Geologist

About the role

The Geologist 2 serves as a technical specialist within the Geological Services Section, supporting IDEM's mission of protecting human health and the environment. This position assists in the characterization and remediation of uncontrolled waste and spill sites by performing and evaluating complex geological, environmental, engineering, and hydrogeologic work. The Geologist 2 supports regulatory decision-making and contributes to restoring contaminated properties to safe and productive use.

Responsibilities

• Provide geologic consultation utilizing technical expertise regarding engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geology.
• Understand, interpret, and employ applicable State and Federal regulatory rules, guidance, and policies related to geological investigations and contaminant remediation.
• Lead or assist field teams during site investigations.
• Evaluate and assist in developing geologically related plans and documents.
• Develop and write technical reports and correspondence including tabulating and interpreting data for reports.
• Follow proper sampling procedures and use appropriate geophysical and other field techniques.
• Review and evaluate technical guidance documents, reports, journals, and related articles.
• Determine historic geologic and hydrogeologic conditions utilizing agency files.
• Assist in geological enforcement actions.
• Provide technical assistance to other staff, state and federal agencies, industries, contractors, and the public.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in geology or a related geoscience field.
• Relevant professional experience in geology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, or related work.
• Valid Indiana driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or environmental science.
• An Indiana Licensed Professional Geologist (LPG).
• Experience working with contaminated site assessments, remediation projects, or regulatory programs.
• Familiarity with IDEM guidance, OLQ procedures, and state/federal environmental regulations.
• Experience using GIS tools, geological modeling software, or environmental data analysis platforms.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Proficiency interpreting complex geological, hydrogeologic, and environmental data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively within program teams.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in technical work products.
• Understanding of environmental regulations related to site investigation and cleanup activities.

Benefits

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. A Day In The Life

• Provide geologic consultation utilizing technical expertise regarding engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geology.
• Understand, interpret, and employ applicable State and Federal regulatory rules, guidance, and policies related to geological investigations and contaminant remediation.
• Lead or assist field teams during site investigations.
• Evaluate and assist in developing geologically related plans and documents.
• Develop and write technical reports and correspondence including tabulating and interpreting data for reports.
• Follow proper sampling procedures and use appropriate geophysical and other field techniques.
• Review and evaluate technical guidance documents, reports, journals, and related articles.
• Determine historic geologic and hydrogeologic conditions utilizing agency files.
• Assist in geological enforcement actions.
• Provide technical assistance to other staff, state and federal agencies, industries, contractors, and the public.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.