Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Washington Geological Survey is looking for a thin section scanning assistant with a geology background and a strong interest in petrography to join a diverse and highly motivated team of editors, cartographers, and data scientists as part of our Publications Group. You will be tasked with carefully organizing and scanning the Survey’s collection of thin section slides, including using your prior experience examining and describing thin sections to compile related metadata into spreadsheets and geodatabases. Your methodical, detail-oriented nature will help you ensure that all scans and metadata are complete and of high quality. The work you do will make an important contribution to the Survey’s efforts to publish the best possible science and preserve valuable sources of geologic information for everyone to access.

What we will trust you with:

• Carefully scanning more than a thousand petrographic thin sections using a flatbed scanner
• Compiling metadata into spreadsheets and georeferencing slides using location information
• Effective time management and ability to work independently on assigned tasks
• Good communication, teamwork, and a positive, diligent work ethic
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn new skills

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

• Three years of coursework in geology with intended completion of a bachelor’s degree by the end of the summer or bachelor’s degree in geology.
• Completion of a petrography class that involved examination and description of thin sections (e.g. mineralogy or petrology).
• Basic understanding of GIS principles and some experience with ArcGIS.
• Ability to be extremely patient, meticulous, and organized.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with data collection, entry, and organization.
• Basic understanding of metadata.
• Some previous experience with image editing software.

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 Olympia on the state capital campus, minutes from downtown and the South Puget Sound.

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?

• Transitioning to a modern work environment
• Mobile work
• Infants at work program
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that 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.

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.

• You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references

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 Susan Schnur at 360-701-6122, susan.schnur@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.