Geologist 2 - Volcanology (PCN 10-2061)

State of Alaska • Fairbanks, AK

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), is hiring a full-time, permanent Geologist 2 for its Volcanology Section, based in Fairbanks, with potential for in-state hybrid telework. The position is open to Alaska residents only. The employee will join the geology staff supporting the multi-agency Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), which monitors and investigates Alaska’s 80+ active volcanoes and responds to volcanic eruptions, averaging two responses each year.

The position primarily maintains and expands GeoDIVA, the Geologic Database of Information on Volcanoes in Alaska. Work includes compiling eruption histories, references, geochemical data, images, sample ages, and information collected in the field. The employee may also assist with volcano monitoring, eruption crisis response, public outreach, and social media content, and participate in limited fieldwork, including occasional geology or geophysics missions and volcano observation flights.

AVO’s mission is to protect lives and property through volcano monitoring, hazard assessments, and scientific investigations. The successful candidate will work with volcanologists, geophysicists, programmers, technicians, and colleagues and collaborators from DGGS and the U.S. Geological Survey. The role combines database-focused desk work with limited field opportunities. The work environment supports teamwork, collaboration, learning, and autonomous work. On-the-job training is provided in AVO research methods, database development, and monitoring operations; staff can also learn through work activities, colleagues, and structured technical or scientific training.

The position requires travel within Alaska, typically two to four trips of 10 days or less annually, and may involve short-notice emergency response. Fieldwork may require lifting and carrying a pack weighing up to 50 pounds. Field investigations and related travel require the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a specified geoscience field and one year of entry-level professional experience in a specified geoscience field. Certain science degrees with specified coursework may substitute for the degree requirement, and qualifying combinations of professional experience and graduate-level geoscience education are accepted. Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing specified volcanology, database, spreadsheet, and hazard-communication skills, complete supplemental questions, and provide education and work-history information. A cover letter is required; transcripts and other materials are requested at application or interview stages as detailed in the posting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or a subdivision of these fields, including mining engineering.
• One year of entry professional-level experience in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or a subdivision of these fields, including mining engineering; experience as a State of Alaska Geologist 1 or equivalent with another employer meets this requirement.
• A bachelor's degree in any science major, plus 24 semester hours in the specified geoscience fields and 24 additional semester hours in natural sciences, may substitute for the specified degree requirement.
• Equivalent combinations of professional experience and graduate-level education in the specified geoscience fields are accepted; 24 graduate semester hours equal one year of graduate education and one year of professional experience.
• Cover letter and applicant profile must document specific volcanology knowledge and experience; familiarity with volcanological hazards, vocabulary, and field data collection; relational database management systems, including SQL and data validation; Excel fluency, especially volcanic sample and geochemical analysis spreadsheets, sample metadata, and quality control of large datasets; and best practices in hazard communications.
• Must possess a valid driver's license; proof is required before reporting to duty.
• Must be able to meet fieldwork demands that may include lifting and carrying a pack weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Fieldwork and associated travel require use or possession of a firearm or ammunition; applicants disqualified under the stated federal restriction for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence may not hold the position.
• Must answer the supplemental questions and complete the application information required to support minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Clear communication skills, scientific integrity, and a strong public-service orientation.
• Experience or familiarity with ArcPro and geospatial processing techniques; structured training in these topics is also offered.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners while also working autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand GeoDIVA by compiling eruption histories, references, geochemical data, images, sample ages, and field-collected information.
• Contribute to AVO monitoring support.
• Assist with volcanic eruption crisis response.
• Contribute to public outreach and social media content.
• Participate in limited fieldwork, including occasional geology and geophysics missions and volcano observation flights.
• Travel within Alaska, typically two to four trips of 10 days or less per year, including possible short-notice emergency response.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule opportunities.
• On-the-job training in AVO research methods, database development, and monitoring operations.
• Opportunities for learning and growth through work activities, colleagues' experience, and structured technical and scientific training.
• Potential for in-state hybrid telework.

What This Job Offers

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