Job Description
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Geology and Geophysical Surveys. What You Will Be DoingJoin our team as we work to understand Alaska’s complex geology and mineral resources through geophysical surveys. As program co-lead, you will contribute your geophysical expertise and program management skills to plan, contract, publish, and interpret geophysical surveys, including magnetic, radiometric, electromagnetic, and gravity datasets. Be a part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), an exciting partnership between the USGS and state governments to explore and understand the nation’s critical minerals endowment.
Mission and CultureThe mission of the DGGS Mineral Resources Section is “…to determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals and minerals…” (AS 41.08.020). We generate and publish new geoscience datasets and information, including geophysical surveys, technical and interpretive reports, geologic maps, and other geoscience information. Mining companies, regulatory agencies, scientific researchers, and the public use our data to understand and explore Alaska’s geology and natural resources. DGGS scientists also investigate geologic hazards, geothermal energy, hydrology, surficial geology, and more, offering a fertile environment for a collaborating geophysicist.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamDGGS offers ample opportunity for on-the-job training, a 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 knowledge, attendance of scientific and industry conferences, and via structured training opportunities in technical and scientific topics.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectThis position is based in the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys office in Fairbanks, Alaska, adjacent to the main campus of the University of Alaska and the Geophysical Institute. The geophysical survey process involves frequent interaction and collaboration with geologists, procurement staff, and publications specialists from the DGGS Geologic Information Center. A flexible work schedule can be negotiated individually in consultation with the supervising Section Chief. The State of Alaska supports hybrid telework up to half-time, in-state only.
Who We Are Looking ForWe seek a professional-level geophysicist with a strong background in potential field methods to co-lead and implement the DGGS geophysical survey program.
In addition to the Minimum Qualifications for Geologist 4 (Geophysicist), the following knowledge and skills are REQUIRED for this position:
- A strong background (education and professional experience) in geophysics and geophysical surveying, with an emphasis on using geophysical surveys to understand bedrock geology. Priority geophysical subdisciplines currently include magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric, and gravity surveys.
- Program management skills applicable to all phases of airborne geophysical surveying, including the development of proposals, survey design, contracting and contractor management, budget management, and end-product delivery.
- Ability to interpret geophysical datasets and to communicate geoscience information in written reports and oral presentations.
- Ability to use specialized geophysical software (including Oasis montaj, ArcGIS Pro) to quality control, manipulate, publish, and interpret geophysical datasets, with emphasis on the above-listed subdisciplines.
- Demonstrated history of working effectively with other geoscientists in a collaborative environment.
These must be documented in your cover letter and applicant profile. If you don't have experience with one or more of these, please say so in your cover letter.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Geology and Geophysical Surveys. 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
Three years of journey professional 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 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
OR
One year of advanced professional 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 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
OR
A master'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 journey professional 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 II with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
OR
A doctorate degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.
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
**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 – see instructions below.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Three professional references.
- Transcripts.
- Examples of your relevant prior work (geologic maps, reports, theses, articles, etc.
- Valid driver’s license.
SPECIAL NOTICES- This position will require travel, primarily in-state but also out-of-state (typically 2-4 trips of 10 days or less per year). Travel may include participation in state and national conferences to present scientific interpretations of geophysical data, QC of geophysical contractor data and/or field-based ground-geophysical surveying in local or remote locations, meetings with collaborators, public outreach, and professional training opportunities.
- This position requires the use or possession of a firearm/ammunition in support of remote field work and associated travel, or carrying bear spray and knowing how to be ‘safety aware’ around others who are carrying a firearm. Firearms, wildlife, bear spray, wilderness first aid, and other appropriate safety training are provided by the division annually.
Application NoticeYou 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 LetterA cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should highlight your experience regarding the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in the “Who we are looking for " section identified above. Your cover letter 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 below.
EducationIf 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 EducationEducation 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 ExperienceIf 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 UnitIf 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 RequirementApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
EEO StatementThe 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:
Evan Twelker
Geologist 4
Phone: 907-451-5086
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefitsThe 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 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)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- 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