Role Overview
Title : Early-Stage Exploration Manager
Hours : Full-Time; Salaried
Location : Salt Lake City Hybrid
Pay : $100k-$120k annually
Benefits Eligible : Yes
Leader : COO
Mission Why we exist and why we need you Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil gas coal and methane combined. However historically its been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar were 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.
This Early Stage Exploration Manager manages staff budgets and workflows to identify acquire and study leads to develop them to Prospect Stage. This position works closely with R&D and Early Stage Drilling to create innovative workflows to quantify potential prioritize areas of interest / sites and build conceptual models to hand off to Late Stage Exploration. This leader will report to the COO to help coordinate personnel and manage projects.
Outcomes - Problems youll solve
- Build a culture of safety and accountability : Strengthen field safety practices identify and mitigate key risks and empower staff to take ownership of safety improvements.
- Lead and develop the Early Exploration team : Manage geologists and support staff through coaching technical reviews and performance feedback that drive professional growth and technical excellence.
- Deliver a high-performing exploration portfolio : Oversee early-stage exploration projects to meet KPIs schedule and budget goals ensuring progress toward drill-ready prospects.
- Drive strategic exploration decisions : Recommend acquisitions pre-drilling programs and early-stage drilling opportunities based on data-driven evaluation and peer review.
- Establish efficient workflows : Improve organization prioritization and coordination across projects to streamline early-stage drilling objectives and decision-making.
- Oversee resource and data programs : Ensure collection analysis and integration of geologic and geophysical data that strengthen conceptual models and resource assessments.
- Manage budgets and reporting : Develop annual budgets track spending and report monthly progress to leadership with transparency and financial discipline.
- Measure and communicate progress : Develop and track metrics demonstrating goal achievement efficiency gains and exploration success rates.
- Lead by example in the field : Maintain a strong safety record operate vehicles responsibly and travel regularly to support mapping and drilling campaigns (including occasional weekends / holidays). Success in this role includes field teams operating safely and efficiently under clear processes exploration portfolio is advancing on schedule and within budget & leadership is receiving accurate actionable progress reporting.
Competencies - What were looking for
Bachelors Degree in Engineering Geology or closely related field required Masters Degree in same or MBA preferredDemonstrated success in Project Management and budgeting preferredPrevious experience managing a resource-exploration team preferredStrong interpersonal coaching and team-building skills preferredStrong organizational and time-management skillsMust be able to present project goals progress and budget concisely to managementProficiency or ability to quickly acquire knowledge of a variety of software applications for work process spreadsheets databases and presentations.Valid drivers license with no major infractions in the past three yearsStrong commitment to personal and team safetyExcellent communication problem-solving skills and professionalismPhysically able to perform strenuous tasks including bending kneeling lifting pushing and pulling up to 50 poundsSkilled in GPS use and navigation in remote environmentsProficient with computers especially within the Google Workspace (Docs Sheets Directories).Physical Requirements
Fieldwork : Navigate remote sites and work outdoors in difficult weather; hike and operate on steep rough terrain for extended periods.Vehicles & licensing : Safely operate 4WD light vehicles on highways and off-road; must have and maintain a valid drivers license.Safety & physical demands : Ability to wear required PPEOffice & travel : Work in an office environment with prolonged computer use; travel up to 30% for limited periods.Location Salary & Benefits
The position is located in Salt Lake City and requires up to 20% travel primarily in the western USFull-Time; SalariedPaid holidays and 18 days PTOMedical Dental & Vision Coverage401kParental LeaveA direct impact in displacing carbon emissions and growth opportunities in a growing startup environmentEqual Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local fair employment practice laws.
Required Experience :
Manager
Key Skills
Restaurant Experience,Customer Service,Employee Evaluation,Management Experience,Math,Employment & Labor Law,Sanitation,Leadership Experience,P&L Management,Mentoring,Supervising Experience,Restaurant Management
Employment Type : Full-Time
Department / Functional Area : Operations
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1
Yearly Salary Salary : 100 - 120