Geotechnical Services Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Initial Posting Date:

05/13/2026

Application Deadline:

05/28/2026

Agency:

Department of Geology and Mineral Industries

Salary Range:

$6,276 - $9,644

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Geotechnical Services Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Job Description:

Now Hiring, Apply Today! - Geotechnical Services Leader  (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Compensation:

• Salary:  $6,276 - $9,644 Monthly (based on education and experience)

• Differentials:

  • Special Licensure: Those holding an Oregon Registered Geologist certification* earn 5% above base rate

What You’ll Do

As the Geotechnical Services Leader at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), you will build momentum towards shovel-ready geologic carbon sequestration, hydrogen, and geothermal resource projects in Oregon by compiling and synthesizing regional geological, geophysical, and subsurface geologic information.  This role leads complex high-profile, short and long-term applied research investigations in decarbonization geoscience, including geologic carbon sequestration, hydrogen, and geothermal systems characterization.  

Responsibilities include overall management and delivery of geotechnical services, including scientific drilling, with internal teams, external collaborators, project partners, and contractors. You will perform technical review and management of contractor reports, geophysical and petrological data obtained from exploration wells, and project deliverables, track project progress, budgets, schedules, and deliverables, prepare and participate in meetings with technical and non-technical teams, government agencies, contractors, and interested parties, and contribute to project review, reporting, and publication of results.

For a full review of the position description, please click here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND  A Bachelor's degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.

Equivalency Notes:

A Master's degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

A Doctorate degree in geology, geomorphology, geography, or closely related physical science will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
 

NOTE: If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, a photocopy of transcripts will be requested prior to hire.

Special Qualifications and Compensation Note:

*Licensed Geologist: The successful candidate must have or obtain their Oregon Registered Geologist certification within one year from the date they are appointed, a 5% salary differential will be added to the posted compensation for this license.

The ideal candidate will possess the following desired skills and attributes:

• Advanced to expert knowledge in planning and execution of geotechnical and geologic design of scientific well drilling with proven experience managing geotechnical projects including, but not limited to, scientific, geothermal, oil and gas drilling.

• Advanced to expert knowledge of decarbonization geoscience including carbon storage, hydrogen, and geothermal systems characterization

• Demonstrated success and advanced knowledge of project management and project management principles, including high-level communication, listening, and inter-personal conflict resolution skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of natural resource management and federal and state regulatory processes.

• Proven experience participating in decision making and cooperative interactions among staff and management.

• Proven experience working with and communicating (verbally and in writing) controversial and complex scientific information constructively and helpfully to technical and non-technical audiences, government agencies, scientific partners and collaborators, contractors, other interested parties, and the public.

• Proven leadership skills acting as an agency representative, experience reviewing technical work and advising staff in a coaching manner.

Application Details and Instructions 

• Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your resume and cover letter.  If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday account.

• This announcement is for one, full-time, exempt,  permanent, Geotechnical Services Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 4) position and may be used to fill future vacancies; Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it is not available for you to view after the job closes. If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact the Recruiter, Nancy Karnas at: nancy.karnas@das.oregon.gov | 971-719-3083.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

This team focuses closely on collaboration to support fellow teammates, while ensuring safety and looking for ways to innovate. Visit the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries website to learn more about us!

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

• Live, work, and play in Portland, Oregon.

• Offering hybrid work schedule! Some in-office work will be required, approximately 1 day per week. The successful candidate will work a combination of in-office, in-field and remote work.

Additional Details

• Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, visit Veterans Resources.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

Helpful Links & Resources 

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | How to Set Job Alerts 

Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job