Department programs and projects. At the Senior Geologist (Supervisor) level and above, the degree of administrative, managerial, and supervisory responsibility exercised is also considered in allocating positions.

Geologists who conduct and prepare difficult and complex scientific investigations for publication, and act as scientific advisors on complex and difficult technical projects may, in limited numbers at any one time, be recognized as "Specialists" and be allocated to the class of Senior Geologist (Specialist), without having specific administrative responsibility. In addition to the work-related allocation factors mentioned above, a "Specialist" must possess outstanding professional qualifications which will be determined by a variety of factors including: academic preparation, quantity and quality of publications, presentation of significant papers to professional societies, citation in the work of other scientists, and general leadership in the scientific field.

Definition of Levels

Assistant Geologist

This is the entry and first working level of the series. Incumbents assigned to Range A perform less responsible geologic duties under close supervision; assist geologists of higher level in the preparation of geologic reports and maps; receive training through rotational assignments in geologic data collection and processing, geophysical and geochemical laboratory analysis, and field investigations. Range B is the intermediate working level in which incumbents perform professional geologic surveys, studies and field investigations of average difficulty; do geologic mapping and compilation; assist in writing and editing technical reports for publication; assists higher level geologists in projects of significant economic or public importance and interest; and furnishes information on California geology and mineral industry activity to governmental agencies and the private sector.

Associate Geologist

This is the full journey, leadperson level. Under direction, incumbents independently perform difficult professional geologic surveys, studies and field investigations; are assigned responsibility for a project in a major program; compile comprehensive mining and geologic reports; edit technical manuscripts for publication; and may provide consultation advice to various governmental agencies and private entities. Incumbents may act as team leaders, or may direct the work of lower level staff.

Senior Geologist (Specialist)

As a staff specialist, an incumbent at this level acts as a scientific advisor responsible for independently conducting and publishing extremely complex and difficult scientific investigations and studies on issues of major importance to the State; and represents the organization in contacts with governmental agencies and private entities. Incumbents may act as team leaders or may direct the work of other staff.

Senior Geologist (Supervisor)

This is the first full supervisory level. Incumbents supervise and direct the project work of three or more professional geologists and subprofessional or technical support staff in a major organizational unit; are responsible for development of highly specialized information on geology and mineral resources; and represent the organization in contacts with governmental agencies and private entities.

Supervising Geologist

This is the second full supervisory and first managerial level. Incumbents direct the major programs of the organization; carry authority and accountability for timely completion of program objectives and submittal of satisfactory products; are responsible for operational planning and assigning of projects, budgeting for time and funds, reviewing and evaluation achievements, and preparing administrative reports; coordinate program activities with technical and administrative support sections and their activities; assist in formulating policy; maintains liaison with other governmental agencies and the private entities; and individually conduct highly specialized research investigations and public results.

Principal Geologist

This is the second managerial level. Incumbents assist and advise the State Geologist (or equivalent Division Chief) in program planning, organization, direction, and evaluation; direct and coordinate major program activities; have significant responsibility for formulating or administering organization policies with statewide and public safety impact; assists in formulating and evaluating plans, policies and budgetary requirements, and in developing and implementing standards and controls used to insure that performance is meeting objectives; assist in the directing of geologic hazards and mineral resources investigations, geologic data preparation and publication, compiling and disseminating mineral resource information, and cooperation with local governments and other public agencies on land use policy and regulation related to geologic and mineral resources considerations; direct the drafting of suggested revisions or additions to existing laws, rules and regulations relating to organization objectives; review provisions of State and Federal laws, rules, and proposed legislation, and provide advice to the State Geologist (or equivalent Division Chief) on application to, and impact on, operations and areas of concern to the organization; represent the organization before various legislative committees; act as liaison with Federal, State, and local government agencies and private entities; follow the progress of proposed legislation through the legislative process; represent the organization in relations with industry, scientific organizations, governmental agencies and other interested group; conduct difficult and highly specialized research and investigations; edit and prepare technical reports and articles for publication; correspond with and make oral presentations before groups of diverse composition and different degrees of professional and lay orientation.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Education: The following educational requirement is part of the "Minimum Qualifications" for all levels in the series:

Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in the geological sciences, earth science or mining engineering. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Assistant Geologist

Education: The educational requirement listed above. (Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Associate Geologist and Above

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a geologist or geophysicist issued by the California Board of Geologists and Geophysicists. (Candidates who do not possess the certificate may be admitted to the examination but must receive the certificate before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Associate Geologist

Either I

Two years of experience at Range B in California state service performing the duties of Assistant Geologist.

Or II

Four years of progressively responsible experience in geologic or earth sciences or mining engineering. (A master's or doctorate degree with major work in the geologic or earth science or mining engineering may be substituted for the following number of years of required experience: master's two years, doctorate three years.)

Senior Geologist (Specialist)

Senior Geologist (Supervisor)

Either I

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of Associate Geologist, Associate Geochemist, Associate Geophysicist, Associate Paleontologist, of Associate Seismologist.

Or II

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the geologic or earth sciences or mining engineering. (See master's and doctorate degree substitution in Associate Geologist above.)

Supervising Geologist

Either I

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Senior Geologist, Senior Seismologist, Senior Marine Geologist, Senior Engineering Geologist or Senior Petroleum Geologist.

Or II

Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in geologic or earth sciences or mining engineering, at least two years of which shall have been in a highly responsible supervisory capacity. (See master's and doctorate degree substitution in Associate Geologist above.)

Principal Geologist

Either I

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Supervising Geologist.

Or II

Two years of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Senior Geologist (Supervisor).

Or III

Five years of broad, extensive, and increasingly responsible experience in geologic or earth sciences or mining engineering, at least two years of which shall have been in a highly responsible capacity managing and supervising major geologic programs with significant responsibility for formulating and administering organizational policies or programs. (See master's and doctorate degree substitution in Associate Geologist above.)

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Fundamentals of geology and technical geologic and mining literature; earth science, geologic surveying; geologic mapping and recording methods.

Ability to: Perform geologic field investigations; establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the work; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; produce satisfactory geotechnical maps and written reports within time constraints.

Associate Geologist

Knowledge of: All of the above, and fundamentals of geology pertaining to earthquakes and other geologic hazards identification and delineation; marine and coastal geology; the general geology of California; applications of geology to land use planning, mined land reclamation, and environmental impacts; mineral resources and mineral economics; safety standards applicable to geologic field investigations and mine examinations; and engineering aspects of geology.

Ability to: All of the above, and compile and prepare appropriate maps and reports from field surveys and laboratory data; organize and carry out independent geologic studies.

Senior Geologist (Specialist)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of effective communication.

Ability to: All of the above, and communicate effectively with other governmental agencies and the private sector.

Senior Geologist (Supervisor)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles and techniques of personnel management, labor relations and supervision; and the organization's affirmative action objectives and a manager's role in meeting those objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, direct and coordinate the work of others; motivate and supervise technical, professional and scientific personnel; and effectively contribute to meeting the organization's affirmative action objectives.

Supervising Geologist

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of fiscal management, budgeting, and other administrative functions; organization and objectives of the organization and other public and private geotechnical conservation agencies active in California; Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and direct and organize work of a major scientific program; and perceive alternatives available in the solution of management problems and select realistic courses of action; effectively contribute to affirmative action objectives.

Principal Geologist

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles and practices of public administration and executive management; legislative process and State government organization; geology of California, applications of California geology to structural and engineering problems, and geologic aspects of land use planning; programs and policies of the various governmental and private organizations concerned with natural resource development and conservation in California.

Ability to: All of the above, and function as a competent specialist; effectively manage and direct the work of subordinate staff in major program areas.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Associate Geologist and Above

In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to pertinent training and accreditation over and above that required under "Minimum Qualifications" such as that represented by: Possession of valid certification as an Engineering Geologist issued by the California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists.

Class History

Alternate Range Criteria

Assistant Geologist

Range A. This Range shall apply to incumbents who do not meet the criteria for payment in Range B.

Range B. This Range shall apply to incumbents who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of twelve months of experience performing the duties of an Assistant Geologist, Range A, or have two years of professional experience in geology, earth sciences, or mining engineering. (A master's or doctorate degree with major work in the geologic or earth sciences or mining engineering may be substituted for the required experience.)

When the requirements for movement to Range B are met and upon recommendation of the appointing power, the employee shall receive the minimum rate in Range B and a new salary adjustment anniversary date shall be established. If movement to the minimum step in Range B amounts to an increase of less than one step, the employee shall be entitled to the next higher rate in salary Range B which provides a one-step increase.