Geologic Hazards Section Chief (Geologist 5 - PCN 10-2060)

State Geological Survey

Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS)

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is seeking a Section Chief for our Geologic Hazards Section, which currently covers five dynamic programs: coastal, climate & cryosphere, earthquakes & tsunamis, landslides, and geological health (environmental) hazards. This position provides administrative, supervisory, and technical leadership for the section, as well as scientific and operational leadership and oversight through the knowledge of geological processes, focusing on where hazardous events are most likely to occur, assessing their potential impacts on human populations and infrastructure, and determining mitigation strategies. DGGS is a non-regulatory division within Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources that uses applied science  “to determine… the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures” (AS 41.08.020).

DGGS offers ample opportunity for on-the-job training, a flexible work schedule, possible telework, and partnership with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work and the division's mission. DGGS prioritizes a respectful and inclusive workplace. The incumbent in this position is critical to the functioning of the geological survey, as they provide essential support to the section’s program manager/scientists in fulfilling their areas of DGGS’ mission. In turn, the section’s program managers manage multiple projects in their focus areas and are working leads with delegated supervisory duties. The position currently has five direct reports and is the indirect supervisor of 15 additional positions.

This permanent Geologist 5 position may be stationed either in the main DGGS Fairbanks, Alaska office or in Anchorage at the Geologic Materials Center. The successful candidate will:

• Under the guidance of the State Geologist, develop long-term and short-term conceptual plans, goals, objectives, budgets, timelines, and milestones for the section.
• Ensure/manage section staff, fiscal, and technical resources.
• Develop and oversee all section programs, including schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Provide advanced professional competency and leadership in directing and/or performing as a team member in office and field studies to meet section objectives. 
• Respond to section needs and requests from division management, other divisions or agencies, educational institutions, and stakeholders.
• Support program staff and field activities in the event of a geologic disaster and serve as the main point of contact with the State Emergency Operations Center during event response.

In close partnership with program collaborators and stakeholders, the Geologic Hazards Section uses a combination of citizen science, field data, remote sensing, and modeling to assess, monitor, predict, and mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards on communities, infrastructure, and resources in Alaska through education & outreach to the public and timely, actionable guidance to local, state, and federal policymakers.

Please apply at Workplace Alaska: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/newprint/4759507. The recruitment period closes at 5:00 PM AKST on January 13, 2025.

Contact Name

Jennifer Athey

Contact Email

jennifer.athey@alaska.gov