Geologist jobs in Fairbanks, AK

What You Will Be Doing
Do you enjoy working with ArcGIS and other programs to compile and analyze geologic data? Is working as part of a multi-organizational team on a project that benefits people and communities something that interests you? Do you enjoy geology fieldwork in remote regions? If so, The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) has a long-term, nonpermanent project position you may be interested in. We seek a geologist eager to expand their skill set as part of our Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project group. The successful applicant will use geologic knowledge of surficial and construction materials and utilize GIS to gather, compile, organize, and interpret data that will help inform people, communities, and stakeholders of the quality and distribution of construction materials on the North Slope. We have planned funding for six months, but we anticipate an extension, pending additional funding.

Mission and Culture
The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaska land to produce metals, 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 and structures (AS 41.08.020). The newly formed Hydrology and Surficial Geology Section increases public safety. It strengthens communities and infrastructure by providing information about the distribution and character of surface materials properties and the distribution of groundwater resources across all 400 million acres of Alaska. This position is crucial because it helps the section gather and disseminate essential information that many groups and organizations will use for various purposes, including land-use planning efforts and scientific research.

Core Responsibilities

• While working with project staff and contractors, use ArcGIS Pro and other programs as appropriate to compile and evaluate data sets to assess the quality, quantity, and distribution of construction material resources across Alaska’s North Slope.
• Organize geologic data, evaluate it for accuracy and consistency, and prepare data and databases for publication.
• Use scientific skills while working independently, with support from fellow team members, to create high-quality maps, figures, reports, and other datasets for presentations, publication, and dissemination.
• Assist with field season planning and helicopter-supported fieldwork to gather additional sand and gravel resource assessment data. Fieldwork will require adherence to DGGS safety protocols. Still, candidates must maintain flexibility and a positive attitude, as logistics can change quickly, and weather can sometimes be unpredictable.

• Ability to characterize and describe properties of surficial geologic materials and samples. (For example- texture, Unified Soils Classification System identification, and basic rock and mineral identification skills)
• A working knowledge of Arc GIS Pro and spatial data management
• Basic knowledge of standardized data management, including the ability to be organized and detail-oriented
• A basic understanding of field data collection (i.e., how to systematically document, collect, and describe samples, including crucial metadata)

• Experience with ESRI mobile data collection applications
• Experience working with and populating databases
• A background in engineering geology, remote sensing, or surficial geologic mapping
• Experience conducting physically demanding fieldwork in remote Alaskan backcountry environments

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 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.

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

• College transcripts, unofficial are acceptable.

• Contact information for three professional references.
• Copies of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations or supervisory letters of recommendation if evaluations are unavailable.

• This position requires travel within the State. Trips are generally a few days to a couple of weeks per trip, totaling up to two months for geologic fieldwork occurring during summer. In addition, trips to Anchorage are possible, generally 1-2 days, up to 5 times per year, for project-related meetings or activities.

Contact Information

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• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare 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

• 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

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Eleven paid holidays a year