Job Description
Full job description
What You Will Be Doing
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) Coastal Hazards Program (CHP) conducts monitoring and scientific investigations along Alaska's 40,000+ miles of shoreline. Alaska's shoreline is geologically diverse and dynamic, requiring our team to work with a broad group of collaborators and stakeholders to understand how the coastline has evolved and how it will respond to hazardous events and long-term changes. DGGS is seeking a geologist to join CHP to work on a wide range of coastal research projects to support resilient communities and infrastructure in Alaska. The successful applicant will use knowledge of coastal geology, field data collection for coastal hazards, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) geospatial data analysis and processing, coastal change modeling, and airborne/satellite remote sensing to make meaningful contributions to the program. The successful applicant will work under the direction of the CHP manager. This permanent seasonal position is grant-funded for five years, with opportunities for extensions depending on future project funds.
Mission and Culture
The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaskan land for the production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources, the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction material, and the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures (AS 41.08.020). The Coastal Hazards Program conducts mapping, monitoring, and modeling to evaluate vulnerabilities to coastal flooding and erosion. This program is dedicated to fostering scientific partnerships that will improve the quality and quantity of the critical baseline data necessary to fuel informed decision-making throughout the state. Program priorities are motivated by the needs of over 144 communities in Alaska facing threats to infrastructure from weather events and environmental changes.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
DGGS 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 mission of the division. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other’s experiences, and via structured training in diversity, inclusivity, and technical/science topics (e.g., ArcGIS, geospatial processing techniques, modeling software). The Coastal Hazards Program includes dedicated staff who work together as a team to meet program goals. This position is important to the functioning of the survey, as ongoing investigations, partnerships, and collection and distribution of baseline data will expand our understanding of how the coastline has evolved and how it will respond to hazardous events and long-term changes, leading to decreased risk and increasingly resilient and empowered communities.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
This Geologist 3 position is located at the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' (DGGS) Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage or at DGGS' main Fairbanks office.
The Coastal Hazards Program is composed of a team of 3-5 staff and is supported by other sections and programs located in Anchorage and Fairbanks. DGGS staff effectively use telecommunications resources to work across geographic boundaries. The Coastal Hazards Program works with a diverse range of collaborators and stakeholders across sectors and cultures and prioritizes a respectful and inclusive workplace. Field investigations are conducted in remote Alaska communities. Program activities also include regular interaction with Alaska Native community members.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a motivated professional with a background in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, surveying, field data collection, physical geography, geology, or closely related fields. Experience in coastal flooding and erosion, shoreline change studies, and coastal flood analyses. Knowledge of Alaska geography, project management, and grant writing experience are preferred.
In addition to the standard Minimum Job Qualifications for a Geologist 3, the following knowledge and skills are REQUIRED for this position: All of these skills must be documented in your cover letter and applicant profile. If you don't have experience with one or more of the abilities listed, please say so in your required cover letter.
- Knowledge and experience in coastal geology.
- Experience using GIS to analyze and manage data and create digital maps and other geospatial tools for internal use and publications.
- Experience processing field data and aerial imagery (e.g., UAV surveys) and interpreting the data to quantify geospatial change in addition to synthesizing data from large datasets, maps, and reports into independently derived ideas and conclusions.
- Experience in surveying and collecting detailed, accurate field observations, samples, and spatial data (e.g., GNSS-GPS, Trimble Business Center, NOAA-NGS Online Positioning User Service) in remote locations and/or rugged conditions.
- Competency with teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
If you meet the required Minimum Qualifications for Geologist 3, have a background in the identified fields, and have attained the required knowledge and skills, we encourage you to apply.
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
Two years 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.
OR
One year of journey 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 2 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.
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.
Starting Salary
Anchorage - $2751.00
Fairbanks - $2833.50
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.
- Transcripts.
- Resume.
If selected for an interview , the applicant must provide the following:
- Three professional references.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Pre-employment Certification form - Form Link (Download PDF reader)
SPECIAL NOTICES - This position requires a valid driver's license.
- This position may require travel within the state to rural communities on the coast (normally 5-7 trips of 10 days or less per year, usually occurring in spring, summer, and fall).
- 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 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 Letter A cover letter is required for this position. The letter should highlight your experience as it pertains to the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and competencies identified above in the job description section of the posting. Your cover letter will serve as a writing sample and help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
REQUIRED knowledge and skills must be documented in your cover letter.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you can't attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided in the job posting.
Education If 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 Education Education 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 Experience If 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 Unit If 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. Multiple Locations This position is being recruited in Anchorage and Fairbanks; the final location is dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.
Driver’s License Requirement Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
Firearms This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position. EEO Statement The 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:
Nora Nieminski
Geologist 4
Phone: 907.754.3595
Email: nora.nieminski@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The 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 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
See for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits - Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
Job Tags
Remote job, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Flexible hours,