Geologist

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Colorado Geological Survey is seeking a qualified candidate to perform geologic field mapping, collect geologic field data, prepare and create geologic maps, examine deposits for their mineral resource and geologic hazard potential, and contribute to and publish geologic maps and reports.

Travel to conduct field work at remote sites will be required. The successful candidate will have a focus on field geologic mapping.

Responsibilities:

Geologic FIELD MAPPING AND MAP PRODUCTION (95%)

• Under the direction of Geologic Mapping Program Supervisor, performs geologic field mapping in a variety of geologic terranes and compiles geologic field information for publication in GIS and written reports. Analyzes geologic, geologic hazard, mineral and water resources data, and publishes maps and reports for the public, and federal, state, and local governments. Most of this responsibility will require travel associated with fieldwork activities.
• Contact property landowners for permission to access private lands for mapping purposes. This duty may require answering technical and consumer-related inquiries from government agencies, private-industry, and the general public, involving matters of geologic expertise.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with Colorado Geological Survey statutes and programs, under the supervision of a senior geologist.

Physical Requirements:

• Will be required to drive several miles to field sites.
• Will be required to hike several miles in mountainous terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Will be required to use rock hammers, shovels, and other hand-operated field equipment.
• May be required to carry heavy backpacks, samples, equipment, and other items.

Minimal Level of Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in Geology or Earth Science and at least 5 years of experience performing geologic field mapping is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

• Prior experience performing geological mapping in Colorado at 1:24,000-scale.
• Prior experience integrating lidar datasets with geological mapping
• Advanced working knowledge of ArcGIS software for mapping, database management/compilation, Microsoft Office, field tablets and field data collection software (Avenza, etc)
• Ability to perform field work and travel overnight, if needed.
• Prior experience mapping bedrock and surficial geologic units, identifying geologic hazards and (or) mineral deposits.
• Prior experience writing geologic reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

Desired level of Education and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience performing geologic field mapping and geologic mineral/hazard evaluation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

• Prior experience compiling geologic maps at scales smaller than 1:24,000 in Colorado or in the Rocky Mountains.
• Prior experience with evaluating mineral resources and geologic hazards in the Rocky Mountains.
• Prior experience working with geophysical data to make geological interpretations

• Prior experience mentoring and collaborating with academia and government agencies

• Prior experience evaluating and synthesizing geological data.
• Prior experience with USGS metadata standards.

Hourly Rate 

$35.00 per hour

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

How to Apply 

This posting will close Sunday, August 23, 2026. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at [email protected] with any questions about this opportunity. 

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

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