Geophysical Technician at Zanskar in Salt Lake City, UT

Role Overview

Title: Geophysical Technician

Hours: Full-time; Hourly

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Manager: Field Data Acquisition Manager

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 the foundation of every decision we make, from where we explore to where we drill. The Geophysical Technician collects, processes, and delivers the high-quality gravity, magnetic, MT, and seismic data that lets Zanskar find and de-risk new geothermal resources faster and at lower cost.

Outcomes – Problems you’ll solve

Within six months, you will be a trusted member of a field crew, safely and independently carrying out survey operations across the Western United States. You will deliver clean, well-documented datasets that geologists, data scientists, and drilling engineers can use right away. You will also be contributing ideas that make our acquisition and processing workflows more consistent, efficient, and repeatable.

• Plan, execute, and document field geophysical surveys, including gravity, magnetics, MT, and seismic, in line with Zanskar's best practices
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field instruments and equipment to ensure data quality and extend equipment life
• Process and quality-check field data in the field and in the office, and deliver well-organized data products on schedule
• Collaborate with project geologists, data scientists, land team, and drilling engineers to align survey design and deliverables with exploration and drilling decisions
• Maintain safety, productivity, and professionalism during 14-day field rotations in remote desert and mountain environments
• Operate company vehicles safely and manage field logistics, including site access, equipment transport, and daily reporting
• Identify and test improvements to existing acquisition and processing methods and help learn and deploy new methods in house to increase discovery rates
• Contribute to after-action reviews by capturing lessons learned and updating standard operating procedures
• Represent Zanskar respectfully and with integrity in interactions with landowners, partners, and the environment

Competencies – What we’re looking for

• Geoscience aptitude: You have a solid foundation in geology and geothermal system fundamentals and can explain how a gravity, magnetic, MT, or seismic measurement connects to what is happening in the subsurface. Hands-on experience running and analyzing these methods outside the classroom, through research or professional work, is a strong plus.
• Technical aptitude: You are curious and pick up new software, instruments, and methods quickly. You care about operating equipment correctly and safely, and you help turn what works into standard practice for the team.
• Resiliency: You stay safe, productive, and professional through long field days and multi-week rotations in remote, challenging terrain. Give us an example of how you have handled difficult field conditions or setbacks.
• Collaboration and communication: You work well with geologists, data scientists, land team members, and drilling engineers, and you can clearly communicate data status, issues, and results to people with different technical backgrounds.
• Stewardship: You act with respect and integrity, hold yourself and others to high standards, and represent Zanskar well to colleagues, outside stakeholders, and the environment.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geophysics, or a related field
• Experience independently executing and analyzing field methods such as gravity, magnetics, MT, or seismic through professional or research work outside of a classroom (highly desirable)
• Valid driver's license with no major infractions in the last three years
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• OSHA, MSHA, First Aid, or Wilderness safety training; FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
• Experience with software such as Oasis Montaj, Geoscience Analyst, UgCS, Mission Planner, Leapfrog, or open-source equivalents; GIS proficiency with strong map and figure creation skills
• Basic Python coding and data cleaning

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.