Geologist 4 - Landslide Hazards Program Manager (PCN 10-2248)

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, is recruiting for a Geologist 4 in Anchorage.

This position is being recruited in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau; the final location will be based on the selected candidate's location.

What You Will Be Doing:  

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a dynamic scientific and operational leader for the division’s landslide hazards research and mapping program. The successful applicant will have significant latitude in developing and implementing the Alaska Landslide Hazards Program to evaluate landslides and related aspects of unstable slopes in Alaska. This program addresses a growing need intensified by climate change, and this position offers a leading role in state-level research on this critical issue.

Specific duties include:

• Develop program and project concepts, goals, objectives, budgets, timelines, and milestones and manage staff time and resources to carry out programmatic goals.  This includes writing proposals to solicit new funding from state, federal, and private industry sources, and proactive coordination, collaboration, and partnerships with state, federal, and other entities.
• Use state-of-practice technology and procedures to identify, map, and evaluate landslides and related features. 
• Write, prepare, and oversee the publication of landslide program technical reports, maps, and peer-reviewed research products, including figures, maps, text, and other necessary materials to create map sheets and reports for publication. 
• Form emergency response team(s) and lead DNR-DGGS geoscientific efforts in the event of a major damaging or deadly landslide. 
• Respond to requests from other state agencies for information, advice, or technical assistance on State actions that may be affected by landslides and related hazards in Alaska. These actions include but are not limited to land disposals, project proposals, permit applications, land-management plans, and advice to the Governor's Office, the DNR Commissioner's Office, and the State Geologist on landslide hazard issues in the state.

Mission and Values/Culture:  

This Geologist 4 position is housed in the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaska land for the production of 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 Landslides Hazard Program resides within the Geologic Hazards section at DGGS alongside Coastal, Climate and Cryosphere, Geological Health, and Earthquake & Tsunami Hazard Programs. The Landslides Hazards Program is dedicated to earth science in the public service and is motivated by the need to incorporate geologic data collection and analysis into decision-making, supporting informed land-use decisions by the government and private sectors. These actions save lives, protect infrastructure, and support development.

Mission and Values/Culture:  

This Geologist 4 position is housed in the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaska land for the production of 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 Landslides Hazard Program resides within the Geologic Hazards section at DGGS alongside Coastal, Climate and Cryosphere, Geological Health, and Earthquake & Tsunami Hazard Programs. The Landslides Hazards Program is dedicated to earth science in the public service and is motivated by the need to incorporate geologic data collection and analysis into decision-making, supporting informed land-use decisions by the government and private sectors. These actions save lives, protect infrastructure and support development.

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 Division. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other's experiences, and via structured training in technical/science topics (e.g., ArcPro, geospatial processing techniques). Geologic hazards work at DGGS is also supported by the Geologic Information Center and the Alaska Geospatial Office. 

The Working Environment You Can Expect:  

This Landslides Hazard Program Manager Geologist 4 position may be located at the DGGS offices in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or possibly State offices and telework from Juneau. The daily work environment consists of research-focused desk work and occasional field work to assess landslides and landslide hazards across Alaska.  DGGS staff effectively use telecommunications resources to work across geographic boundaries with DGGS colleagues and a diverse range of collaborators and stakeholders across the state. The Geologic Hazards section is a dynamic and positive learning environment that not only supports teamwork and collaboration but also supports autonomous work. The position is potentially eligible for a hybrid telework schedule up to half-time, in-state only.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.  

• Scientific Research: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry, including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
• 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.
• Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
• Project Management: Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
• 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.

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Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.
AND
Three years of journey professional 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 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
OR
One year of advanced professional 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 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

OR
A master's 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 journey professional 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 II with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

OR
A doctorate degree from an accredited college in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.

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.

Starting Salaries

Anchorage – $3144.75 biweekly

Fairbanks – $3239.25 biweekly

Juneau – $3302.25 biweekly

Additional Required Information

** Please read the below information carefully. **

At the time of application, the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):

• Cover letter – see instructions below.

At the time of the interview, please ensure that you provide the following materials: 

• Driver’s license.
• Three professional references.
• Transcripts.
• Copies of peer-reviewed published papers and geologic maps.
• Firearms certification form – Link to form.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• This position will require travel within the state (typically 2-4 trips of 10 days or less per year, usually in spring, summer, and fall). Travel may include short-notice emergency response to major landslide events within the state.
• Requires occasional lifting and carrying a pack of up to 50 lbs.
• This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition in support of remote field investigations and associated travel.

Application Notice

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.   

Cover Letter

A cover letter is required for this position at the time of application and will serve as a writing sample. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. 

In addition to the Minimum Job Qualifications for a Geologist 4, the following knowledge and skills are REQUIRED for this position: These skills must be documented in your cover letter and applicant profile. If you don't have experience with one or more of the abilities listed, please say so in your required cover letter.

1. Lead-level geotechnical experience evaluating unstable slopes and landslide hazards
2. Program/project management experience from project inception to completion, including successfully establishing and implementing program/project goals, objectives, scope, work plans, budgets, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
3. Demonstrated history of collaboration and leadership
4. Demonstrated ability to write peer-reviewed reports on research results
5. Proven track record of successfully securing grant funding
6. Experience directing the work of others

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you can't attach it, fax or e-mail it to the contact number provided in the job posting.

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 level of competence in applying certain 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 obtained a degree, please indicate the units 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 in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such 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 minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase. 

Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. 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 mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee. 

Multiple Locations

This position is being recruited in Anchorage and Fairbanks; the final location is dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.  

Driver’s License Requirement

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.  

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.

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides 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.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment. 

Contact Information

Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

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

Cheryl Cameron

Geologic Hazards Section Chief

FAX: 907-451-5050

Phone: 907-451-5012

Email: cheryl.cameron@alaska.gov

Salary : $3,145 - $3,302