Geologist 1 (PCN 10-N25001) - State of Alaska

THIS POSITION IS NOW OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS

The recruitment period for this vacancy has been extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. 

What You Will Be Doing
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a Geologist who is excited to put their research and analytical skills to use. You will be instrumental in migrating a large geological sample collection from its current location at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus to permanent storage at the Geologic Materials Center (GMC) in Anchorage. The sample collection is the result of decades of academic research by students conducting geological research across the state. Along with the intellectual value of these samples, this collection includes valuable mineralogical information that could further the state’s mining and energy sectors.
 
Mission and Culture
This work will support the division’s mission to determine the potential of Alaskan land for the production of minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources, the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction material, and the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations (AS 41.08.020). The Geologic Hazards Section, in close partnership with program collaborators and stakeholders, uses a combination of citizen science, field data, remote sensing, and modeling to assess, monitor, predict, and mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards on communities, infrastructure, and resources in Alaska through education & outreach to the public and timely, actionable guidance to local, state, and federal policymakers. The division views public geologic information, such as the samples and data to be researched by the incumbent, as a key element in unlocking our natural resources, protecting communities, and helping grow Alaska's economy.
 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys offers ample opportunity for on-the-job training, a very flexible work schedule, and partnerships with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work and the mission of the division. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other’s experiences, and via structured trainings in technical/science topics, diversity, and inclusivity.
 
The Working Environment You Can Expect
This position is stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Geologic Materials Center and works within the Geological Health Hazards Program, one of five programs in DGGS’ Geologic Hazards Section. You are expected to work independently, as well as to communicate frequently with the project manager and collaborators, participate in lively discussions with the project team, propose and execute solutions, and take the lead on identified project tasks. This position will be 100% office-based work with no opportunities for field work during the period of performance. You may be tapped to help with other grant-funded projects operating during the same time period on an as-needed basis.
 
Please note this is a grant-funded long-term, non-permanent position funded through June 30, 2025. This position may be extended past the June 30, 2025, deadline depending on additional funding opportunities, programmatic requirements, and project completion status.
 
Who We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will need to be comfortable conducting archival and database research on samples of varying quality and with inconsistent identifiers, requiring a high attention to detail with significant effort required to identify and catalog samples, along with connecting the samples to the research conducted on them. This includes reviewing published theses and dissertations, research articles, and government publications and potentially contacting the original party to request more information. In addition to the standard Minimum Job Qualifications for a Geologist 1, the following knowledge and skills are REQUIRED for this position: All of these skills must be documented in your cover letter and applicant profile. If you don't have experience with one or more of the abilities listed, please say so in your required cover letter.

• Data Cataloguing: Building out geological datasets drawing from research papers published in academic journals and by state and federal research scientists, along with unpublished research that may reside in both internal and external databases.
• Research Methodology: Utilizing public-facing and internal database search algorithms to identify and integrate new information and research into the database.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or to manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Data Management: Managing and cataloging geologic data under the guidance of a senior analyst/programmer, using standard geological methods to identify and catalog samples. 
• Competency with teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. 

In addition to the standard Minimum Job Qualifications for a Geologist 1 and the required knowledge, skills, and abilities noted above, the following areas are PREFERRED for this position. Please also document these preferences in your application materials: Candidate must be familiar with general geological terminology, petrology, mineralogy, and Alaska geology and be willing to conduct research to further their knowledge of these scientific categories. Additionally, the candidate should be comfortable identifying a wide range of samples and rock types and minerals in geologic samples and comparing/verifying samples against available records.