Mineral System Geoscientist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) | Limited Duration

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Competitive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Get There carpool program

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

State of Oregon, Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, is hiring a Mineral System Geoscientist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) for a limited-duration role. The position conducts research on critical minerals projects, manages grants, and develops digital maps and spatial databases.

The role requires advanced geology knowledge, GIS skills, and experience in project management, with a hybrid work arrangement in Oregon. A licensure differential applies for registered geologists.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional geology/geoscience experience with at least one year at a technical/professional level in natural resource programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or related physical science or three additional years of related experience.
• Master’s degree with two years of related experience; Doctorate with one year of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on high-profile federally funded critical minerals projects.
• Initiate projects, engage collaborators, and manage grant progress and reporting.
• Interpret geoscientific datasets and develop digital maps and spatial databases.
• Provide technical guidance to supervisors, peers, and public audiences.

Skills

Geology

Geochemistry

GIS

Grant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geology or closely related physical science

Master’s degree in geology or related field

Doctorate degree in geology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Spatial databases

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/05/2026

Application Deadline: 10/19/2026

Agency: Department of Geology and Mineral Industries

Salary Range: $6,276 - $9,644

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Mineral System Geoscientist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) | Limited Duration

Compensation

• Salary: $6,276 - $9,644 Monthly (based on education and experience)
• Differentials:
  • Special Licensure: Those holding an Oregon Registered Geologist certification* earn 5% above base rate

As a Mineral System Geoscientist,you will conduct research related to complex high-profile federally funded critical minerals research projects Including initiating projects, engaging with collaborators, managing and tracking grant progress, interpreting complex geoscientific datasets, complete project deliverables and in cooperation with the DOGAMI business office, and complete all related grant financial reporting. This work includes digital mapping and spatial database development and management as well as providing consultation technical guidance to supervisors, peers, project staff and public. As part of the Oregon Resilience Plan, this position advances resiliency through innovative communication techniques and technologies to inform the public and groups of Oregon’s unique and complex geology and geologic hazards.

Review the full position description, duties and working conditions here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science (At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities) AND A Bachelor's degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience; OR
• A Master's degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science AND two years professional experience in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science; OR
• A Doctorate degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science AND one-year professional experience in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science.

NOTE: If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, a photocopy of transcripts will be requested prior to hire.

Special Qualifications and Compensation Note

*Licensed Geologist: A 5% salary differential will be added to posted compensation for a candidate with licensure as a Registered Geologist or Certified Engineering Geologist in Oregon.

Desired Attributes

• Advanced to expert knowledge of geology and geochemistry.
• Knowledge of clay mineralogy, elemental analysis and methods of elemental analysis, building elements to mineral models, lithium chemistry and lake chemistry.
• Experience in log to core and core to log interpretation, outcrop to core correlation and sedimentology.
• Experience in manipulating and interpreting regional geophysical datasets including airborne magnetic and radiometric data.
• Demonstrated successand advanced knowledge of project management and project management principles.
• Advanced knowledge of geographic information systems, experience using GIS applications, such as ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Suite.
• Knowledge of vertical and horizontal datum, mapping projections and geographic coordinate systems.
• Ability to present material to technical, interested parties and public audiences by clearly communicating controversial and complex scientific information in a constructive and helpful manner.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

This 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, and a competitive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Live, work, and play in Portland, Oregon.
• Offering hybrid work schedule! Some in-office work will be required, approximately 1 day per week. The successful candidate will work a combination of in-office, in-field and remote work.

Additional Details

• 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.
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage How to Set Job Alerts Workday Applicant FAQ What You Need to Know to Get the Job