RESA III - Geoscience Data and Collections Engineer/Geoscientist

Job Posting Title:

RESA III - Geoscience Data and Collections Engineer/Geoscientist

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Hiring Department:

Bureau of Economic Geology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Resource Center at the Bureau of Economic Geology (Bureau) houses an extensive archive of geologic information dating back to the 1870s. This collection includes print and digital records of geological and geophysical data such as maps, well logs, engineering and geologic reports, photographs, field notes, and samples. Many of these materials are original works by Bureau researchers and other geoscientists who have contributed their collections over the years. In addition, the Bureau houses an extensive core collection comprising more than 2 million boxes of core and other sample materials from various geographic locations across the United States, as well as a few international locations. The collection is maintained at two core facilities located in Austin and Houston.

This position is in-person at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.

Purpose

The Bureau of Economic Geology is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Geoscience Data and Collections Engineer/Geoscientist to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of systems for cataloging and managing the Bureau’s archive collections and physical rock materials (core, cuttings, thin sections and rock samples) and associated well and subsurface data, including paper logs, reports, etc. This role requires a unique combination of geoscience knowledge and data science expertise to support the long-term preservation, accessibility, and usability of one of the largest geologic collections in the world.

Responsibilities

• Process, organize, and describe physical and digital archival collections, including maps, field notes, photographs, unpublished reports, and a wide range of geological and geophysical data types.

• Design and maintain robust digital systems for cataloging and managing geological archive records, samples and associated metadata.

• Collaborate with geoscientists, IT staff, and collection managers to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and scalability.

• Develop and implement workflows for digitizing, tagging, and integrating archive records, paper logs and other analog records.

• Lead efforts to modernize legacy data systems and migrate data to new platforms as needed.

• Ensure compliance with data standards and best practices in geoscience informatics.

• Provide technical support and training to staff and researchers using the collections database.

• Contribute to strategic planning for long-term data stewardship and digital infrastructure.

• Provides research support by facilitating access to archival records for scholars, scientists, and the public, supporting research initiatives, and public engagement with institutional resources.

• Supports Bureau researchers and donors in the submission and integration of new archival records, ensuring accurate documentation and incorporation into the existing archive.

• Collaborates with the Resource Center Manager, Resource Center System Specialist, and researchers to enhance the Bureau’s archival database.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience, Earth Sciences or equivalent with four years of experience and a Master’s degree in Geosciences, Geoinformatics, or Data Science with two years of experience

• Strong understanding of geological sample types and well data (e.g., cores, cuttings, thin sections, and well-logs).

• Experience with database design, data modeling, and data management systems.

• Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL) for data handling and automation.

• Familiarity with GIS, metadata standards, and digital archiving best practices.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Ability to interact with others in a respectful, patient, and friendly manner when working with staff and visitors.

• Occasional travel for work

• The applicant for the job should have a valid Texas driver’s license and a good driving record and should take the UT-mandated online driver training modules to remain authorized to drive Bureau vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Library science training and/or archive experience

• Experience working with geological collections or in a research repository environment.

• Knowledge of cloud-based data storage and management solutions.

• Experience with data visualization tools and dashboards.

• Familiarity with academic or government research environments

Salary Range

$60,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

• Use of manual dexterity

• Climbing of stairs

• Climbing of ladders

• Lifting and moving

• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadline

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information

• Letter of interest

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.