Geoscience Communications Specialist | Limited Duration

Oregon Department of Human Services; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/life balance

11 paid holidays a year

Competitive benefits package

Advancement and learning opportunities

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) is seeking a Geoscience Communications Specialist on a fixed-term, limited-duration basis to coordinate, edit, and distribute the agency’s earth science information for local, regional, and statewide audiences.

You will maintain website content, collaborate with the GS&S and MLRR programs, and help ensure communications meet professional science standards while supporting natural resource management.

Qualifications

• Degree or higher-level experience directly related to the position is required.
• Related education includes geology, geography, geomorphology, paleontology, or communications work for external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, develop, edit, distribute, and message the agency’s operational earth science and mining information for local, regional, and statewide use.
• Maintain and manage website content and coordinate with other communications staff to meet professional science communication standards.
• Support coordination with the Geological Survey and Services (GS&S) and Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation (MLRR) programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Geology/geography related degree or experience

Public relations/communications background

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/24/2026 Application Deadline: 10/01/2026 Agency: Department of Geology and Mineral Industries Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Geoscience Communications Specialist | Limited Duration

Job Description

Geoscience Communications Specialist | Limited Duration The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) is searching for a Geoscience Communications Specialist to join their team. This position is part of the operations program of the agency and supports the Geological Survey and Services (GS&S) program as well as the Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation (MLRR) program. As the Geoscience Communications Specialist, you will support the coordination, development, editing, distribution, and messaging of the agency’s operational earth science and mining information to help inform natural resource management at local, regional, and statewide levels. You will be responsible for maintaining and managing website content and coordinating with other communications staff to ensure that the agency's information exceeds professional science communication and publication standards.

What We Are Looking For

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related* degree; OR Three years technical or higher-level experience* directly related to the position under recruitment
• Qualifying related education and experience includes: Degree focus in Geology, geography, geomorphology, paleontology, or related physical sciences or experience working as an agency representative and messaging work products such as newsletters, news articles, and press releases to the external parties of interest.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with principles and methods of website information architecture and design layout, techniques of publishing and layout for newsletters, news articles, and press releases
• Understanding and experience in Geology, geography, geomorphology, paleontology, or related physical sciences
• Presenting scientific and technical information orally in a logical and clear manner to explain programs, projects, or activities to both internal and external audiences
• A wide range of writing techniques to inform and persuade different audiences with various levels of comprehension
• Experience writing clear and concise reports, technical reports, and press releases
• Capacity to maintain unbiased, science-based credibility in the discussion of complex projects amongst a wide variety of audiences, perspectives, and policy agendas
• Ability to meet numerous firm deadlines with frequent interruptions in daily work schedules

This announcement is for one, full-time, Fixed Term – Limited Duration, Geoscience Communications Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1) position and may be used to fill future vacancies. This opportunity is limited duration and is expected to last until June 30, 2027, with the possibility of being extended or made permanent.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

DOGAMI provides earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous. Our team focuses closely on collaboration to support fellow teammates, while ensuring safety and looking for ways to innovate. Visit the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries website to learn more about us!

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance
• 11 paid holidays a year
• a competitive benefits package
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

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Offering hybrid work schedule! A hybrid work schedule may be requested after the onboarding process and integration to the organization has been completed. Terms of hybrid work and the work schedule will be discussed and agreed upon with the successful candidate and hiring manager.

Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the state where the employee resides. Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details. Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

Helpful Links & Resources

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | How to Set Job Alerts Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you're looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon 'flies with her own wings.'