Critical Minerals Technician (Geoscience Trainee)

Critical Minerals Technician (Geoscience Trainee)

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Critical Minerals Technician (Geoscience Trainee)

Salary

$57,995.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-48306-14900

Department

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Division

CN Geolgc Res Div

Opening Date

04/28/2026

Closing Date

5/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

14900

Position Number

50641131

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00382220

Bureau / Division

Geological Resources Division

Worksite Address

3240 Schoolhouse Road

City

Middleton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17057

Contact Name

Zachary Bender

Contact Email

[email protected]

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

THE POSITION

The Critical Minerals Technician (Geoscience Trainee) position with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources offers a chance to explore the geology of Pennsylvania while supporting important research. This role helps you build scientific skills through fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and data interpretation. You will assist with studies that help guide decisions for the environment and the economy. Step into a role where learning and exploration go hand in hand.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports geological research by collecting data, assisting with laboratory work, and helping interpret information about critical minerals across Pennsylvania. As a Critical Minerals Technician (Geoscience Trainee), you will perform the following duties:

• Data Collection: Gather and interpret geochemical and geologic information from rocks, minerals, soils, and other materials

• Field Support: Assist with mapping, sampling, site visits, and other field activities needed for research projects

• Lab Techniques: Operate laboratory instruments and prepare samples for analysis using established scientific methods

• Research Assistance: Compile scientific literature, evaluate findings, and support mineral resource studies

• Information Sharing: Prepare maps, tables, and presentations to communicate geologic results

• Collaboration Work: Coordinate with staff, agencies, universities, and industry partners to support project needs

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description ( .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment

• This position is federally funded and will continue based on funding availability.

• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Middletown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists; or

• A bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field including or supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.

• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession and maintenance of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement ( . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link ( and click on Residency Guidelines.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers ( for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

• You must provide complete and accurate information or:

• your score may be lower than deserved.

• you may be disqualified.

• You may only apply/testonce for this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo ( !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

You must complete the supplemental question(s) below. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental question(s). Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score. All information you provide on your application and supplemental question(s) is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. Read the question(s) carefully. Determine and select the option that most closely represents your highest level of experience/training/certification. The option you choose must be clearly supported if requested.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page ( .

• Yes

  02

Special Requirement- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes

• No

  03

If you answered "Yes", please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.

04

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or engineering geology, or a related field?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes

• No

  05

If you are within three months of completing bachelor's degree or higher in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or engineering geology, or a related field, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.

06

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher, in a closely related geology field which includes or is supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes

• No

  07

If you have not yet conferred a bachelor's degree or higher in a closely related geology field which includes or is supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework, when do you expect to complete your degree? If not applicable, please enter N/A.

08

Do you possess an active Geologist-in-Training Certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?

• Yes

• No

  09

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state and certificate number. If you answered "No", type N/A in the textbox below.

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website