Geologist ; PCN

Geologist 2 (PCN 10-1870) in Fairbanks, AK |  page has loaded.

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.

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 hardrock 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

Mission and Values/Culture:

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.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

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.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This position is based at the DNR Northern Regional Office (NRO) in Fairbanks, a beautiful Interior Alaska city that serves as the region's economic and transportation hub, 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.

• 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.
• Mining Engineering:
  Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to rock mechanics; the exploration, excavation, extraction, processing and transporting of mineral…