Salary : $74,748.00 - $100,488.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionSubsurface Data Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)Recruitment #2026-7-P510-06348
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project Employment is October 2026 - June 2027
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WAWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $6,229.00 - $8,374.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 8/6/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Duties Responsibilities:- Works collaboratively with program staff to identify, gather, compile, verify, attribute, and publish subsurface geospatial data for use by internal and external researchers.
- Leads design of a multi-discipline, complex spatial database, including innovating efficient data workflows via scripts or other means for maintaining and updating database development and production.
- Solicits and retrieves subsurface data from external jurisdictions for inclusion in the subsurface database.
- Recommends new data types and layers for future inclusion in the subsurface database.
- Trains Survey staff to enforce data standards and ensure high-quality data delivery.
- Assists in developing data preservation grant proposals.
- Responds to subsurface data requests.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
- A bachelor's degree with major study in geology or a closely related field AND (4) four years of professional geoscience or closely related work experience.
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design and database management.
- Experience in independent project or grant management.
Required Competencies: - 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.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- 90% in office, with the remaining time spent at the WGS Webster warehouse facility (Webster Seed Nursery Geologic Materials Storage facility with limited heating, no cooling, no running water, and a portable toilet).
- Infrequent to occasional in-state or out-of-state travel to conferences, workshops, or other meetings.
Desired Qualifications:These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- Washington Geologist License (LG) per RCW 18.220.020.
- Master's degree in geology or related field.
- (5) Five years of experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design AND service deployment.
- Supervisory or leadership experience.
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental InformationApplication Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact
- Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
- Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
- Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
- Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
Questions? Please contact William Gallin at /360-972-6791 or email us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
