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
Division: Washington Geological Survey
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 Materials Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)Recruitment #2026-07-P511-06374
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is October 2026 through June 2027
Location: Natural Resources Building - Olympia, WAWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary: $6,229.00 - $8,374.00 monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 8/6/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
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.
QualificationsRequired 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. It is important that you 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 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.
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:- 30% office setting, 70% warehouse setting (Webster Seed Nursery Geologic Materials Storage Facility) with limited heating, no cooling, no running water, and a portable toilet.
- Travel between the Natural Resources building and the WGS warehouse is occasionally needed. Other infrequent travel, in-state or out-of-state, to workshops, meetings, or conferences may occur throughout the year.
- A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, 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. 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.
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.
- 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.
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 or 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.
