Please note:
Job application is on the Workplace Alaska website. Use the following link to apply for the position: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/4516846/geologist-1-pcn-10-n25001
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.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.
Substitution:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in any science major, which includes the completion of 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in the above geoscience fields and 24 additional semester hours (36 quarter hours) of course work in natural sciences, may substitute for the education requirement.
Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
At the time of application, the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):
- Cover letter (will be considered a writing sample).
- Transcripts.
- Resume.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Three professional references.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Pre-employment Certification form - Link to PDF (Download PDF reader).
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position; REQUIRED knowledge and skills must be documented. The letter should explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as it relates to the requirements listed in the job description above. Your cover letter will serve as a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you cannot attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.
Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For assistance with your password, please visit the reset password page.
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Paul Goodfellow
Geologist 4 - Environmental Program Specialist
Phone: 907-269-6401
Email: paul.goodfellow@alaska.gov