Natural Resource Technician ; PCN -N21053

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, is recruiting for a Natural Resource Technician 2 in Anchorage.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

The successful applicant will join a team at the Geologic Materials Center (GMC) using a core scanning system and other analytical approaches to characterize and digitize GMC samples for public access.

• Assisting with hyperspectral core scanner operation, requiring frequent manual manipulation and positioning of rock core boxes of up to 50 lbs. with the aid of conveyor tables and working with a team to ensure smooth and safe operation of all machinery.
• Preparing samples for analysis by cleaning mud and dirt from rock surfaces, reboxing core, and maintaining up-to-date information in the GMC sample inventory.
• The use of bar scanners and hyperspectral analysis software to log samples and acquire measurements of core.
• The use and routine care of heavy warehouse vehicles to transfer sample boxes from storage racks to the analytical platform or viewing rooms (training provided).
• Light computer work using Microsoft Excel and Word for data entry, data quality assurance, and client communication.

The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaskan land for producing 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 Geological Materials Center connects the state's largest geologic collections to research, industry, and education communities for the purposes of greater geologic understanding, increased awareness of economic opportunities, and to stimulate public interest and understanding in Alaska's geologic history.

This position directly facilitates the success of Alaska’s geological database, ranked first among U.S. states by the Fraser Institute in 2024 (Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies, 2024)

• The Natural Resource Technician II is part of an evolving and dedicated team of geologists and technicians that manages Alaska Geologic Materials Center as a resource for the public.
• Staff works with local to world-wide resource industries, government researchers, and academia studying Alaska’s geologic history.
• The small staff provides opportunities to learn and perform a wide variety of tasks incorporating sample imaging and digitization, data collection, warehouse management, and display of geologic samples to clients.
• Training for certification of operation of warehouse vehicles will be provided.

The GMC is a 100,000 sq. ft. facility contains nearly 6.0 million lbs. of rock samples from across the state of Alaska for geologic research and education. The workday focuses on operation of the core scanning system and supporting tasks including inventory of core scans and sample metadata for addition into the collections database and performing logistical services to organize sample boxes on shelves and maintain a clean and safe warehouse.

Our offices in East Anchorage offer convenient access to citywide bike trails, and walking access to outdoor parks and food vendors.

• 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.
• Attention to Detail:
  Is thorough when…