New

Geologist

University of Wisconsin Madison
life insurance, paid time off, remote work
United States, Wisconsin, Madison
21 North Park Street (Show on map)
Jan 26, 2026
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Jobs Hub to apply through the internal application process. Job Category:Academic Staff Employment Type:Regular Job Profile:Researcher I Job Summary: The Geologist (Researcher I) will provide field and lab support to bedrock and hydrogeology research and mapping teams at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS). Work will involve collection of geological and hydrological data; description of outcrops, rock core, and cuttings; geochemical sampling and analysis of rock core; measurements of stream flow; water quality sampling of surface water and groundwater; GIS analysis; and management and reporting of associated data. The position description represents a general outline of job duties, expectations, responsibilities, and is not intended to be comprehensive in nature. The position is accountable to the State Geologist. Day-to-day activities will be supervised by project Principal Investigators. The position will require travel and overnight stays to perform fieldwork across the state. Statewide Location The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey is located within Madison, WI. Terminal Position The initial period of employment will be 2 years (through Feb 2028), with the possibility to become renewable or be extended contingent upon available funding. Partial Remote This position requires some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). A RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee. This position has the possibility of working up to 2 days remote per the WGNHS remote work policy. Travel Expectations It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization. Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization. Physical Requirements Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions Sitting, standing, and walking over uneven ground will be required Key Job Responsibilities: Develops and implements increasingly complex research methodologies, procedures, and criteria Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding Collects and analyzes increasingly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area Department: Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) is hiring for a Geologist. About Extension UW-Madison's Division of Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts. About the Institute The Extension Natural Resources Institute (https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/) addresses today's critical environmental issues, particularly the sustainable management of food, water, and energy, by using collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches grounded in an understanding of human interactions with resources. We leverage our diverse team of researchers and outreach specialists to provide science-based information and education, embodying the Wisconsin Idea through extensive partnerships. Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that benefit our shared natural resources through a variety of programs. Additional Department Details The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History (WGNHS) established in 1853 conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, and water resources of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public. These activities support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual citizens. The WGNHS is a part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute. Compensation: Well-qualified candidates can anticipate earning between $45,000 - $55,000. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Please review the summary of benefits for more information. Required Qualifications: Ability to gain and maintain UW Driving Authorization Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Ability to independently accomplish detail-oriented work duties Strong verbal and written communication skills, willingness to learn and share knowledge with colleagues, and strong organizational skills Ability to work professionally, courteously, collaboratively, and productively with Survey, university, and agency colleagues and a wide variety of external partners Knowledge and skills to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting field work One or more years of relevant work experience or a Master's degree Demonstrated understanding of the geology and/or hydrogeology of Wisconsin Experience describing sediments and rocks Experience creating geologic maps and cross-sections Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Experience using a scanning electron microscope and/or electron microprobe Education: A Bachelor's degree in Geology or related field Coursework in the fundamentals of sedimentology, petrology, structural geology, or hydrogeology How to Apply: We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents: Resume Letter of Qualifications (cover letter) Please note when applying, there will be only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field. Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background as it relates to this position. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews. For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please click https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. Application Deadline is February 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (CST). Contact Information: Sue Swanson sue.swanson@wisc.edu (608)262-0068 Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website. To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.