Geologist 2 - Volcanology

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of

Geological & Geophysical Surveys,

is recruiting for a

Geologist 2 to join its Volcanology Section in Fairbanks.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our

residency definition

to determine if you qualify.

What You Will Be Doing:

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) conducts monitoring and scientific investigations of Alaska’s 80+ geologically active volcanoes. AVO responds to 2 volcanic eruptions each year on average, requiring our team of dedicated staff to work closely to ensure all aspects of the Observatory run smoothly. As a partner agency of AVO, the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a full-time, permanent Geologist 2 to join the geology staff in Fairbanks or Anchorage. Core responsibilities include:

Maintain and expand the Geologic Database of Information on Volcanoes in Alaska (GeoDIVA) by compiling eruption histories, references, geochemical data, images, sample ages, and field-collected information.

Contribute to additional AVO tasks such as monitoring support, crisis response assistance, public outreach, and social media content.

Participate in limited fieldwork, including occasional geology/geophysics missions and volcano observation flights

Mission and Values/Culture:

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) exists to protect lives and property by monitoring Alaska's active volcanoes, providing hazard assessments, and conducting scientific investigations. We value team members with clear communication skills, a strong sense of scientific integrity, and a sense of service who are willing to work together to provide timely and accurate information to the public and decision-makers during volcanic unrest and to support scientific investigations of Alaska’s volcanoes. The Volcanology Program resides within the Geologic Hazards section at DGGS alongside Landslide, Coastal, Climate and Cryosphere, Geological Health, and Earthquake & Tsunami Hazard Programs and is also part of the multi-agency Alaska Volcano Observatory.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

DGGS offers ample opportunity for a flexible work schedule and partnership with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work and the mission of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other's experiences, and via structured training in technical/science topics (e.g., ArcPro, geospatial processing techniques). The incumbent will bring their expertise to a highly skilled and dedicated team of volcanologists, geophysicists, programmers, and technicians to improve AVO’s ability to provide advance warning of volcanic activity and better understand volcanic processes. On-the-job training will be provided in specific technical aspects of AVO’s research methods, database development, and monitoring operations.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This volcanology Geologist 2 position is located at the DGGS office in Fairbanks, with potential hybrid telework in-state only. The daily work environment consists of database-focused desk work, with limited opportunities for field work to study Alaska volcanoes. DGGS staff effectively use telecommunications resources to work across geographic boundaries with DGGS and USGS colleagues and a diverse range of collaborators and stakeholders across the state; the Geologic Hazards section is a dynamic, positive learning environment that not only supports teamwork and collaboration. but also supports autonomous work.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.

Geology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the origins and structure of the Earth, including the physical forces that have shaped it and its physical and organic history.

Database Management Systems: Knowledge of the uses of database management systems and software to control the organization, storage, retrieval, security, and integrity of data.

Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Public Service Motivation: Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.

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

** Please read the information below carefully. **

At the time of application

,

the applicant must attach the following items as individual documents; failure to provide the requested documentation may result in non-consideration. If you cannot attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below. Required documents include:

Cover letter – see below for further instructions.

If invited to interview

,

please bring the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:

Driver's license

Three professional references

Transcripts

Copies of any peer-reviewed, published papers

Firearms certification form (hiring manager will send to you)

SPECIAL NOTICES

This position will require travel within the state (typically 2-4 trips of 10 days or less per year). Travel may include short-notice emergency response to assist with eruptions

Fieldwork requires occasional lifting and carrying a pack up to 50 lbs.

If conducting fieldwork, this position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition in support of remote field investigations and associated travel.

Application Notice

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions for applying are available on the Workplace Alaska

How to Apply

webpage

. We must receive your application 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 be two to three paragraphs (no longer than one page) and address your knowledge and experience related to the following required skills

Specific volcanology knowledge and experience

Knowledge of and familiarity with volcanological hazards, vocabulary, and field data collection

Knowledge of relational database management systems, including SQL and data validation techniques

Excel spreadsheet fluency, especially spreadsheets of volcanic samples and geochemical analyses, including volcanic sample metadata and conducting qu