Geologist, GS-1350- 13, Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (16972)

Performs work under the very general supervision of the Section Chief who provides initial guidance on policy matters, instructions on program objectives, and changes in work priorities. Makes recommendations and decisions in the designated functional areas that are relied upon as technically sound and are generally accepted as the official technical position of the Division. Keeps supervisor informed of assigned projects, programs, and work status, referring only major policy issues for clarification. Independently initiates contacts, presents proposed courses of action and/or technical expert advice to other engineers and managers, higher authority, contractors, and operational personnel. Completed work is evaluated based on achievement of overall program objectives.

• Serves as the Division's senior technical subject-matter expert in site characterization and in the utilization of subsurface characterization technologies and analysis methods. As a regional specialist, plans, guides, and conducts hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste (HTRW) investigations, for purposes of remedial design, utilizing sonic, direct-push, and other innovative investigative techniques and equipment. Develops new procedures, with Corps-wide application. Ensures accuracy and completeness of design information and compliance with project criteria requirements and schedules. Represents the Division and/or District at meetings and conferences involving other government agencies. Acts in the capacity as an authoritative source of technical leadership, guidance, and consultation on issues involving scientific and/or technology applications. Develops and interprets guidance for use by others; contributes to the development of Corps guidelines, regulations, and policies.

• Leads, plans, and conducts studies and investigations for subsurface exploration programs relative to engineering geology problems including foundations, landslides, canal leakage, dredging, environmental contamination, etc. Responsible for planning and execution of projects and studies such as preparation of design documents for geology investigations in connection with dam design memoranda.

• Plans and carries out field investigations including layout of borings, and geophysical explorations (seismic, resistivity and well logging), determining variations in procedures or techniques to meet field problems or necessitated by engineering changes. Determines adequacy of field investigations and interprets results of subsurface drilling and geophysical programs.

• Stays abreast of the latest subsurface investigation and site characterization tools, technologies, and applications. Identifies opportunities to utilize the latest technologies in assigned projects in order to deliver the highest quality products and data to customers.

• Revises and adjusts portions of design documents based on additional surface and subsurface field information and construction and engineering changes. Interprets findings, evaluates, and determines extent and significance of current data in relation to previous investigations, conclusions, and recommendations.

• As the District technical specialist on all other engineering, geology and HTRW design functions, leads civil works projects involving foundation design, such as navigation, concrete or earth dam, hydroelectric powerhouse, pumping station, or tunnels. Independently develops solutions and conclusions on projects and studies that are primarily very complex and distinctive, where geology and new technology is critical to engineering and construction solutions. Resolves major technical and/or regulatory conflicts. Prepares project studies, design sketches and drawings, comparative estimates of cost, etc. Determines the most suitable and economical structures based upon existing foundation conditions. Accomplishes unprecedented, complex studies involving investigation, remediation, and monitoring of hazardous groundwater conditions as related to environmental problems.
• Conducts reconnaissance surveys of proposed or potential sites for dams, power, and pumping stations, and other structures for suitability of foundations. Researches published materials, other projects with related or similar geologic peculiarities, topographical maps, subsurface data, aerial photos, and correlates with all available foundation data.
• Prepares narratives, geologic maps, cross-sections, profiles, diagrams, and illustrations for design documents and other geologic reports, with special attention to such features as joints, faults, breaks in rock, and weak planes contributing to potential construction and operational failures which will require special attention of design engineers. Presents conclusions and makes recommendations, which may include relocation of structures or redesign to compensate for foundation weakness. Prepares plans and specifications for foundation grouting, drainage and rock excavation.
• Supervisory Management Responsibilities. Supervisory management responsibilities include recommending appropriate staffing to maintain a sound position structure; participation in selection of qualified employees, assigning, reviewing and evaluating work; identifying training needs, administering leave, development and maintenance of effective discipline; reviewing job descriptions of subordinates for currency and accuracy; accomplishing performance appraisals; and assuring that employees comply with safety rules and regulations. Initiates or participates in review and improvement of work methods, organizational features, and the structuring of positions to eliminate unnecessary ones and achieve optimum content in those remaining. Actively supports and complies with affirmative action programs and Equal Employment Opportunity policy and intent.