State Lands Geologist
Natural Resource Scientist 3 / Natural Resource Scientist 2 In-Training
Recruitment #2021-04-6889
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Do you have passions for geomorphology and engineering geology? Are you fascinated by landslides and the interactions between timber harvest, forest roads, and slope stability? Do you want to work outside in Washington’s forests? Come work with a team of multidisciplinary natural resource specialists in our Forest Resources Division to support the sustainable management of Washington’s forests in Northwest Washington!

The Forest Resources Division is currently recruiting for an engineering geologist to provide scientific and technical expertise in the fields of geology and geomorphology to support State Trust Land management. The position provides consulting services to foresters, engineers, and managers as a part of the Department’s timber sales program. In the geologic consultation role, this position is responsible for conducting landslide risk analyses of proposed timber harvesting and road construction activities, and developing harvest- and road-related mitigation responses to reduce the likelihood of adverse downslope impacts. You will use a combination of office and field work in rugged terrain in all weather conditions to support your interpretaions.

Responsibilities:

• Assess geologic hazard and risk in the forested environment.
• Delineate channel migration zones.
• Develop landslide hazard and channel migration zone mitigation recommendations for forest management activities that follow Forest Practices rules and regulations.
• Utilize remote sensing tools including lidar derivatives and aerial imagery in GIS to map potentially unstable slopes.
• Perform field reconnaissance.
• Perform detail oriented project work and consultation.
• Communicate scientific information to all audiences.
• Collaborate with team members.
• Stay current with relevant scientific research.

Natural Resource Scientist 3 required qualifications (Salary range: $5,102-$6,862 per month): 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field. AND Five years of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related field.
  OR
  A Master’s Degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field. AND Three years of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Experience accurately observing, mapping, and interpreting terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms, in the forested environment.
• Experience communicating the results of risk analyses to others, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
• Must be a Licensed Geologist in the State of Washington.
• Must acquire an Engineering Geologist specialty license within one year after hire as an NRS 3 or within one year after promotion to an NRS 3.
• Must be approved by Forest Practices to be a “qualified expert” (WAC 222-10-030(5)) within one year of hire as an NRS 3 or within one year after promotion to an NRS 3.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Experience conducting site-scale landslide risk analyses, where proposed timber harvest and road construction activities are evaluated for their potential to increase mass wasting.
• Experience developing harvest- and construction-related mitigation measures to reduce the potential for management-related mass wasting.
• Experience authoring or co-authoring “qualified expert” reports prepared in accordance with the standards specified in WAC 222-10-030.
• Proficiency with GIS applications including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Raster Calculator, and Model Builder to analyze and model topographic and hydrologic data; file geodatabase management; and Python programming.
• Proficiency with slope stability modeling software, such as Slope/W.

Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRS2 In-Training) required qualifications (Salary range: $4,188-$5,630 per month): 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field. Must meet all educational requirements to qualify for Washington State geology licensing exams. AND A minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
  OR
  A Master’s Degree in Geology or a closely related field and one year of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Experience accurately observing, mapping, and interpreting terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

This may be filled as an Natural Resource Scientist 2 in-training position. This is designated as a 12-36 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Scientist 3 or Natural Resource Scientist 2 (In-Training), depending on qualifications.  

Location: 
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. The duty station is flexible between Forks, Port Angeles, and Olympia. Preference may be given to candidates interested in the Forks or Port Angeles office locations. For more information on these area visit:
Forks, https://forkswashington.org/
Port Angeles, https://www.cityofpa.us/
Olympia, http://olympiawa.gov

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

How to Apply: 
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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Questions?  Please contact Jennifer Parker at 360-878-0765, Jennifer.Parker@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov