Job Description

Posting number: 2026-7-P510-06348

Department: Dept. of Natural Resources

Job classification: NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENTIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Land Use, Natural Resources, Forestry, Geology/Hydrology, Sciences

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $6,229.00 - $8,374.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 8/6/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington Geological Survey is looking for an energetic team member to serve as our Subsurface Data Geoscientist, and you might be the right fit to work with us! The successful candidate will lead the collection, compilation, design, and maintenance of subsurface data in support of our mission to promote the safety, health, and welfare of the people of Washington. This position is part of a small program that works collaboratively with teams stewarding data, including groundwater geochemistry, gravity and magnetics, school seismic safety refraction surveys, geothermal, carbon sequestration, and oil & gas. Our ideal candidate is self-motivated, interpersonal, and detail-oriented, with a broad understanding of geologic data types and experience with database management. This position is funded through June 30th, 2027, with the possibility to extend or convert to a permanent position. Apply to be part of our dynamic division in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and make a difference for Washingtonians through geology!

Examples of duties

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with program staff to identify, gather, compile, verify, attribute, and publish subsurface geospatial data for use by internal and external researchers.
• Leads design of a multi-discipline, complex spatial database, including innovating efficient data workflows via scripts or other means for maintaining and updating database development and production.
• Solicits and retrieves subsurface data from external jurisdictions for inclusion in the subsurface database.
• Recommends new data types and layers for future inclusion in the subsurface database.
• Trains Survey staff to enforce data standards and ensure high-quality data delivery.
• Assists in developing data preservation grant proposals.
• Responds to subsurface data requests.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• A bachelor’s degree with major study in geology or a closely related field AND (4) four years of professional geoscience or closely related work experience.
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design and database management.
• Experience in independent project or grant management.

• Skills in communicating with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
    
    

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 90% in office, with the remaining time spent at the WGS Webster warehouse facility (Webster Seed Nursery Geologic Materials Storage facility with limited heating, no cooling, no running water, and a portable toilet).
• Infrequent to occasional in-state or out-of-state travel to conferences, workshops, or other meetings.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Washington Geologist License (LG) per RCW 18.220.020.
• Master’s degree in geology or related field.
• (5) Five years of experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design AND service deployment.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Supplemental information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at 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 these communications.

Questions? Please contact William Gallin at will.gallin@dnr.wa.gov360-972-6791 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which 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 benefits package 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.

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

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov

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