Contract Exploration Geologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $25.03 - $42.18 Hourly
Location : To Be Determined - TBD, MI
Job Type: Limited Term (position has expiration date)
Job Number: 7601-26-GRMD-019
Department: Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING (SEIU)
Job Description
This position provides EGLE with statewide coverage of the Orphan Well Plugging and Environmental Services program at oil and gas wells and production facilities. This position assists the orphan well program geology specialists with coordinating the Orphan Well Plugging and Environmental Services contracts, provides programmatic technical advice and consultation to staff and vendors, documents orphan work activities, and ensures projects and services are implemented in accordance with the mission of the department. This position is crucial to providing EGLE with statewide oversight of plugging and remediation of abandoned and improperly maintained well sites and facilities that require State action to protect the environment and public health and safety.
Additionally, this position also serves as a district area geologist whose duties include regulation and enforcement of Parts 201, 615, 616, and 625 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) in an assigned geographical area. Utilizing established policies, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations this position will complete inspections, reviews, and enforcement activities for the regulation of oil and gas exploration and production in accordance with Part 615 and 625.
This position may be located at the Bay City or Cadillac District Office.
Position Description
This position is being filled as a limited term assignment (up to 2 years in duration).
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in geology or geological, petroleum or mining engineering.
Experience
Geologist 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Geologist 10
One year of professional experience in carrying out geological activities to protect, develop and maintain natural resources equivalent to a Geologist 9.
Geologist P11
Two years of professional experience in carrying out geological activities to protect, develop and maintain natural resources equivalent to a Geologist, including one year equivalent to a Geologist 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Possession of a bachelor's degree in environmental geoscience, earth science, or environmental science with 15 semester (23 quarter term) credits in the following core geology classes: physical geology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, mineralogy/petrology, structural geology and field instruction. In addition, the candidate must have 21 semester (32 quarter term) credits in elective geology coursework; and two courses each in calculus, chemistry and physics.
Additional Requirements and Information
ABOUT EGLEThe Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's mission is to protect Michigan's environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources.
At the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, we are passionate about protecting human health and Michigan's land, water, and energy resources. We are equally passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful of all our employees and the public we serve. Our unique backgrounds and experiences make us better equipped to equitably deliver impactful environmental outcomes in the interest of all of Michigan's residents.
The State of Michigan offers a competitive benefits package for all career employees that include medical, dental and vision coverage, along with paid parental leave, flexible spending accounts, retirement and much more. Click the following link to learn more.
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and your official college transcripts to your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.
Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
View the class specification at:
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
GEOLGST - Do you possess one of the following?A bachelor's degree or higher in geology or geological, petroleum or mining engineering. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts;OR a bachelor's degree or higher in environmental geoscience, earth science, or environmental science with at least 15 semester (23 quarter term) credits in the following core geology classes: physical geology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, mineralogy/petrology, structural geology and field instruction AND at least 21 semester (32 quarter term) credits in elective geology coursework; AND two courses each in calculus, chemistry and physics. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of experience do you have working as a geologist or petroleum engineer or mining engineer?

• None
• 1-5 years
• 5-10 years
• More than 10 years

03
How many years of experience do you have in the areas of oil, gas, and mineral exploration, production, and well abandonment?

• None
• 1-5 years
• 5-10 years
• More than 10 years of experience in

04
How many years of experience do you have in the areas of environmental investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contaminant plumes?

• None
• 1-5 years
• 5-10 years
• More than 10 years

05
Describe your level of comfort in dealing with the public on a one-on-one setting.

• Uncomfortable
• Nervous but can handle it
• Very comfortable

06
Select the response that best describes your computer and database knowledge.

• No computer experience
• Previous experience in basic computer use: including word processing, excel, email, etc.
• In addition to basic computer use, experienced in the use of RBDMS database.

07
QOL - Did you attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question