District Geologist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation:

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

The INDOT District Geologist supports transportation projects by evaluating subsurface conditions, conducting geologic and material assessments, and ensuring geotechnical risks are identified early in project development. The role includes serving as a liaison for the Certified Aggregate Producer Program (CAPP), coordinating with producers to maintain material quality, and performing routine quarry visits to assess aggregate sources and document geologic conditions. Key responsibilities also involve providing technical expertise to engineers, contributing to design recommendations, and supporting construction activities through field investigations and material evaluations. The top three skills sought in an ideal candidate are strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and solid technical knowledge of geology, soil mechanics, and aggregate production.

Location:

This position is in INDOTs LaPorte District

Salary:

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:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• 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.

These additional duties may be performed if this position is at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

• Perform complex data analysis and interpretation to determine locations and extent of underground sources of drinking water.

These additional duties may be performed if this position is at the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

• Work with the Testing Team to report findings and make recommendations of construction material aggregates and soils for highway construction. Research/investigate into construction contracts that do not comply with specifications.
• Administer INDOT's Certified Aggregate Producers Program (CAPP) program at the District level. Regulate and monitor all aggregate sources assigned to the District and ensure compliance with Department specifications and guidelines.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Licensed Professional Geologist in Indiana preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, theories, and methodologies applied to geologic/hydrogeologic science and related fields.
• Thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply all applicable federal and state laws, environmental regulations, acts, and guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of applied statistics, environmental design, geologic sampling, and interpretation of geologic analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of remedial and corrective action as it relates to various program areas.
• Ability to conduct intensive research for geologic and hydrogeological advancement of the program area.
• Ability to determine resolutions and new approaches to various geotechnical problems.
• Specialized knowledge of geophysical instrumentation including Electro magnetometer, Resistivity Meter, and Seismograph.
• Specialized knowledge of well hydraulics, ground water modeling, drinking water management, waste and wastewater management, and related regulations.

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geological Engineer, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited college or university.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT):

• Knowledge of American Association of State Highway Transportation (AASHTO), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), Indiana Test Methods, and INDOT specifications.
• Working knowledge of, and ability to operate, geologic field instruments and construction testing equipment such as LWD, DCPT, etc.
• Working knowledge of survey and mapping techniques.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.