Do you have passions for geomorphology and engineering geology? Are you fascinated by landslides and the interactions between timber harvest, forest roads, and slope stability? Would you enjoy working with a team of multidisciplinary natural resource specialists to support the sustainable management of Washington’s forests in Northwest Washington?

The Forest Resources Division (https://www.dnr.wa.gov/page/forest-resources-0 ) is currently recruiting for an engineering geologist to provide scientific and technical expertise in the fields of geology and geomorphology to support State Trust Land management. The position provides consulting services to foresters, engineers, and managers responsible for executing the Department’s timber sales program. In the geologic consultation role, this position is responsible for conducting landslide risk analyses of proposed timber harvesting and road construction activities, and developing harvest- and road-related mitigation responses to reduce the likelihood of adverse downslope impacts. You will use a combination of the review and analysis of relevant geologic information in the office and field work in rugged terrain in all weather conditions to support your interpretations.

What we will trust you with:

• Expert engineering geologic evaluations
• Detail oriented project work and consultation
• Effective communication of scientific information to all audiences
• Collaboration
• Building teams

Who are we looking for?
Required Qualifications
Natural Resource Scientist 3 candidates have:

• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Demonstrated ability to accurately observe, map, and interpret terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct site-scale landslide risk analyses, where proposed timber harvest and road construction activities are evaluated for their potential to increase mass wasting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop harvest- and construction-related mitigation measures to reduce the potential for management-related mass wasting.
• Demonstrated ability to perform stream channel assessments for proposed timber sales, including channel migration zone delineation and peak flow impact analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate the results of risk analyses to others, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
• Licensed Geologist in the state of Washington.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field.
• Five years of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related field.

Natural Resource Scientist 2 In-Training candidates have:

• Knowledge of the scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
• Demonstrated ability to accurately observe, map, and interpret terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate the results of risk analysis to others, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
• 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 prior to employment.
• A minimum of two years of relevant work experience or a Master’s Degree in Geology or a closely related field.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Proficiency with GIS applications including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Raster Calculator, and Model Builder to analyze and model topographic and hydrologic data; file geodatabase management; and Python programming.
• Experience addressing slope stability issues in managed forest settings, including:
  • Observing, mapping, and interpreting landslides and associated landforms
  • Conducting site-scale landslide risk analyses of proposed timber harvest and road construction activities
  • Developing harvest- and construction-related mitigation measures to reduce the potential for management-related mass wasting, and
  • Authoring or co-authoring “qualified expert” reports prepared in accordance with the standards specified in WAC 222-10-030.
• Licensed engineering geologist in the State of Washington
• Recognized as a Qualified Expert by Forest Practices in accordance to WAC 222-10-030.

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.

This may be filled as an in-training. The training plan is up to 36 months.  If all elements of the training steps are completed in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Scientist 3 or Natural Resource Scientist 2, depending on qualifications.  

The 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 Sedro-Woolley, Port Townsend, Arlington, or Port Angeles. Preference will be given to candidates interested in the Port Townsend or Sedro-Woolley office locations.

Why work for DNR?

At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

Application Process

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.

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, 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 manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact Jennifer Parker at 360-878-0765, Jennifer.parker@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained 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) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.