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We are seeking a lead researcher in earthquake geology and geophysics for the Washington Geological Survey. This position performs geologic and geophysical research, collects geologic and geophysical data, and processes this data with limited supervision. This position studies active faults and uses geologic mapping and geophysical data to study tectonics and seismic hazards across Washington State. The position will work closely with the geologic mapping team and other staff geophysicists to develop combined geologic/geophysical models. The position will regularly produce maps and publications that directly affect building code compliance, decision making, applied geological research, and land-use planning, including: liquefaction susceptibility maps, seismic design category maps, the Quaternary fault and fold database for Washington, the Washington state gravity database, and the depth to bedrock and basement models for seismic hazard areas across the state.

A major focus for this position for the first year will be broadly aimed at understanding the neotectonics of the Doty and Willapa hills between Chehalis and the Pacific Ocean, with a specific interest in the history of Quaternary faulting and uplift. These results will refine the tectonic parameters needed by engineers involved in the planning of a new flood retention facility nearby.

This position uses knowledge and application of GIS and database management, project management, team leadership, and excellent communication and people skills. This position is responsible for managing scientific projects, including effective long-range planning, project scoping, determining research objectives and methods, and collaborating with other scientists on projects within the Seismic Hazard Research Section.

• Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, or closely-related field;
• At least 5 years as a project lead designing and implementing multi-method geophysical data collection efforts and related processing (including collaborating with geologists to develop 2D or 3D geophysical/geological subsurface models).
• At least 12 full time months of field work conducting detailed geologic mapping or 5 years experience contributing data and expertise to detailed geologic mapping efforts.
• At least 5 years of experience directly working on seismic hazard assessment projects.
• Capable of system design, deployment, troubleshooting, and maintenance for geophysical equipment, including: magnetometer, gravimeter, seismic monitoring equipment, and ground-penetrating radar.
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, logistics, staff management, and project design.
• Ability to acquire a Washington State geologist’s license within 1 year of hire and a licensed engineering geologist license within 4 years of hire.
• Must be able to perform field work, including mapping and sampling on steep and uneven terrain in inclement weather, and be able to use standard field equipment (Brunton compass, hand-held GPS unit, digital camera, laptop PC, etc.).
• Must be able to independently complete research projects.
• Must have excellent oral communication skills.
• Must have advanced proficiency of GIS and at least one programing language (MATLAB, UNIX, R, Python, Labview, etc).
• Must have experience with Oasis Montaj geophysical processing software (or equivalent).
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must have well-developed computer skills.
• Ability and experience designing protocols, standards, and research projects
• Experience defining project scope and carrying out geophysical investigation start to finish

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in geology, geophysics, or closely related field.
• Experience working directly with government agencies (local, county, state, federal) on geological issues.
• Geologist License

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
• You must submit the following:
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
  • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring managers directly.

Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.

Questions?  Please contact Alex Steely at (360) 902-1471; alex.steely@dnr.wa.gov, or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, genetic information, military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1128.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.