Research Scientist 1

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Hibbing (MN); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Hibbing seeks a Research Scientist 1 to organize and digitize historical mineral exploration data, georeference maps with ArcGIS, and convert paper records into searchable digital databases. You will work on geologic materials and assist with special tasks in a dynamic state agency environment.

The role emphasizes data organization, GIS applications, and collaboration with the Lands and Minerals unit, with standard day shift duties in a full-time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, or closely related field (courses such as mineralogy, petrology, gl)

Responsibilities

• Organize and curate documents related to historical mineral exploration (maps, cross-sections, correspondence, reports, data) and digitize for searchable databases.
• Geographic information systems experience to georeference maps, digitize borehole locations, study areas, and maintain relationships between datasets using ArcGIS.
• Apply geological expertise to organize and convert historical data (e.g., assays) into usable digital databases with maintained data tables.
• Perform special assignments from supervisor as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, or closely related field

Job description

Job Class: Research Scientist 1

• Job ID: 97587
• 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: Yes

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: 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:

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