Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Want to make a difference in children’s lives? This position would make direct impacts in the seismic safety of K-12 students across the state by helping to determine the seismic site class on many campuses.
This work is part of the School Seismic Safety Project, a capital budget-funded effort to help determine which schools are most vulnerable to the effects of earthquake shaking and in need of retrofit. The team works closely with an engineering firm who does structural engineering assessments and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who uses the results of the team’s work to prioritize retrofit funding.
The successful candidate would join a small team of motivated geophysicists in performing site class assessments using active seismic surveys and other geophysical methods.

What we will trust you with:

We are looking for a professional independent researcher to perform geologic and geophysical research, requiring the ability to conduct geophysical data collection and processing with little supervision. We will trust the successful candidate to use their knowledge and application of GIS and database management, team leadership, and excellent communication and people skills for the success of the project. This position will participate in determining the direction of the research program, define project scope, make recommendations, and works closely with other scientists. This position will work in the field using geophysical tools, and will be required to lift heavy objects such as a 16 pound sledgehammer repeatedly throughout the day.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

• Bachelor’s Degree in geology, geological sciences, engineering geology, or closely-related degree. And, two years geologic experience and an additional two years experience with geophysical data.
• Must have demonstrable communication and interpersonal skills that show the ability to function as a team member, communicate plans and results of work with professional and lay audiences, actively support the goals and objectives of the Survey and the agency, and work with management and peers in a positive and productive manner.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must have well-developed computer skills.
• Must be proficient in GIS software.
• Must have experience with geophysical processing software.
• Must be able to perform fieldwork including geologic data collection, geophysical data collection, working on steep and uneven terrain, and 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.
• Ability and experience designing protocols, standards, and research projects.
• Experience defining project scope and carving out geophysical investigation start to finish.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Will require field work in adverse weather conditions, navigating difficult terrain on foot, handling field equipment in excess of 50 pounds, overnight travel sometimes on a regular basis, and occasional weekend and evening work. In the summer/fall work will be outdoors, and in the winter/spring it will be indoors in an office setting.
• 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. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

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 the Natural Resources Building on the state’s capital campus in downtown Olympia. The successful candidate would spend time in the field, at many K-12 campuses across the state with a great team. During the current Covid-19 situation there will be teleworking from home if the Natural Resources building is closed for operations.

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 Corina Allen at (360) 791-0647, corina.allen@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.