Natural Resource Technician 2 (PCN 10-N21053)

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys in Anchorage is recruiting a Natural Resource Technician II to join the Geologic Materials Center.

The role focuses on operating a core scanning system, preparing samples, updating inventory, and logging data using scanners and specialized software. Local Alaska residents are encouraged to apply, with emphasis on teamwork and safety.

Qualifications

• Geology knowledge of Earth's origins and structure.
• Attention to detail in data and handling samples.
• Ability to bend, lift, stand and walk long periods; light to moderately heavy labor.
• Uses computers, software, databases, and automated systems.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hyperspectral core scanner operation, lifting core boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Prepare samples for analysis and maintain GMC sample inventory.
• Use bar scanners and hyperspectral software to log samples and acquire measurements.
• Operate and care for warehouse vehicles for sample transfer (training provided).
• Perform light computer work with Excel and Word for data entry and client communication.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Attention to detail

Physical strength

Computer skills

Analytical thinking

Education

16 semester hours / 24 quarter hours college coursework

Tools

Hyperspectral core scanner

Bar scanners

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, is recruiting for a Natural Resource Technician 2 in Anchorage.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

What You Will Be Doing:

The successful applicant will join a team at the Geologic Materials Center (GMC) using a core scanning system and other analytical approaches to characterize and digitize GMC samples for public access.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with hyperspectral core scanner operation, requiring frequent manual manipulation and positioning of rock core boxes of up to 50 lbs. with the aid of conveyor tables and working with a team to ensure smooth and safe operation of all machinery.
• Preparing samples for analysis by cleaning mud and dirt from rock surfaces, reboxing core, and maintaining up-to-date information in the GMC sample inventory.
• The use of bar scanners and hyperspectral analysis software to log samples and acquire measurements of core.
• The use and routine care of heavy warehouse vehicles to transfer sample boxes from storage racks to the analytical platform or viewing rooms (training provided).
• Light computer work using Microsoft Excel and Word for data entry, data quality assurance, and client communication.

Mission and Values/Culture:

The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaskan land for producing metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources; the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction materials; and the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures (AS 41.08.020). The Geological Materials Center connects the state's largest geologic collections to research, industry, and education communities for the purposes of greater geologic understanding, increased awareness of economic opportunities, and to stimulate public interest and understanding in Alaska's geologic history. This position directly facilitates the success of Alaska’s geological database, ranked first among U.S. states by the Fraser Institute in 2024 (Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies, 2024)

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

The Natural Resource Technician II is part of an evolving and dedicated team of geologists and technicians that manages Alaska Geologic Materials Center as a resource for the public. Staff works with local to world-wide resource industries, government researchers, and academia studying Alaska’s geologic history. The small staff provides opportunities to learn and perform a wide variety of tasks incorporating sample imaging and digitization, data collection, warehouse management, and display of geologic samples to clients. Training for certification of operation of warehouse vehicles will be provided.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

The GMC is a 100,000 sq. ft. facility contains nearly 6.0 million lbs. of rock samples from across the state of Alaska for geologic research and education. The workday focuses on operation of the core scanning system and supporting tasks including inventory of core scans and sample metadata for addition into the collections database and performing logistical services to organize sample boxes on shelves and maintain a clean and safe warehouse. Our offices in East Anchorage offer convenient access to citywide bike trails, and walking access to outdoor parks and food vendors.

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.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Physical Strength and Agility: Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.
• Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• 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.

Six months of experience at the entry level performing technical functions of natural resource management equivalent to a Natural Resource Technician 1, Forest Technician 3 or Environmental Technician 1 with the State of Alaska.

OR
Six months of clerical work experience equivalent to an Office Assistant 2 or Recorder 1 with the State of Alaska.

OR
16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of college course work from an accredited institution.

OR
Any combination of the above where 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours is equivalent to one month of experience.

Special Notices

• Operate forklifts and other machinery (training provided).
• Repetitive lifting and pushing of boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.

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.

For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:

Kurt Johnson

Curator, Geologic Materials Center

Phone:[phone]

Email:[e-mail]