Frontier Exploration Geologist

Frontier Exploration Geologist

Role Overview

Title: Frontier Exploration Geologist

Hours: Salary (Corporate)

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Schedule: Hybrid

Manager: Frontier Exploration Geologist

Mission – Why we exist and why we need you

Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re using better technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid.

Field data is Zanskar's life blood, and this role turns it into new geothermal discoveries. As a Frontier Exploration Geologist, you will independently drive the discovery of new geothermal resources by identifying and evaluating geologic data, conducting on-site field investigations, and advancing exploration through innovative data analysis.

Outcomes – Problems you’ll solve

You will build conceptual models that synthesize geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data, turning insights into actionable frameworks that guide geothermal prospect development from greenfield identification through drill-ready status. This role carries significant autonomy and is expected to lead field investigations, mentor junior staff, and represent exploration findings to internal and external stakeholders. In your first six months, you will be identifying and evaluating new opportunities, building the datasets and models that move prospects forward, and leading safe, high-quality field execution.

• Identify, acquire, and evaluate potential exploration opportunities through data review, research, and analysis.
• Source, compile, and georeference new datasets (public, legacy, published, and third-party), including scanned maps, well records, and geochemical and geophysical archives, and assess their quality and coverage.
• Build repeatable workflows to gather, clean, and ingest new data, using scripting and automated retrieval where practical, and turn it into interpretations that feed prospect ranking and Zanskar's algorithmic workflows.
• Develop and refine geological and conceptual models to guide prospect ranking and advancement.
• Validate prospects through integrated geologic and geophysical analyses, including field mapping, sampling, and support of geophysical surveys and drilling programs.
• Process, QA/QC, and interpret field and analytical datasets; synthesize results into clear insights for technical teams and algorithmic workflows.
• Lead, mentor, and support technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality field execution.
• Communicate exploration progress, results, and risks; coordinate with internal stakeholders to align activities with project and portfolio objectives.
• Quantify and mitigate exploration risk, identifying alternative scenarios and planning for contingencies.
• Apply scientific principles and existing technologies to improve data collection methods and solve field-based challenges.

Competencies – What we’re looking for

• Geologic Data Analysis and Modeling: You can locate, evaluate, and integrate geologic, geochemical, and geophysical datasets of varying quality into a spatial framework, and turn them into conceptual models that guide prospect ranking and advancement. You are proficient in GIS and make excellent maps and figures.
• Independent Prospect Advancement: You have a track record of independently advancing prospects from reconnaissance through drill-ready status. You are self-motivated, take initiative, learn quickly, and work well with minimum direct supervision.
• Field Execution and Safety: You are committed to the safety of yourself and others, comfortable working in remote settings, and able to lead and mentor technicians to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality fieldwork. You have good mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Communication and Collaboration: You clearly document and present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, and you work effectively with multidisciplinary teams across Platform, Land, Permitting, and Drilling.
• Detail Orientation and Adaptability: You are accurate, organized, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with high integrity and attention to detail.

Experience

• B.S. in Geology, Geophysics, or a closely related Earth science.
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience collecting and/or interpreting geologic datasets (graduate research/thesis work in a relevant area of study may count toward this for M.S. candidates).
• Minimum of 2 years experience working with GIS, with demonstrated proficiency in spatial data analysis and modeling, and excellent map and figure making skills.
• Valid driver's license without any major infractions in the last three years, and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• M.S. in Geology, Geophysics, or related Earth science; 5+ years of exploration experience, preferably in geothermal, mining, or energy resources.
• Experience with geophysical and geochemical data, scripting (Python, SQL, or similar), 3D conceptual geologic modeling software (Leapfrog, Petrel, Move, or similar), and geologic resource assessment for conventional hydrothermal systems.
• OSHA/MSHA/1st Aid/Wilderness safety training.

Physical Requirements

• Work outdoors at remote field sites in varied weather and terrain, at a steady operational tempo.
• Regularly lift, push, pull, and move field equipment up to 50 lbs, including periodic bending and kneeling.
• Travel to field locations up to 20% of the time, including operating vehicles and equipment.
• Navigate remote settings using GPS.
• Primarily office-based computer work, including Google Workspace.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Location and Benefits

• The position is based out of our headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Paid holidays
• 18 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Short and Long Term Disability and Group Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k
• Stock options
• Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.