For more information, follow this link: State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters (governmentjobs.com)

Salary- $61,224.00 – $82,344.00 Annually
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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, DNR Policies and Procedures, Forest Regulation Division policies and guidance, and the Washington State Federation of Employees (WSFE) collective bargaining agreement. This position reports to the Forest Practices Science Team Lead who will provide oversight and performance review.

This licensed engineering geologist will work as part of the DNR Forest Practices Operations team and will be a member of the Forest Practices Science Team. The position provides professional consultation to DNR Region Forest Practices Foresters and the Forest Practices Program on the effects of specific proposed forest management activities, such as timber harvest and road construction, in or around potentially unstable slopes and landforms including groundwater recharge areas for glacial deep-seated landslides, erosion potential, and hydrologic impacts for proposed forest practices activities. Professional consultations also include review of channel migration zones (CMZ) and wetlands on proposed Forest Practices Applications (FPAs). The outcome is to assist the Forest Practices Forester with your expertise so they are able to make sound decisions on forest practices applications. The position interacts with DNR Forest Practices Program employees in the Forest Regulation Division, DNR Forest Practices Regions, state agencies (Departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources – state lands and geology divisions), federal agency representatives (US Fish and Wildlife Services, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency – Fisheries), Tribal representatives, Timber Fish and Wildlife stakeholders, and the public.

This position performs office and field review of proposed activities in forest practices applications (FPAs), submitted by private forest landowners, to evaluate how well potentially unstable slopes and landforms were identified and addressed in relation to the requirements of the forest practices rules. This includes participating on interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) to observe geologic conditions and potential impacts of proposed forest practices; independently reviewing proposed forest practices activities within and adjacent to the  proposed forest practices activity area; and providing training for the Forest Practices Program, external stakeholders and the public. This position is responsible for timely written reports/maps of FPA review findings and may testify in forest practices enforcement actions.

This position may attend scientific conferences and meetings; present research results and recommendations; and attend technical trainings and workshops to maintain professional standing.

Required Qualifications: 

  • A bachelor degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, soil science, forestry or closely related natural resources field.
  • An Engineering Geologist License (LEG) in good standing in the State of Washington or a state recognized in the Department of Licensing reciprocity process (any state that meets the guidelines established for the State of Washington Engineering Geologist License); Must meet the Forest Practices Rules definition of “qualified expert” (WAC 222-10-030(5)).
  • At least three (3) years’ experience in the evaluation of relevant problems in forested lands.
  • Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
  • Proficiency to accurately observe, map, and interpret terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms.
  • Proficiency to evaluate site-scale landslide risk analyses, where proposed timber harvest and road construction activities are evaluated for their potential to increase mass wasting.
  • Proficiency to evaluate timber harvest and road construction-related mitigation measures to reduce the potential for management-related mass wasting.
  • Proficiency to communicate clearly and concisely the results of risk analyses to others, both verbally and in writing.
  • Proficiency to use 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. Frequent day-long and occasional overnight travel up to an entire work week is required
  • A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • All employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made. An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the essential functions of this position.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

  • Master’s Degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field.
  • Proficiency with GIS applications including ArcMap, Avenza and Survey 1.2.3.

Supplemental Information

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.

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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions?  Please contact Liv Bowden at 360-972-4208, Liv.bowden@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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