Subsurface Geologist

About The Wilson M. Laird Core And Sample Library

Situated on the University of North Dakota campus, the library houses one of the finest collections of rock core and drill cuttings in the country, making it a premier source of subsurface data. The facility measures over 51,000 square feet, contains multiple lab spaces for staff and visiting researchers, and stores over 93 miles of core that is heavily focused on the oil and gas producing sedimentary formations of the Williston Basin.

Nov 1, 2026, or agreed upon date.

The selected candidate will study subsurface geologic units in the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin using wireline logs, oil well cuttings, cores, seismic data, and aeromag/gravity data. They are expected to write technical reports for industry, government, and for publication in technical journals. This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to represent the Geological Survey to the public, industry, and other state and federal agencies.

• Master's Degree in Geology, Geophysics, or closely related field.
• Ability to conduct studies and to prepare geologic maps.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.

• A broad background in subsurface geology.
• Prior oil industry-related experience.
• Some combination of:
• Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
• Hard rock/Precambrian basement mapping
• Geophysical Aeromag/Gravity interpretation
• Seismic interpretation
• Geochemistry
• Basin modeling
• Critical minerals, CCS, or H2 knowledge
• Ability to work on a wide range of topics in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of Williston Basin geology.
• Experience describing and interpreting sedimentary rock core.
• Experience with wireline log interpretation.
• Individual should be self-motivated.
• Knowledge of PETRA or related subsurface database and mapping software is desired.
• Familiarity with Python coding is a plus.
• Computer experience with working knowledge of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

• Work in a collaborative team environment with a mix of early career and experienced coworkers.
• Consistent work schedule.
• Ten paid State Holidays.
• Excellent Health Insurance (Full Premium Paid, PPO or HDHP options).
• Participation in State retirement plan.

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.