Western North Dakota contains extensive outcrops of Cretaceous through Miocene sedimentary rock, including Paleocene through Early Eocene lignite-bearing strata. Some lignites have recently been identified as having potentially economic concentrations of the rare earth elements, gallium, germanium, and other critical minerals. The successful candidate will work with a three-person team to better understand the depositional environments of this strata and its post-depositional diagenetic, pedogenic, and erosional history as it relates to controls on critical mineral enrichment. The candidate’s duties will also involve detailed mapping to delineate the extent of these formations at the surface.

Duties will involve fieldwork during the regular field season (typically May - November) with the critical minerals team or individually performing one or more of these activities: measuring geologic sections, collecting rock samples for analysis, interpreting geochemical data, utilizing drones to capture imagery, surface mapping geologic units, and logging samples from drilling projects. The individual will publish reports and maps pertaining to strata of economic importance to North Dakota using both field-based and desktop mapping methods along with the interpretation of aerial imagery.

What can we offer you?

• Stability and a consistent work schedule.
• Work routine varies daily and can be self-directed.
• Steady work in a safe, smaller community.
• Your own office in an office building built in 2001.
• An opportunity to work independently and autonomously on projects of importance to industry

and state government.

• Professional development opportunities including attending and presenting at national scientific

meetings, workshops, etc.

• Ten paid State Holidays along with a generous vacation, sick leave, and executive time plan.
• Excellent Health Insurance (Full Premium Paid, PPO or HDHP options).
• Pension and supplemental retirement plans.

• Master's degree in geology, preference given for experience in surface mapping in sedimentary

environments.

• Experience with the characterization and description of sedimentary rocks and sediments in

outcrop.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• GIS mapping.
• The ability to represent the Geological Survey to the public, industry, and other agencies.
• The physical ability and stamina to perform fieldwork that at times requires scaling steep slopes

and occasionally hiking up to a mile or two with rock samples in a backpack.

• A valid driver’s license.

Experience with and knowledge of:

• Geochemistry and mineralogy of sedimentary systems.
• Paleosols and chemical weathering of rocks and sediment.
• Aerial and satellite imagery interpretation.
• Shallow drilling or augering.
• Professional presentations to informed audiences.
• Technical writing for publications.

"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.

Total Rewards: 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.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

• Submit the online application including cover letter, resume, three employment or educational references, and copies of unofficial college transcripts in one PDF. Applications will only be accepted online through the ND PeopleSoft System.
• State of ND employees should access the announcement and application by signing into their ND PeopleSoft account, clicking on “my Career,”

and selecting “Careers” in the drop-down menu.

• Applicants who are not employees of the State of North Dakota can access the announcement and application by visiting:

https://www.cnd.nd.gov/psp/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11000.

• Paper submissions will not be accepted.
• Application materials must be received at the ND Department of Mineral Resources by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the closing date.
• Applicants who are residents of North Dakota and eligible to claim veteran’s preference must include a clear copy of DD Form 214.
• Claims for disabled veteran’s preference must also include a current statement of disabled status from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Contact Jeanette Bean, Human Resources at 701-328-7608 for more information or assistance in the application or interview process.
• ND Relay Number 1-800-366-6888

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. § 23-12-10.