Contract Geologist
- Closing date: Open until filled, applications received before 4/30/24 will receive full consideration
- Agency: Wyoming State Geological Survey
- Location: Laramie, WY
- Pay Rate: $24/hr
- Positions available: 1
The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) is hiring one (1) Contract Geologist position to work with staff geologists to characterize the critical mineral resource potential of the Medicine Bow Mountains in southeastern Wyoming. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resumé, and complete the accompanying job questionnaire. Applicants are highly encouraged to also include an example of their field notes with their application. Applications received before April 30, 2024, will receive full consideration. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The Contract Geologist position is a temporary, limited-term, contract employment opportunity in Laramie, Wyoming. The contract will start in June 2024 (exact date to be determined) and continue for approximately seven months, with the possibility for extension. The initial contract will be for up to 1, 213 total hours, and hours can be flexible to accommodate a student schedule.
This position will work with staff geologists to identify and characterize potential critical mineral occurrences throughout the Medicine Bow Mountains. Duties will include:
- Field work
- Sample cataloging
- Sample processing
- Geochemical and petrographic interpretation
- Managing project databases
- Technical report writing
Knowledge and experience in geological field work, ore deposits, igneous and metamorphic geology, structural geology, petrography, geochronology, use of geographic information systems (GIS), and data management is essential. Successful applicants will be responsible for assisting in populating a sample database and summarizing findings based on project research.
Essential Functions (generalized)
Work with Project Geologists to:
- Research and compile existing geologic data
- Review published literature, maps, site history, and other relevant data
- Georeference, digitize, and plot sample location data using ArcGIS Pro
- Compile and manage field and sample data in spreadsheets and spatial geodatabase
- In the field, conduct sample collection and detailed outcrop characterization using analog and digital data collection techniques and equipment
- Catalog and prepare rock samples for analysis
- Assist with in-house sample analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and optical and petrographic techniques for characterization, identification, and screening purposes
- Compile, summarize, and interpret geochemical results
- Assist with technical report writing and figure production
Preferred knowledge and skills:
- Knowledge of current principles of geology, including igneous and/or metamorphic petrology, structural processes, ore deposits, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrography, geochemistry, and geochronology
- Proficiency in geologic field work, sample/data collections practice, and documentation of geologic units and field observations with detailed field notes
- Experience using and maintaining field equipment (e.g. GPS, Brunton compass, pXRF, etc.)
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote and rugged locations, hiking up to 10 miles a day with a heavy backpack for several consecutive days
- Experience with GIS, specifically ArcGIS Pro, and spatial data management
- Experience with interpretation of thin sections and geochemical analyses
- Competence in scientific and technical writing
Necessary special requirements
The individual hired for this position must be available to work in Laramie, Wyoming, throughout the entirety of the contract, and, as necessary, be available for full-day field travel multiple times each week and extended field travel for up to two weeks at a time.
Preferences
Preference will be given to applicants with a B.S. in Geology and 1-5 years of progressive work experience in geology, with expertise in igneous or metamorphic petrology, ore deposits, and GIS database management.
Please email a cover letter, completed questionnaire, and resumé to tammy.mack@wyo.gov with the subject line “Medicine Bows Application”.
Applications
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonable accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
The announcement and questionnaire are attached, and can also be found online.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Christina–
Christina GeorgeOutreach and Publications, and Technology ManagerWyoming State Geological Surveycell: (307) 703-0761christina.george@wyo.govwww.wsgs.wyo.gov