Geologist Geohazards - Avalanche database; PCN -N25003

What You Will Be Doing

The Climate & Cryosphere Hazards Program (CCHP) within the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) Geohazards Section is seeking a long‑term non‑permanent staff member to synthesize disparate analog and digital historical snow avalanche data into a centralized database that will be used to validate snow avalanche models. The successful candidate will design and implement a sustainable database framework to support data collection, management, and analysis, ensuring that data is well‑organized, accessible, and available for future use.

The candidate will identify and evaluate sources of historical avalanche information across Alaska, engage with stakeholders, collect and compile relevant data, and integrate these records into the database. The task is expected to take about four months.

The division‑wide mission of DGGS 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 Climate & Cryosphere Hazards Program (CCHP) within the Geohazards Section uses a combination of field‑based observations, remote sensing, and modeling to assess, monitor, and predict the impacts of a changing cryosphere on communities, infrastructure, and resources in Alaska.

The current research focus is on snow avalanches, snow variability and distribution, glacier change, and unstable slopes.

The incumbent will work closely with CCHP team members to develop a high‑impact avalanche database that will be widely used by the team, partner organizations, and the public to access and utilize historical avalanche information for the State of Alaska. The successful candidate will bring expertise in snow avalanche science, forecasting networks, data collection and management, and stakeholder engagement. Additional training and support will be provided to ensure success in the role and fulfillment of the position's responsibilities.

This Geologist 2 position is based in the Anchorage DGGS office and offers hybrid telework (with supervisory approval, up to half‑time within the state of Alaska) and flexible scheduling options. The position is primarily research‑oriented, involving database development, data compilation and analysis, and frequent coordination with team members and stakeholders via telecommunications. Occasional in‑person visits to partner organizations and repositories may be necessary to collect historical avalanche records and other non‑digital information.

• Information Management:
  Identify a need for and gather or locate information; organize and maintain information or information management systems.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:
  Use a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Stakeholder Management:
  Knowledge of concepts, practices, and techniques to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort.
• Manages and Organizes Information:
  Identify a need; gather, organize, and maintain information; determine its importance and accuracy, and communicate it by a variety of methods.
• Oral and Written Communication:
  Express information effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; make clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listen to others, attend to nonverbal cues, and respond appropriately.

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, engineering geology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• One year of entry‑professional experience in one of the aforementioned fields, equivalent to service as a Geologist 1 with the State of Alaska or another employer.
• Equivalent combinations of…