Frontier Exploration Geologist

Zanskar•Salt Lake City, UT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zanskar is using technology to find and develop geothermal resources as a contribution to a carbon-free electrical grid. The Frontier Exploration Geologist independently drives discovery of new geothermal resources by identifying and evaluating geologic data, conducting on-site field investigations, and advancing exploration through data analysis. The role builds conceptual models that integrate geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data to guide geothermal prospect development from greenfield identification through drill-ready status. It has significant autonomy and includes leading field investigations, mentoring junior staff, and communicating exploration findings to internal and external stakeholders. The position is based at Zanskar’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a hybrid schedule and travel to field locations up to 20% of the time. Work includes remote outdoor fieldwork in varied weather and terrain as well as primarily office-based computer work.

Requirements

B.S. in Geology, Geophysics, or a closely related Earth science.
At least 2 years of professional experience collecting and/or interpreting geologic datasets; relevant graduate research or thesis work may count for M.S. candidates.
At least 2 years of GIS experience, with demonstrated proficiency in spatial data analysis and modeling and excellent map- and figure-making skills.
Valid driver's license without major infractions in the last three years.
Eligibility to work in the U.S.
Ability to work safely in remote field settings and lead and mentor technicians in fieldwork.
Ability to document and present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work outdoors at remote sites in varied weather and terrain; regularly lift, push, pull, and move field equipment up to 50 lbs; bend and kneel; travel to field locations; operate vehicles and equipment; and navigate using GPS.

Nice To Haves

M.S. in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth science.
At least 5 years of exploration experience, preferably in geothermal, mining, or energy resources.
Experience with geophysical and geochemical data.
Scripting experience with Python, SQL, or similar.
Experience with 3D conceptual geologic modeling software such as Leapfrog, Petrel, Move, or similar.
Experience with geologic resource assessment for conventional hydrothermal systems.
OSHA, MSHA, first aid, or wilderness safety training.

Responsibilities

Identify, acquire, and evaluate potential exploration opportunities through data review, research, and analysis.
Source, compile, georeference, and assess the quality and coverage of public, legacy, published, and third-party datasets, including maps, well records, and geochemical and geophysical archives.
Build repeatable workflows to gather, clean, and ingest data, using scripting and automated retrieval where practical, and produce interpretations for prospect ranking and algorithmic workflows.
Develop and refine geological and conceptual models to guide prospect ranking and advancement.
Validate prospects through integrated geologic and geophysical analyses, including field mapping, sampling, and support of geophysical surveys and drilling programs.
Process, QA/QC, and interpret field and analytical datasets, synthesizing results into clear insights for technical teams and algorithmic workflows.
Lead, mentor, and support technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality field execution.
Communicate exploration progress, results, and risks, and coordinate with internal stakeholders to align activities with project and portfolio objectives.
Quantify and mitigate exploration risk by identifying alternative scenarios and planning contingencies.
Apply scientific principles and existing technologies to improve data collection methods and address field-based challenges.