Geologist 2

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of

Mining, Land & Water,

is recruiting for a

Geologist 2 in Fairbanks.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our

residency definition

to determine if you qualify.

As a journey-level Geologist 2, you will apply your professional geoscience and mining engineering expertise to permit, monitor, and inspect suction dredging, placer mining, and hard rock exploration operations across Alaska while administering applicable state mining laws. You will review Applications for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) using your knowledge of state regulations, geology, and mining practices, establish permit stipulations relative to individual mines, and carry out duties related to the issuance of permits.

You will assist operators in developing complete mine plan of operations applications for submission, reclaiming disturbed lands, and interpreting geological, geochemical, and geophysical data. You will independently plan and conduct field inspections, map mine sites using GPS and GIS tools, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare inspection reports. You will also provide technical information to the public and agencies on mining laws, land status, reclamation standards, and mineral resources.

Our team helps carry out the Department of Natural Resources’ mission to manage Alaska's lands, waters, and minerals for the benefit of current and future Alaskans, while supporting a strong, sustainable economy. We value responsible resource development that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and respect for Alaska's communities. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and public service, reflected in sound, transparent decision‑making and efficient permitting processes.

This position is housed within the Mining Section, which offers an extremely supportive, positive, and collaborative work environment. The successful applicant will have access to training and travel opportunities, as well as advancement opportunities within the Division/Department. The work is both intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding, with frequent opportunities to solve complex, real‑world problems. Employees work extensively with the mining industry, the public, and other agencies to support the responsible development of Alaska's mineral resources, contributing directly to the state's long‑term economic health.

This position is based at the DNR Northern Regional Office (NRO) in Fairbanks, a beautiful Interior Alaska city, that serves as the economic and transportation hub of the region, with an international airport and the University of Alaska Fairbanks nearby. The NRO campus offers a charming, wooded setting with convenient access to shopping and restaurants, and Fairbanks provides extensive year‑round outdoor recreation opportunities- including hiking, wildlife viewing, river trips, winter sports, and world‑class aurora viewing- amid striking natural scenery and a rich mining history.

This role provides a strong balance between office‑based work and fieldwork/travel for inspections, site visits, and studies, with remote fieldwork travel expected across the state.

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

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.

Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to rock mechanics; the exploration, excavation, extraction, processing, and transporting of mineral resources; and the conservation and development of mineral lands, materials, and deposits.

Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria, and the ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders.