Frontier Exploration Geologist

Zanskar • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Zanskar is developing geothermal resources using technology to identify and develop new prospects and contribute to a carbon-free electrical grid. The Frontier Exploration Geologist independently drives the discovery of geothermal resources by identifying and evaluating geologic data, conducting field investigations, and advancing exploration through data analysis.

The role builds conceptual models that integrate geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data, guiding prospect development from greenfield identification through drill-ready status. It carries significant autonomy and includes leading field investigations, mentoring junior staff, and communicating findings to internal and external stakeholders. The position is based at Zanskar’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is hybrid.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree 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.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to work outdoors at remote field sites in varied weather and terrain and at a steady operational tempo.
• Ability to regularly lift, push, pull, and move field equipment up to 50 pounds, with periodic bending and kneeling.
• Ability to travel to field locations up to 20% of the time, including operating vehicles and equipment, and navigate remote settings using GPS.
• Commitment to personal and team safety; comfort working in remote settings; and ability to lead and mentor technicians.
• Good mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Ability to document and present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Accuracy, organization, adaptability, integrity, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth science.
• 5 or more years of exploration experience, preferably in geothermal, mining, or energy resources.
• Experience with geophysical and geochemical data.
• Experience with scripting, such as 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, and georeference public, legacy, published, and third-party datasets, including scanned maps, well records, and geochemical and geophysical archives; assess their quality and coverage.
• Build repeatable workflows to gather, clean, and ingest new data, using scripting and automated retrieval where practical, and prepare 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 for geophysical surveys and drilling programs.
• Process, quality-check, and interpret field and analytical datasets; synthesize results 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 work 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.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• 18 days of PTO, with PTO accrual increasing based on tenure
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k)
• Stock options
• Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level