Job Details

Geologist 4 Landslide Hazards Program Manager

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, is recruiting for a Geologist 4 Landslide Hazards Program Manager to be located in either Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska.

Lead Landslide Science in One of the World's Most Dynamic Landscapes

What You Will Be Doing:

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is hiring a Landslide Hazards Program Manager to lead statewide efforts in landslide research, hazard mapping, and public safety. This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing program that addresses the increasing risks of slope instability in a rapidly changing climate.

We're looking for a geoscientist with a strong background in landslide science, innovative mapping and modeling techniques, and leadership skills to manage complex, applied research projects. Your work will directly support public safety, land-use planning, and emergency response across the state. Key responsibilities include designing and managing landslide research projects, writing funding proposals, collaborating with government, academia, and community partners, publishing reports and research, leading DGGS' response to landslide events, and advising state agencies on landslide-related risks and mitigation.

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 Landslide Hazards Program resides within the Geologic Hazards section at DGGS, alongside the Coastal, Climate and Cryosphere, Geological Health, Volcanology, and Earthquake & Tsunami Hazard Programs. The Landslides Hazards Program is dedicated to advancing earth science in the public service and is motivated by the need to incorporate geologic data collection and analysis into decision-making, thereby supporting informed land-use decisions by both the government and private sectors. These actions save lives, protect infrastructure, and support development.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

We offer:

• A flexible, hybrid-friendly work environment (in-state telework eligible up to 50% with supervisor's approval).
• Office location options in Fairbanks or Anchorage.
• Opportunities for professional development and technical training.
• A strong support network, including GIS and data management expertise.
• The chance to lead meaningful, high-impact work in service of Alaska's people and environment.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This position blends research-focused desk work with occasional fieldwork across Alaska. You'll collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders statewide and join a team that values both autonomy and teamwork.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort, including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).

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: $3239.25 3586.50 biweekly

Fairbanks: $3336.75 3693.75 biweekly

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 are 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. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration.

• Driver's license
• Three professional references
• Transcripts (unofficial is fine)
• Copies of peer-reviewed published papers and geologic maps
• Firearms certification form

Special Notices:

• 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.
• This position will require travel within the state (typically 2-4 trips of 10 days or less per year, usually occurring in the 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 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 by submitting a paper application. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage. Your application must be received 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; your cover letter should be no longer than one page and cover all the following skills:

• Lead-level experience evaluating unstable slopes and landslide hazards
• 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
• Demonstrated history of collaboration and leadership
• Demonstrated ability to write technical and peer-reviewed reports on research results
• Proven track record of successfully securing grant funding
• Experience directing the work of others

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. If you lack experience with any of the listed skills, you must explicitly state this in your cover letter.

Supplemental Questions:

For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. The State of Alaska (SOA) utilizes four proficiency levels to measure and describe