Chief Geologist/Division Director
Apply NowCompany: State of Alaska
Location: Fairbanks, AK 99709
Description:
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Fairbanks, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 49290
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: Exempt
Range: 27
Job Description
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is recruiting for the role of State Geologist and Director of the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS)
The Director is a critical part of the Department's executive leadership team and responsible for a team of over 50 geologists and professional staff, with a mission to characterize the resources and geologic features of the United States' most vast and geologically complex state. It is a job for a passionate geologist, capable administrator, and dynamic leader who wants to serve Alaska and Alaskans with their skills and knowledge.
The Director guides development of a program of applied geoscience projects that advances the State's high priority needs for geologic information. The position is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and manages the majority of the Division staff located there, with additional facilities in Anchorage and seasonal field camps around the State. The successful candidate will manage the Division's overall program of research, analysis, and information distribution and will also provide strategic advice and support to the Commissioner of the Department consistent with the mission of the Division and the best interests of the State of Alaska.
Duties will include directly supervising division leadership and leading a full-time staff of geologists, natural resource specialists, administrative personnel, and IT professionals, and a part-time staff of undergraduate and graduate student interns. The current Division Org Chart can be found
The Director coordinates communication with Department leadership, other divisions and departments of state government, and with Federal partners, including the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Director communicates the relevance of the Division's applied research to the State Legislature and program priorities to the Alaska Congressional delegation. Required capabilities include:
The work environment is open and collegial, allowing for collaboration and coordination with the entire DGGS staff. The position works a professional work week and may occasionally participate in fieldwork. State and national travel is required to support the Division's mission. Work is carried out primarily in an office setting with extensive use of a personal computer.
For individuals interested in applying:
This position is fully exempt but enrolls in State of Alaska retirement and health insurance benefits. Required experience includes professional application of an advanced degree in the geological sciences and managerial experience overseeing teams of geologists with diverse academic backgrounds and skill sets.
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume and, if applicable, curriculum vitae to the hiring manager below. The resume must include three professional references with contact information. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be authorized to work in the United States.
For more information visit the Division's website (). Inquiries about the duties, requirements, and compensation associated with the position should be directed to Deputy Commissioner John Crowther at the email address below.
Minimum Qualifications
This is an exempt position - see specific job posting for additional information.
Additional Required Information
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, please 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
For application, please submit the following:
A concise, professionally formatted cover letter, addressed to Deputy Commissioner John Crowther, focused on your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the requirements of the position noted above;
A resume with complete job history, including the names and current telephone numbers of previous employers; and
A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information.
Send your application package to the DNR HR Recruitment section at
If you have questions about the position, please contact Deputy Commissioner John Crowther at the same email address above.
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 (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance BenefitsThe 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 for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
Location : Fairbanks, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 49290
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: Exempt
Range: 27
Job Description
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is recruiting for the role of State Geologist and Director of the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS)
The Director is a critical part of the Department's executive leadership team and responsible for a team of over 50 geologists and professional staff, with a mission to characterize the resources and geologic features of the United States' most vast and geologically complex state. It is a job for a passionate geologist, capable administrator, and dynamic leader who wants to serve Alaska and Alaskans with their skills and knowledge.
The Director guides development of a program of applied geoscience projects that advances the State's high priority needs for geologic information. The position is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and manages the majority of the Division staff located there, with additional facilities in Anchorage and seasonal field camps around the State. The successful candidate will manage the Division's overall program of research, analysis, and information distribution and will also provide strategic advice and support to the Commissioner of the Department consistent with the mission of the Division and the best interests of the State of Alaska.
Duties will include directly supervising division leadership and leading a full-time staff of geologists, natural resource specialists, administrative personnel, and IT professionals, and a part-time staff of undergraduate and graduate student interns. The current Division Org Chart can be found
The Director coordinates communication with Department leadership, other divisions and departments of state government, and with Federal partners, including the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Director communicates the relevance of the Division's applied research to the State Legislature and program priorities to the Alaska Congressional delegation. Required capabilities include:
- Strong team-building
- Leadership
- Change management
- Communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement complex, multidisciplinary geologic programs
The work environment is open and collegial, allowing for collaboration and coordination with the entire DGGS staff. The position works a professional work week and may occasionally participate in fieldwork. State and national travel is required to support the Division's mission. Work is carried out primarily in an office setting with extensive use of a personal computer.
For individuals interested in applying:
This position is fully exempt but enrolls in State of Alaska retirement and health insurance benefits. Required experience includes professional application of an advanced degree in the geological sciences and managerial experience overseeing teams of geologists with diverse academic backgrounds and skill sets.
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume and, if applicable, curriculum vitae to the hiring manager below. The resume must include three professional references with contact information. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be authorized to work in the United States.
For more information visit the Division's website (). Inquiries about the duties, requirements, and compensation associated with the position should be directed to Deputy Commissioner John Crowther at the email address below.
Minimum Qualifications
This is an exempt position - see specific job posting for additional information.
Additional Required Information
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, please 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
For application, please submit the following:
A concise, professionally formatted cover letter, addressed to Deputy Commissioner John Crowther, focused on your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the requirements of the position noted above;
A resume with complete job history, including the names and current telephone numbers of previous employers; and
A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information.
Send your application package to the DNR HR Recruitment section at
If you have questions about the position, please contact Deputy Commissioner John Crowther at the same email address above.
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 (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
- Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
Optional Insurance Benefits
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
Retirement Benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year