| Location | Fairbanks, AK |
Geologist 2 - Volcanology (PCN 10-2061)
Salary
$2,607.75 Biweekly
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
55909
Department
Natural Resources
Division
Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Opening Date
10/30/2026
Closing Date
11/9/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To
Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit
General Government
Range
17
Job Description
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, is recruiting for a Geologist 2 to join its Volcanology Section in Fairbanks.
This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
What You Will Be Doing:
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) conducts monitoring and scientific investigations of Alaska's 80+ geologically active volcanoes. AVO responds to 2 volcanic eruptions each year on average, requiring our team of dedicated staff to work closely to ensure all aspects of the Observatory run smoothly. As a partner agency of AVO, the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a full-time, permanent Geologist 2 to join the geology staff in Fairbanks or Anchorage. Core responsibilities include:
Mission and Values/Culture:
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) exists to protect lives and property by monitoring Alaskas active volcanoes, providing hazard assessments, and conducting scientific investigations. We value team members with clear communication skills, a strong sense of scientific integrity, and a sense of service who are willing to work together to provide timely and accurate information to the public and decision-makers during volcanic unrest and to support scientific investigations of Alaska's volcanoes. The Volcanology Program resides within the Geologic Hazards section at DGGS alongside Landslide, Coastal, Climate and Cryosphere, Geological Health, and Earthquake & Tsunami Hazard Programs and is also part of the multi-agency Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
DGGS offers ample opportunity for a flexible work schedule and partnership with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work and the mission of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each others experiences, and via structured training in technical/science topics (e.g., ArcPro, geospatial processing techniques). The incumbent will bring their expertise to a highly skilled and dedicated team of volcanologists, geophysicists, programmers, and technicians to improve AVO's ability to provide advance warning of volcanic activity and better understand volcanic processes. On-the-job training will be provided in specific technical aspects of AVO's research methods, database development, and monitoring operations.
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
This volcanology Geologist 2 position is located at the DGGS office in Fairbanks, with potential hybrid telework in-state only. The daily work environment consists of database-focused desk work, with limited opportunities for field work to study Alaska volcanoes. DGGS staff effectively use telecommunications resources to work across geographic boundaries with DGGS and USGS colleagues and a diverse range of collaborators and stakeholders across the state; the Geologic Hazards section is a dynamic, positive learning environment that not only supports teamwork and collaboration. but also supports autonomous work.
We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelors degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.
AND
One year of entry professional level experience in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering. This experience is met by service as a Geologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitution:
A bachelors degree from an accredited college in any science major, which includes the completion of 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in the above geoscience fields and 24 additional semester hours (36 quarter hours) of course work in natural sciences, may substitute for the education requirement.
Equivalent combinations of professional experience and graduate level education in the geoscience fields described above are acceptable and will be considered as follows: 24 graduate semester hours=one full year of graduate education=one full year of professional experience.
Additional Required Information
Please read the information below carefully.
At the time of application, the applicant must attach the following items as individual documents; failure to provide the requested documentation may result in non-consideration. If you cannot attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below. Required documents include:
If invited to interview, please bring the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:
SPECIAL NOTICES
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions for applying are available on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage. We must receive your application by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position. The letter should be two to three paragraphs (no longer than one page) and address your knowledge and experience related to the following required skills
All of these skills must be documented in your cover letter and applicant profile. If you dont have experience with one or more of the abilities listed, please say so in your required cover letter.
Your cover letter will serve as a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online; if you cannot attach it, fax or email it to the contact number below.
Supplemental Questions
For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. The State of Alaska (SOA) uses four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant's competence in applying specific behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You must rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions.
Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not yet obtained a degree, please indicate the units you have completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If using this education to meet minimum qualification requirements, you must demonstrate that the credentials have been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in standard U.S. education programs. Alternatively, an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution must report that the other institutions transcript is given full value or that full value is recognized in relevant subject areas aligned with the post-secondary institutions curricula. You must provide this evidence when applying.
Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and whether the minimum qualifications are met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume does not substitute for completing the application in full. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please indicate the union to which you belong at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.
Firearms
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
Driver's License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid drivers license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.
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 (907) 465-4095 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.
Contact Information
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure that your email address is correct on your application and that your spam filter will permit emails from the governmentjobs.com domain.
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance
Please direct questions about application submission or system errors to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. You may also email requests for information to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For password assistance, please visit the password reset page.
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Scott Crass
Volcanology Program Manager
FAX: 907-451-5050
Phone: 907-451-5033
Email: scott.crass@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
01
Do you have a valid drivers license?
02
Please rate your level of proficiency in 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.
03
Please rate your level of proficiency in Database Management Systems: Knowledge of the uses of database management systems and software to control the organization, storage, retrieval, security, and integrity of data.
04
Please rate your level of proficiency in Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
05
Please rate your level of proficiency in 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.
06
Please rate your level of proficiency in Public Service Motivation: Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
Required Question
Employer State of Alaska
Address PO Box 110201
Juneau, Alaska, 99811
Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)
Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/