Job Opportunities in United States

What You Will Be Doing
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a Geologist excited to use their research and cataloging skills. DGGS will be updating its Alaska Geochronology Database, initiated in 2005–2007, with 17+ years of mineral-resource research and studies. This position will require excellent attention to detail, and significant effort will be required to identify and catalogue new state research on geochronology in Alaska. Candidate must be comfortable working closely with DGGS staff and laboratories to identify and integrate data not previously compiled into DGGS’ dataset. A collaborative and cooperative mindset is critical to project success.

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 geochronologic 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 division's mission. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other’s experiences, and via structured training in technical/science topics, diversity, and inclusivity.

The Working Environment You Can Expect
This position can be held at DGGS’s main office in Fairbanks or the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage, Alaska. It will be 100% office-based work with no opportunities for fieldwork during the performance period. A geologist may also be tapped to help with other grant-funded projects operating during the same funding period on an as-needed basis.

Please note this is a grant-funded long-term, non-permanent position is funded for approximately 9 months. Work must be completed by September 2025. DGGS cannot guarantee additional funding beyond that timeframe

Who We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will be required to integrate new data into the previous 2008 dataset. The candidate, alongside a senior programmer, will support data mapping, transfer, and quality control between the Alaska Geochronology Database and the National Geochronology Database. The candidate will be expected to conduct spot quality control checks of existing compiled data, such as verifying sample and geochronologic analytical data with DGGS field station and sample databases.

In addition to the standard Minimum Job Qualifications for a Geologist 2, 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.

• Background knowledge of geochronologic methods, including but not limited to conventional U-Pb, K-Ar, 40Ar/39Ar, and Rb-Sr.
• Data Management: Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data archiving, data disposal, and data standardization processes.
• Data Cataloguing: Building out geological datasets drawing from research papers published by state research scientists, along with published and unpublished research which may reside in both internal and external databases, spreadsheets, or other sources.
• 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.
• Competency with teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

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.
AND
One year of entry professional-level experience in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering. This experience is met by service as a Geologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

Substitution:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in any science major, which includes completing 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in the above geoscience fields and 24 additional semester hours (36 quarter hours) of coursework in natural sciences, may substitute for the education requirement.

Equivalent combinations of professional experience and graduate-level education in the geoscience fields described above are acceptable and will be considered as follows: 24 graduate semester hours = one full year of graduate education = one full year of professional experience.

Additional Required Information

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 (3) professional references.
• Valid driver's license.
• Pre-employment certification form.

Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. 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. The letter should explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. Your cover letter will be used as a writing sample and help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.

REQUIRED knowledge and skills must be documented in your cover letter.

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 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.

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.

Multiple Locations
This position is being recruited in City 1 and City 2; the final location is dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.

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:

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under Alaska Care Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year