Salary: $78,120.00 – $105,096.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Closing Date: 10/11/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

The Washington Geological Survey is looking for a self-motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic senior geologist with a passion for post-fire landslide hazards to develop and lead a new program within the Survey. The new Post Fire Debris Flow Hazard Program will fill a critical need in Washington for assessment of landslide hazards in areas affected by wildfires. This position will be responsible for planning and leading post-wildfire emergency assessments of geologic and hydrologic hazards, installing and maintaining post-fire monitoring equipment, and developing pre- and post-fire geologic and hydrologic maps and models for planning purposes. This position also provides technical assistance to local and state agencies regarding planning and mitigating post-wildfire geologic and hydrologic hazards. The new program will sit within the Survey’s Landslide Hazard Program, an active and growing team of geologists and geoscientists dedicated to understanding landslide hazards in Washington. If you enjoy teamwork, are enthusiastic about collaborating with local, state, and federal partners, and have a deep interest in post-fire hazards and their impact on communities, you would be a perfect fit for this position. We look forward to your application!

Responsibilities:

  • Use ArcGIS Pro and remote sensing to identify landslide hazards and review the products produced within the team for accuracy prior to publication of reports.
  • Develop and generate pre- and post-fire planning geologic and hydrologic models that highlight areas at risk of debris flows following a fire so that communities can make educated decisions.
  • Plan and lead post-wildfire emergency assessments of geologic and hydrologic hazards.
  • Independently determine how, when, and where post-fire hazards assessments are conducted, and train team members on proper field techniques.
  • Provide technical assistance to local and state agencies regarding planning and mitigating post-wildfire geologic and hydrologic hazards.
  • Supervise the installation and monitoring of post-fire monitoring equipment.
  • Interpret results of post-fire monitoring equipment in order to calibrate post-fire debris flow models to Washington in partnership with federal agencies.
  • Engage in active and continuous communication with agency and interagency partners, stakeholders, and the public in areas where research is being conducted to ensure a full understanding of the hazards mapped and the appropriate uses of the data.
  • Promote the Program’s goals and mission through presentations, talks, and meetings with other partner agencies and the legislature.
  • Represent the Agency or Survey on committees or task forces that address post-fire landslide issues, and serve as liaison with other state, federal, and local agencies.
  • Prepare budgets and proposals for ongoing and new projects, establishing scope, work schedules, deliverables, and timelines, monitoring progress, and ensuring cost-effective completion.
  • Work well as part of a highly collaborative team to complete project objectives.
  • Act as an excellent supervisor who values their team members and supports them in doing the best work possible.

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in geology, geophysics, geological sciences, engineering geology or other closely related subject AND at least 6 years of verifiable professional geological experience assessing and identifying landslide hazards from remote sensing and field assessments.
    A Master’s degree in a similar area of study will substitute for 2 of those years.
    A Ph.D. degree in a similar area of study will substitute for 3 years of experience.
  • Experience in collecting, compiling, managing, and digitizing geospatial and tabular data in the interpretation of lidar and aerial imagery.
  • Outstanding proficiency in ArcGIS, demonstrated by experience and coursework.
  • Experience in assessing post-fire hazards, including debris flows.
  • Experience in successful project management, developing budgets, work plans, proposals and planning/leading field investigations.
  • Experience with public speaking.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice practices.
  • Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
  • Demonstrated ability in performing field investigations in a variety of topographic and environmental settings including rugged, uneven terrain.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence 

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

  • Requires a Washington State Geologist License (LG) or equivalent licensure from another state through reciprocity within 6 months of hire and a Washington State Engineering Geologist License (LEG), obtained within three years of hire.
  • 60% office, 40% field in rugged, uneven terrain or on water, during all weather conditions. Occasional with overnight stays
  • A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have 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.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Two years of experience in supervision or team lead of staff.
  • Experience in the incident command system and NIMS.
  • Experience in landslide modeling.

Application Requirements:

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. 
  • 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. This is a required attachment. If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript your application will not move forward in the application process.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
  • Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to give a 20-30 minute presentation about experience relevant to this position.
  • Final candidates must be available for an in-person field interview in Olympia, WA.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4203839/post-fire-debris-flow-program-manager-nr-sci4

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