Subsurface Materials Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

12d•$6,229 - $8,374•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington Geological Survey is seeking an energetic team member to serve as their Subsurface Materials Geoscientist. This role involves organizing rock samples and working in a warehouse setting. The successful candidate will manage the collection, storage, analysis, and inventory of physical materials including core, cuttings, and hand samples. This project position is funded through June 30th, 2027, with the possibility to extend or convert to a permanent position. The role is part of a dynamic division in the Department of Natural Resources and aims to make a difference for Washingtonians through geology.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with major study in geology or closely related field AND (4) four years of professional geoscience or closely related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience.
GIS experience, focused on editing, attribution, and metadata writing for vector-based spatial geodatasets.
Skills in communicating with multi-disciplinary teams.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
This position requires driving as an essential function.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in geology or a closely related field.
Experience creating or managing inventories in a warehouse setting.
Experience in laboratory sampling and analytical techniques.
Forklift experience.

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory database system to track archived materials, including linking materials to relevant publications.
Facilitates future public access to sample information.
Locates Washington sample materials held by external partners and determines if materials are suitable for consideration of requesting materials for permanent storage within WGS.
Receives new materials from WGS staff and external donors, and updates the inventory accordingly.
Thoroughly checks sample inventory and gathers sample information to enhance metadata.
Creates archival-quality labels and a storage system.
Identifies samples at risk of degradation from improper boxing or storage and re-boxes samples as appropriate.
Upon request, arranges sample viewing or check-out.
Once accurate inventory is finalized, assists in creating public-facing inventory and webpage.
Determines appropriate analyses and performs sampling as needed, including determining whether destructive sampling is permissible.
Designs and maintains database structure for analytical results and compiles results from literature.
Manages physical materials warehouse safety and maintenance.

Benefits

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.