Forest Practices Team Support Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 
Recruitment #2021-06-7607
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Practices Division. Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge.  Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.

The Forest Practices Program covers approximately 9.3 million acres of non-federal, non-tribal forestland in Washington, of which 6.1 million acres are located west of the crest of the Cascade Range, and the remaining 3.2 million acres are located in eastern Washington. Ownership patterns range from individuals and families who own small forest parcels to large holdings owned and/or managed by private corporations and public agencies.  DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices. Covered lands are forestlands within the state of Washington that are subject to the Washington Forest Practices Act, chapter 76.09 RCW.

This law and its corresponding forest practices rules (FP rules) (Washington Administrative Code [WAC], Title 222) regulate forestry activities on state and private lands in Washington state and are designed to both protect public resources on forestland and ensure that Washington continues to support a viable forest products industry. (WAC 222-16-010 [Public Resources]) Public resources are defined as water, fish, wildlife, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions. The FP Act created the Forest Practices Board (the Board), an independent state agency with 13 members. The Board, working with the public, stakeholder groups, and DNR, adopts FP rules and approves technical guidance (Forest Practices Board Manual) that assists landowners in implementing FP rules. The FP rules are administered by DNR (with input and consultation from other entities where directed by rule).

We have some of the most talented people in the industry with over 1200 permanent employees and approximately 300 additional staff hired during the summer wildfire season.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  You are invited to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.

To be successful in this position you not only need an understanding of geology, but you also need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the Forest Practices Division when speaking to Region Forest Practices staff, small and large forest landowners, and representatives from county, state, and federal agencies, Tribes and other interested parties, and has to be able to build and maintain collaborative relationships. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on the water, fish, and wildlife on private forests, and have the opportunity to build lasting relationships and potential to promote into a Licensed Engineering Geologist position within DNR, this is the job for you.

Responsibilities:

This position works under the guidance of the Washington Geologist Licensing Act (RCW 18.220 & WAC 308-15), the Forest Practices Act (RCW 76.09, the Forest Practices Rules (WAC 222), the Forest Practices Board Manual, Policies and Procedures of the DNR, the Forest Practices Division policies, and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) collective bargaining agreement. This position reports to the Forest Practices Science Team lead who will provide oversight and performance review.

This position includes developing the incumbent into a Forest Practices Licensed Engineering Geologist (LEG). Work experience, prerequisites for the licensing exam(s), study time, etc. are requirements of this position. The ability to move into an LEG position is based on passing the exam, position openings, and interview results. In order to meet the work experience requirements for LEG licensing, the incumbent must work under the responsible charge of LEGs.

The primary focus for this position is to provide support for the DNR Forest Practices Science Team Engineering Geologist (LEGs). The position interacts with DNR Forest Practices employees in the Division, DNR Regions, state agencies (departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources – state lands and geology divisions), federal agency employees (US Fish and Wildlife Services, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency – Fisheries), Tribal employees, Timber Fish and Wildlife stakeholders, and the public.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Under the responsible charge of the FP Science Team LEGs perform FPA reviews and prepare FPA Geologist Remote/Field Review Reports that includes remote review, field review and report preparation for the LEG of record to review, finalize and stamp.
• Perform a geological remote review (GIS screening analysis) of Forest Practices Applications (FPA) for the presence of potential unstable slopes or landforms, and when detected, a subsequent geologic analysis to determine the need for a LEG to perform additional remote and field investigation to verify their presence. FPA remote reviews may include initial geological analysis of the potential influence of forest practices activities on the identified potentially unstable slopes and potential groundwater recharge areas.
• Perform hydrogeological assessment of FPAs to identify the potential influence of proposed forest practices activities on channel migration zones and the hydrologic/erosion impacts on streams and wetlands.
• Prepare oral and written reports/maps of findings; prepare application review packets for FPST LEGs.
• Provide technical support and development of GIS and mobile GIS tools for the FPST, and FPST related data processing for forest practices management.
• This position utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) software and tools to evaluate potentially unstable landforms remotely, such as: Forest Practices Risk Assessment Tool, ArcGIS, DNR map layers (landslide inventories, hazard layers, geology), and stereo aerial photography.
• Study and prepare for the Geology licensing exams up to and including the Engineering Geology license exam.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, soil science, forestry or closely related natural resources field and two years relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
  1. The successful incumbent must understand basic principles of scientific research such as sampling, statistical inference, quality assurance/quality control, and communicating results.
  2. The incumbent needs to have experience in the basic concepts of effective presentation of information to groups, in formal and informal presentations and training sessions.
  3. The person should be able to participate positively in small groups with representatives from various backgrounds such as tribes, small forest landowners, industrial forest landowner, other state and federal agencies.
• Research, analysis and drafting of reports, proposals and other documents for environmental review. Research, analysis and drafting of reports, proposals and other documents for environmental review.
• Team leadership, including the promotion of cooperation within the operations work unit.
• Promotes positive problem solving even when the path is difficult or unclear.
• Builds positive rapport through good listening, discussions and negotiations.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel within the State of Washington.
•  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:

• A geologist license (LG), in good standing.
• A master’s degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, soil science, forestry or closely related natural resources field.
• Five years’ experience evaluating slope stability issues in the forested environment. In additional to the required experience, it is desirable to have experience in evaluating unstable slopes and identifying the presence of and delineating channel migration zones according to Washington State Forest Practices Rules. It is desirable to have working experience with logging systems, logging roads, and silvicultural practices of the Pacific Northwest; and to have experience carrying out or overseeing scientific research.

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. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more information on this area visit, 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.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.

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 Liv Bowden at (360) 972-4208, liv.bowden@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov