Environmental Scientist IV - Geology Division - Limited Service

The State of Vermont is hiring an Environmental Scientist IV for the Geology Division in Montpelier, VT. The role involves applied geoscience tasks focusing on landslide hazards, utilizing UAVs and geophysical methods for data collection, and requires experience with ArcGIS Pro. The position allows for telework when fieldwork or in-person meetings are not scheduled. It is a full-time, limited-service position funded through August 2026 with potential annual extensions.
Overview

The Vermont Geological Survey actively seeks an experienced geologist to join our small team in Montpelier, VT, doing applied geoscience work. This position will involve both field- and office-related scientific, technical, and administrative tasks in support of the State Geologist, other programs in the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and sister agencies. The primary focus will be on landslide hazards around the state and will require experience with landslide hazard assessment. We use innovative approaches to data collection including Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and geophysical equipment in addition to traditional field methods to collect robust, objective data; modern software is used to process and analyze the UAV (photogrammetry) and geophysical data. The ideal candidate will additionally have experience analyzing Vermont's surficial geology and bedrock in the field, generating map products and performing spatial analyses using ArcGIS Pro, and managing a variety of spatial databases.

The Vermont Geological Survey is a non-regulatory research arm of the DEC involved with acquiring and analyzing physical and chemical geologic datasets to solve complex environmental problems on behalf of Vermonters. Specific tasks that this position may additionally support include mapping unconsolidated surficial deposits and bedrock formations and structures; producing groundwater resource maps in ArcGIS for source evaluation and protection; and defining the distribution of naturally-occurring geogenic contaminants such as uranium, radium, arsenic, and fluoride, and anthropogenic contaminants such as PFAS and nitrates in geologic media.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation provides the flexibility to do your best work with telework options when no field work or in-person meetings are planned. This is a limited-service position with the same benefits package as a permanent SOV position; it is not a temporary position, but rather a full-time position in the classified service that is funded through August 2026 and is anticipated to be extended annually each year based on projected federal funding. We love what we do and can't wait to have you as part of our team!

Who May Apply

This position, Environmental Scientist IV - Geology Division - Limited Service (Job Requisition #52174), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Benjamin.DeJong@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology, or hydrogeology AND two (2) years or more of work experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Master's degree in any biological-life or physical science AND three (3) years or more of experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND four (4) years of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Bachelor's degree in any biological-life or physical science AND five (5) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Two years as an Environmental Scientist III.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.