Geologist 2 (PCN 10-1870)

State of Alaska; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, seeks a Geologist 2 in Fairbanks to review mining permits, inspect operations, and ensure compliance with state mining laws. The role involves fieldwork across Alaska, data interpretation, and public information responsibilities.

The position emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to responsible mineral resource development while supporting Alaska's economy and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in geoscience or mining-related field plus one year entry-level geology experience.
• Ability to apply geology, geophysics, and mining regulations to permitting and inspections.
• Strong report writing and public communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Permit, monitor, and inspect suction dredging, placer mining, and hardrock exploration.
• Review APMA applications and establish permit stipulations for mines.
• Conduct field inspections using GPS/GIS; prepare inspection reports.

Skills

Geology

Mining Engineering

Compliance Inspection

Oral and Written Communication

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in geoscience or geology-related field

Job description

Geologist 2 (PCN 10-1870) in Fairbanks, AK | GovernmentJobs.com page has loaded.

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, is recruiting for a Geologist 2 in Fairbanks.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

As a journey-level Geologist 2, you will apply your professional geoscience and mining engineering expertise to permit, monitor, and inspect suction dredging, placer mining, and hardrock exploration operations across Alaska while administering applicable state mining laws. You will review Applications for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) using your knowledge of state regulations, geology, and mining practices, establish permit stipulations relative to individual mines, and carry out duties related to the issuance of permits. You will assist operators in developing complete mine plan of operations applications for submission, reclaiming disturbed lands, and interpreting geological, geochemical, and geophysical data. You will independently plan and conduct field inspections, map mine sites using GPS and GIS tools, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare inspection reports. You will also provide technical information to the public and agencies on mining laws, land status, reclamation standards, and mineral resources

Mission and Values/Culture:

Our team helps carry out the Department of Natural Resources' mission to manage Alaska's lands, waters, and minerals for the benefit of current and future Alaskans, while supporting a strong, sustainable economy. We value responsible resource development that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and respect for Alaska's communities. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and public service, reflected in sound, transparent decision-making and efficient permitting processes.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

This position is housed within the Mining Section, which offers an extremely supportive, positive, and collaborative work environment. The successful applicant will have access to training and travel opportunities, as well as advancement opportunities within the Division/Department. The work is both intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding, with frequent opportunities to solve complex, real-world problems. Employees work extensively with the mining industry, the public, and other agencies to support the responsible development of Alaska's mineral resources, contributing directly to the state's long-term economic health.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This position is based at the DNR Northern Regional Office (NRO) in Fairbanks, a beautiful Interior Alaska city that serves as the region's economic and transportation hub, with an international airport and the University of Alaska Fairbanks nearby. The NRO campus offers a charming, wooded setting with convenient access to shopping and restaurants, and Fairbanks provides extensive year-round outdoor recreation opportunities- including hiking, wildlife viewing, river trips, winter sports, and world-class aurora viewing- amid striking natural scenery and a rich mining history. This role provides a strong balance between office-based work and fieldwork/travel for inspections, site visits, and studies, with remote fieldwork travel expected across the state.

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.
• Mining Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to rock mechanics; the exploration, excavation, extraction, processing and transporting of mineral resources; and the conservation and development of mineral lands, materials, and deposits.
• Compliance Inspection: Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders.
• 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.

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.

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats should call 1-800-587-0430 or [phone] in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 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

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Geologist 5

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Employer State of Alaska

Address PO Box 110201
Juneau, Alaska, 99811

Phone [phone] (Statewide toll-free number)
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