Research Scientist 1

State of Minnesota; Hibbing (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources in Hibbing seeks a Research Scientist 1 to organize, digitize, and develop databases for the agency's historical mineral collections, ensuring accessibility and long-term preservation for researchers.

The role applies advanced GIS techniques to georeference maps, digitize borehole locations and study areas, and convert historical data such as assays into well-structured digital databases with maintained attribute tables; you will also

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences or closely related field with geology courses.
• Knowledge of GIS and mineral exploration technology.
• Ability to organize and maintain data in databases and geospatial databases.

Responsibilities

• Organize, digitize, and develop databases for historical collections.
• Georeference maps and digitize borehole data using ArcGIS.
• Convert historical data into usable digital datasets and maintain related tables.
• Perform special assignments from supervisor as needed.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Data collaboration with agencies

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences/Geology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Geographic Information Systems software

Job description

Working Title: Research Scientist 1

Job Class: Research Scientist 1

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 97587

• Location : Hibbing

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 10/09/2026

• Closing Date : 10/29/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Lands and Minerals

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• End Date : 12/31/2027

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis. During the initial training period, the selected candidate will need to report to the office.

This position will help organize, digitize, and develop databases that improve the accessibility and ease of use for the DNR’s historical collections. Responsibilities include:

1. Apply expertise to help organize and curate documents related to historical mineral exploration (e.g., maps, cross-sections, correspondence, reports, and data). Documents exist primarily on paper and mylar and need to be made digitally useable and searchable.

2. Apply knowledge of geographic information systems to georeference maps, digitize borehole locations and study areas, and maintain relationships between different datasets using ArcGIS software.

3. Apply geological expertise to help organize and return drill core-related materials and convert historical data (e.g., assays) which exist primarily on paper and mylar into useable, digital databases, ensuring relevant data tables are maintained and updated.

4. Perform special assignments from your supervisor as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, or closely related field, including courses such as mineralogy, petrology, glacial geology, field methods, structural geology, and sedimentology/stratigraphy.

• Knowledge of technology involved in mineral exploration, development, and the mining of minerals.

• Knowledge of the economic geology and petrology of the Precambrian rocks of Minnesota.

• Database knowledge sufficient to organize, validate, and maintain data generated from projects in databases and geospatial databases.

• Ability to use geographic information systems (GIS) software sufficient to georeference maps with an appropriate coordinate system, digitize point, line, and polygons, and create, manage, and modify associated attribute tables.

• Human relations skills sufficient to collaborate with private companies and other agencies of government.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, or closely related field including courses such as mineralogy, petrology, glacial geology, field geology, structural geology, economic geology, and sedimentology/stratigraphy.

• Experience developing and conducting geologic research and fieldwork.

• Ability to understand how various geophysical and geochemical methods are used in mineral exploration and research.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.