Natural Resource Specialist - Data Management - Geologic Materials Center; PCN -N26001

Natural Resource Specialist 1

Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, recruiting for a Natural Resource Specialist 1 position at the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

• Scanning and digitization of 20+ pallets of un-curated federal paperwork, scientific studies, and geologic survey data.
• Digitization of 1,500 aging 9-track mainframe tapes with endangered seismic data, scientific analyses, and other computer records.
• Development of data transfer processes for the computer records, which may vary between platforms.
• Curation and organization of the collection to ensure the collection can be utilized by the public and researchers, and to avoid duplication of records digitization.
• Develop and write a digitization guide that includes detailed walkthroughs of the mainframe data salvage process.

The DGGS mission is to determine the potential of Alaska land for the production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources, the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction material, and the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures. The Geologic Materials Center connects the state's largest geologic collections to research, industry and education communities for the purposes of greater geologic understanding, increased awareness of economic opportunities, and to stimulate public interest and understanding in Alaska's geologic history.

This position directly facilitates the success of Alaska’s geologic database, ranked first among U.S. states by the Fraser Institute in 2024.

The Natural Resource Specialist I will help to build the GMC's Archival Program. This is an opportunity to help build a program from ground level and develop archival approaches that can be emulated at other federal and state archives around the country. The project will interface with other federal and state programs, including the National Archives and Records Administration, and can help build connections and open career development opportunities.

DGGS offers ample opportunities for on-the-job training, a flexible work schedule, and the opportunity to partner with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work and the mission of the division. Staff are encouraged to learn and grow through work activities, from each other’s experiences, and via structured training in technical/science topics.

The GMC is a 100,000 sq. ft. facility containing nearly 6.0 million lbs. of rock samples from across the State of Alaska for geologic research and education. The workday focuses on scanning and digitizing aging federal records from historical operations on the Alaska North Slope and in Cook Inlet. You will work closely with the program lead, along with several members of the IT staff to develop and refine tape and paper digitization methods.

DGGS maintains a collaborative work environment where staff regularly provide input and guidance on projects across the division. Most of this work will be located in our archival recovery room at the GMC, with some work in the office area at the front of the building. Our offices in East Anchorage offer convenient access to citywide bike trails and walking access to outdoor parks and food vendors.

• Data Management:
  Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data archiving, data disposal, and data standardization processes.
• Research:
  Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
• Computer Forensics:
  Knowledge of tools and techniques used in data recovery and preservation of electronic evidence.

• Analytical Thinking/Problem…