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Petrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post Doctoral Fellow

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

To thrive in this role the successful candidate will have a strong background in mineralogy and geochemistry/petrology. Experience in both academic and mining or mineral exploration systems will be ...

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Petrology information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do petrology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for petrology in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Petrology job?

A petrology job involves studying rocks, their composition, origin, and history to understand Earth's geological processes. Petrologists analyze rock samples using microscopes, chemical tests, and advanced instruments to classify minerals and interpret geological conditions. They often work in research, mining, oil exploration, or environmental consultancy. Their findings help industries locate natural resources, assess environmental impacts, and advance scientific knowledge of Earth's structure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Petrology position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Petrology, a strong background in geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry is essential, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in geosciences or a related field. Experience with laboratory analytical instruments such as petrographic microscopes, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopes (SEM), as well as familiarity with geological mapping software, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication help petrologists excel in research and collaborative environments. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing rock samples, interpreting geological data, and effectively sharing findings with colleagues and stakeholders.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a Petrologist?

Petrologists typically split their time between laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and fieldwork collecting rock samples. In the lab, you'll use specialized equipment to study the mineral composition and formation history of rocks, while also compiling and interpreting complex geological data. Collaboration with fellow geologists, geochemists, and often industry partners is a regular aspect of the job, especially when working on large-scale exploration or research projects. Depending on your employer, you may work in academic, government, or private industry settings, each offering unique team structures and professional growth opportunities. This dynamic and varied work environment makes petrology both intellectually stimulating and rewarding for those passionate about Earth sciences.

More about Petrology jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Petrology jobs? The most popular types of Petrology jobs are:
What states have the most Petrology jobs? States with the most job openings for Petrology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Petrology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Earth Sciences Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Applicant Pool)

Earth Sciences Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Applicant Pool)

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
FAC - VA - 26118
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Maggie Blake
Business Operations Manager
maggie.blake@montana.edu
Classification Title
Instructor
Working Title
Earth Sciences Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Applicant Pool)
Brief Position Overview
The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University seeks Non-Tenure Track Faculty to teach various Earth Sciences courses to undergraduate and graduate students.
Faculty Tenure Track
No
Faculty Rank
Non-Tenure Track
Position Number
4A6145
Department
Earth Sciences
Division
College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type
Non-Tenure Track (Pooled)
Contract Term
Other
Semester
Fall or Spring
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation
Contact HR for Determination
FTE
Varies
Benefits Eligible
Depends on FTE (please contact Human Resources - 406-994-3651)
Salary
Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
Montana State University seeks qualified individuals to provide non-tenurable level instruction and/or related functions. Instructors are needed to teach classes depending upon need and available funding.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis (unless otherwise indicated) and will be maintained in pool for two years. After two years, candidates will be notified to re-submit materials for continued consideration.
The department or program search committees or hiring authority will review and evaluate the submitted application materials. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the non-tenure track faculty hiring pool.
Appointments are on a part-time basis and vary in duration, a couple weeks, a semester or an academic year, depending on the specific needs of the department/program. Salary is dependent on number of courses taught and duration.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teach a variety of Geography and Geology courses as needed by the department. Courses include GIS, igneous petrology, histology, special topics, and other Earth Sciences curriculum courses.
  • Be available for office hours for students in courses taught on a weekly basis throughout the semester.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Master's Degree in a relevant field with academic background commensurate with teaching one or more of the specialty areas listed above.
  2. Demonstrated experience in collaborating successfully with faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Terminal Degree in appropriate field.
  2. Previous teaching experience.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to relate to and establish rapport with a college student population.
  • Exercise good judgment and self-motivation.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  • Possess strong interest in student success.
  • Be committed to quality teaching.
  • Have effective interpersonal skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
The position for which you have applied MAY BE a Union position. Union affiliation is determined by job duties and the collective bargaining unit.
  • Non-Tenure Track Faculty - Any position that is .5 FTE or more is represented by the Associated Faculty of Montana State University (AFMSU). Faculty covered by AFMSU may choose to pay membership dues. This is a condition of employment. Additional information can be found at AFMSU or by emailing AFSMU .
    • Any position less than .5 FTE is not represented by the Union and is not required to pay dues.
    • If the FTE changes during employment, the representational status of this position could be impacted.
    • Exceptions: Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University offers and undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree program in Earth Sciences with options in Geography, Geology, Snow Science, Paleontology, and GIS/Planning.
Our course listings include general topics, like Physical Geography and Geomorphology, under the Earth Science (ERTH) rubric and specialized courses, like Biogeography and Vertebrate Paleontology, under the Geology and Geography rubrics. Some of our graduates find employment as technicians in fields like Geographic Information Systems and water quality assessment, but most find that a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) is necessary for a professional career.
The Department
The Earth Sciences Department invites applications for a non-tenure track position. The Earth Sciences department has a full-time faculty of 13 earth scientists, geologists and geographers. We have about 50 active graduate students in our Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences programs. Our PhD program was added in Fall 2004. There are 200+ undergraduate majors in the department, divided between geography, geology, geohydrology, gis/planning, snow science and paleontology.
The College
The College of Letters & Science (CLS), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematical, and social sciences.
Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
Multiple Positions
Desired Start Date
Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Applications will be accepted and screened for the duration of this pool.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for NEW sponsorship.
Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the positions are filled. Applicants are retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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