Engineering a world of possibilities

The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) is hiring for a Geologic Mapping Program Manager for the STATEMAP program.

Primary duties include writing proposals; generating and tracking budgets; developing and maintaining workflows; conducting field reviews and reviewing geologic maps, data and associated products; hiring and training staff; following CGS budgetary, purchasing, and safety protocols; and working and negotiating with private landowners, as well as federal, tribal, state, and local administrators.  The position may also perform geologic field mapping, collect geologic field data, prepare geologic maps, examine deposits for their mineral resource and geologic hazard potential, and contribute to and publish geologic maps and reports.  Travel to areas throughout Colorado and occasional travel to neighboring states will be required.

The successful candidate will be responsible for completing and administering the annual STATEMAP grant proposal that funds geologic mapping projects in Colorado over a one- to three-year timeframe. This grant program is an integral part of the CGS and either partly or fully funds several full-time and part-time positions within CGS, including a portion of the geologic mapping program manager position.  The program manager will also coordinate the annual meeting of the Colorado Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee (GMAC) which consists of members from academia, government, private industry, consultants, and tribal liaisons.  This annual meeting will set the near- and long-term mapping priorities for Colorado. The manager will be responsible for filling vacancies on this committee. In addition, the position may also be required to provide input into other mineral resource and geologic mapping grants, hire staff, and manage the mapping portions of these grants.

Overseeing and critiquing the work of entry- to senior-level mapping staff is required. Outstanding geologic mapping, communication, and organizational skills are necessary to be successful in this position.  The position requires an individual that is forward-thinking, nimble, patient, and can operate independently.  Position will be classified as either a Geologist III or Geologist IV depending on level of experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:

MANAGE GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM (60%)

• Under consultation with the State Geologist, direct the overall operations and strategic direction of the geologic mapping program.
• Prepare and submit the annual STATEMAP grant proposal to secure funding for geologic mapping projects. This includes developing a comprehensive budget for the proposal that conforms to USGS guidance criteria while adhering to the budgetary guidelines and purchasing procedures set by CGS and Mines.
• Manage the administration of the grant, ensuring compliance with all requirements including meeting the grant deadlines and providing required deliverables.
• Monitor and track expenditures to ensure alignment with financial plans and budgets.
• Create and implement efficient workflows for geologic mapping processes with a focus on improving productivity, meeting deadlines, and mapping accuracy.
• Evaluate geologic maps and related data for accuracy and quality. Ensure all products meet the required standards and specifications.
• Work with mapping staff to determine proper age-dating or analytical techniques for sediment and rock samples.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on geologic mapping techniques and protocols. Staff skills range from entry to senior level. Work with the staff in the field to ensure proper mapping procedures that result in a high-quality, defensible product.
• Mentor and support staff to enhance their geologic mapping skills and geologic knowledge.
• Hire mapping staff or contractors as needed.
• Lead monthly geologic mapping staff progress meetings and lead yearly mapping season kickoff meeting.
• Work closely with CGS GIS contractors to assure maps are on-track and ready for deliverable submission.
• Purchase and track mapping-related equipment.
• Supervise temporary staff by approving timesheets and leave requests, develop yearly performance plans and conduct performance reviews.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with private landowners, as well as federal, tribal, state, and local administrators.
• Negotiate agreements and resolve conflicts with various stakeholders. Obtain signatures on legal agreements in conjunction with stakeholders and Mines legal team.
• Coordinate and organize the Annual Meeting of the Colorado Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee (GMAC).  Engage with committee members from academia, government, private industry, consultants, and tribal liaisons. Identify and recruit qualified individuals to fill vacancies on the GMAC committee, ensuring a diverse and representative committee composition.
• Collaborate with GMAC to establish the strategic priorities for geologic mapping in Colorado.
• Sit on various state and local committees and attend and present at state, regional, and national meetings.

GEOLOGIC FIELD MAPPING AND MAP PRODUCTION (30%)

• Performs geologic field mapping in a variety of rock, sediment, and structural types typical of the Rocky Mountain region at various mapping scales (typically 1:24,000).
• Analyzes and compiles geologic, geologic hazard, mineral and water resources data into a GIS framework for publication as digital data files and written reports. 
• Contact property landowners for permission to access private lands for mapping purposes.
• Most of this responsibility will require travel associated with fieldwork.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT (10%)

• Office duties and administrative tasks as assigned. This may include attending meetings, conferences, and other functions essential to the programs and CGS and Mines.

JOB DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• May be required to work in a variety of geographic terrains, covering a broad range of elevations that may include high-elevation (>10,000 feet) mountainous areas and 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.

  
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in Geology or Earth Science is required and minimum of 7 years of experience performing geologic field mapping and 5 years managing scientific programs and staff.

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

• Prior experience mapping 1:24,000-scale quadrangles in a variety of rock/sediment types.
• Publications that include citable geologic maps and reports.
• Prior experience generating successful proposals and budgets and program-level administration.
• Advanced working knowledge of ArcGIS/ArcPro and mapping software packages.
• Working knowledge of a variety of age-dating and analytical techniques for geologic samples.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to train staff in geologic mapping field techniques. This should include sample collection, collecting structural information with a compass or other means, determining location of geologic contacts, writing geologic unit descriptions, and interpreting geologic landforms/units in the field with the aid of lidar or other remotely sensed data.
• Willingness to spend extended periods of time in the field with staff and students to review and discuss geologic mapping projects.
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts and provide solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience administering geologic mapping programs for State or Federal geological surveys.
• Understanding of the geology and geologic history of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
• Prior experience with GeMS metadata standards.
• Prior experience participating in and leading team meetings.
• Prior experience creating compilation geologic maps from new and existing data.

About Mines & Golden, CO 

 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

 

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

 

Look to Mines. 

 

Equal Opportunity 

 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse 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 inequity or concerns for safety. 

 

Annual Rate and Benefits 

 

Geologist III - $76,000 - $85,000

Geologist IV - $80,600 - $100,000

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for this full-time position!

 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

 

How to Apply

 

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible. For full consideration, applications should be received by September 30, 2024.

 

Applications must include: 1) a cover letter addressing the position attributes above and 2) curriculum vitae or resume

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

 

A Background check will be required upon offer.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting