State Lands Geologist

State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3/NRSci2 In-Training)
Location: Forks, Port Angeles, or Olympia, WA. Priority may be given to qualified candidates who will work from Forks or Port Angeles.

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,632.00 - $7,589.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment any time after 1/1/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

We are currently recruiting for an engineering geologist to provide scientific and technical expertise in geomorphology, hydrology, and geology to support State Trust Land management on the Olympic Peninsula. The position provides consulting services to foresters, engineers, recreation specialists, 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 and developing mitigation recommendations for proposed timber harvesting and road construction activities. You will use a combination of office and fieldwork in rugged terrain in all weather conditions to support your interpretations. 

This geologist will primarily consult in the Olympic Region but will work throughout the state, as needed. Salaries for this position are under review during this legislative session and may result in a significant pay increase.

Responsibilities:

• Assess geologic hazards and risks in the forested environment.
• Serve as the expert engineering geology consultant for land managers.
• Develop landslide hazard and channel migration zone mitigation recommendations for forest management activities, recreation plans, and engineering projects that follow Forest Practices or other applicable rules and regulations.
• Perform field reconnaissance in remote, rugged terrain.
• Utilize remote sensing tools including lidar derivatives and aerial imagery in GIS to map potentially unstable slopes.
• Assess rock source suitability for forest road construction.
• Perform detail-oriented project work and consultation.
• Consult with foresters, engineers, managers, local tribes, and stakeholders.
• Communicate orally and in writing to provide formal and informal briefings to regulators, technical experts, management officials, environmental interest groups, and members of the general public.
• Collaborate with team members.
• Stay current with relevant scientific research.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an 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 2 (NRSci2 In-Training) or Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3), depending on qualifications.

Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2 In-Training)  
(Salary range: $4,632 - $6,227 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. Official review of transcripts may be required before employment.
  AND Three years of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related fields. A Master of Sciences or PhD in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field will substitute for two years of experience.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
(Salary range: $5,643- $7,589 per month):

• A bachelor’s degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field. AND five years of professional experience in geology assessing and identifying landslide hazards from remote sensing and field assessments OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. A Master of Science or PhD in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field can substitute for two years of experience.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.