Subsurface Geologist

North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

State retirement plan

Ten paid State Holidays

Consistent schedule

Job summary

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources seeks a qualified geologist to study subsurface units in the Williston Basin using wireline logs, cores and seismic data at the Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library on the University of North Dakota campus in Grand Forks.

You will write technical reports for industry and government, present findings to public audiences, and collaborate with state and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geology or Geophysics or closely related field.
• Ability to conduct studies and prepare geologic maps.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Study subsurface geologic units in the Williston Basin using logs, cores, seismic data.
• Write technical reports for industry, government and journals.
• Represent the Geological Survey to the public, industry and agencies.

Skills

Geology

Geophysics

Geologic mapping

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Education

Master's degree in Geology or Geophysics

Tools

PETRA

Python

MS Office

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

About The Wilson M. Laird Core And Sample Library

Situated on the University of North Dakota campus, the library houses one of the finest collections of rock core and drill cuttings in the country, making it a premier source of subsurface data. The facility measures over 51,000 square feet, contains multiple lab spaces for staff and visiting researchers, and stores over 93 miles of core that is heavily focused on the oil and gas producing sedimentary formations of the Williston Basin.

Anticipated Start Date: Nov 1, 2026, or agreed upon date.

Summary Of Work

The selected candidate will study subsurface geologic units in the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin using wireline logs, oil well cuttings, cores, seismic data, and aeromag/gravity data. They are expected to write technical reports for industry, government, and for publication in technical journals. This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to represent the Geological Survey to the public, industry, and other state and federal agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Geology, Geophysics, or closely related field.
• Ability to conduct studies and to prepare geologic maps.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• A broad background in subsurface geology.
• Prior oil industry-related experience.
• Some combination of:
  • Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
  • Hard rock/Precambrian basement mapping
  • Geophysical Aeromag/Gravity interpretation
  • Seismic interpretation
  • Geochemistry
  • Basin modeling
  • Critical minerals, CCS, or H2 knowledge
• Ability to work on a wide range of topics in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of Williston Basin geology.
• Experience describing and interpreting sedimentary rock core.
• Experience with wireline log interpretation.
• Individual should be self-motivated.
• Knowledge of PETRA or related subsurface database and mapping software is desired.
• Familiarity with Python coding is a plus.
• Computer experience with working knowledge of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Application Procedures

• Resume.
• Cover letter.
• Unofficial College Transcripts.
• A list of 3 or more professional references with contact information.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

For more information about the position contact: Nathan Wilkens at [e-mail] or 701-328-7652. For accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, please contact Sara Upgren at [e-mail] or 701-328-7608. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 1-800-366-6888.

Agency Specific

• Work in a collaborative team environment with a mix of early career and experienced coworkers.
• Consistent work schedule.
• Ten paid State Holidays.
• Excellent Health Insurance (Full Premium Paid, PPO or HDHP options).
• Participation in State retirement plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.