State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3) (candidates may be considered as NRSci2 In-Training depending on qualifications)
Recruitment #2026-4-6776
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Castle Rock, WA – Other possible work centers: Naselle Work Center, Menlo Work Center, Chehalis Work Center, Tukes Work Center (Battle Ground), and Fort Rains Work Center (North Bonneville)
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied effective July 1, 2026.
State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2) In-Training (Salary range: $4,632 – $6,227 per month)
State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)(Salary range: $6,565 – $8,825 per month) The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/13/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resources Division as a State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3). The DNR will also consider hiring the position as a Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2) In-Training.
Do you have a passion for geomorphology and engineering geology? Are you fascinated by landslides and the interactions between timber harvest, forest roads, slope stability, and stream flows? Do you want to work outside in Washington’s forests? Come work with a team of multidisciplinary natural resource specialists to support sustainable forest management in Washington!
The Forest Resources Division is currently recruiting for an engineering geologist to provide scientific and technical expertise in the fields of geomorphology, hydrology, and geology to support State Trust Land management in DNR’s Pacific Cascade region in southwest Washington. The position provides consulting services to foresters, engineers, recreation specialists, and managers as a part of the Department’s timber sales program. In the geologic consultation role, this position is responsible for conducting landslide risk analyses and developing mitigation recommendations for proposed timber harvesting and road construction activities. You will use a combination of office and fieldwork in rugged terrain and all-weather conditions to support your interpretations.
This geologist will primarily consult in Pacific Cascade region, but will also work in Southeast region and throughout the state, as needed.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Assess geologic hazard and risk in the forested environment.
- Serve as an expert engineering geology consultant for land managers.
- Develop landslide hazard and channel migration zone mitigation recommendations for forest management activities, recreation plans, and engineering projects that follow Forest Practices or other applicable rules and regulations.
- Perform field reconnaissance in remote, rugged terrain.
- Utilize remote sensing tools including lidar derivatives and aerial imagery in GIS to map potentially unstable slopes.
- Assess rock source suitability for forest road construction.
- Perform detail-oriented project work and consultation.
- Consult with foresters, engineers, managers, local tribes, and stakeholders.
- Communicate orally and in writing to provide formal and informal briefings to regulators, technical experts, management officials, interest groups, and members of the general public.
- Collaborate with team members.
- Stay current with relevant scientific research.
Qualifications
This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-36-month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2) In-Training or State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3), depending on qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2) In-Training
(Salary range: $4,632 – $6,227 per month):
- A bachelor’s degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field. Must meet all educational requirements to qualify for Washington State geology licensing exams. Official review of transcripts may be required prior to employment AND three years of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related field.
OR a Master of Sciences or PhD in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field AND one year of professional experience in the fields of engineering geology, geology, geomorphology, or closely related field. - Experience accurately observing, mapping, and interpreting terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms, in the forested environment.
- Experience communicating the results of risk analyses to others, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
State Lands Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
(Salary range: $6,565 – $8,825 per month): The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.
- A bachelor’s degree in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth sciences field AND five years of professional experience in geology assessing and identifying landslide hazards from remote sensing and field assessments OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
OR A Master of Science or PhD in geology, geomorphology, hydrology, or a closely related earth science field AND three years of professional experience in geology assessing and identifying landslide hazards from remote sensing and field assessments. - Experience accurately observing, mapping, and interpreting terrain conditions, such as landslides and associated landforms, in the forested environment.
- Experience communicating the results of risk analyses to others, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and GIS software.
Required Competencies:
- Knowledge of scientific literature as it pertains to the effects of forest land use on physical watershed processes (erosion, sedimentation, and hydrology).
- 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:
- A Washington Geologist License (LG) is required per RCW 18.220.020, as outlined in the individual performance development plan OR the in-training plan.
- A Washington Engineering Geologist License (LEG) is required per RCW 18.220.020, as outlined in the individual performance development plan OR the in-training plan.
- Must be approved by Forest Practices to be a “qualified expert” (WAC 222-10-030(5)) within one year of hire as an NRSci3 or within one year after promotion to an NRSci3.
Note: While licensure is required for this position as an NRSci3, it is not required upon hire as an NRSci2. Please review the requirements for licensure in Washington State: https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/geologists) - Position is required to both work in an office and in the field in remote locations on uneven terrain and in all weather conditions.
- Frequent day-long and occasional overnight travel is required.
- 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:
- Experience conducting site-scale landslide risk analyses, where proposed timber harvest and road construction activities are evaluated for their potential to increase mass wasting.
- Experience developing harvest- and construction-related mitigation measures to reduce the potential for management-related mass wasting.
- Proficiency with slope stability modeling software, such as Slope/W.
- Experience authoring or co-authoring “qualified expert” reports prepared in accordance with the standards specified in WAC 222-10-030.
- Knowledge of relevant State regulations and laws including State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Forest Practices rules.
- Proficiency with GIS applications including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Raster Calculator, and Model Builder to analyze and model topographic and hydrologic data; file geodatabase management; and Python programming.
- Ability to:
- Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities.
- Develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions
- Maintain effective working relationships.
- Provide a consistent message and a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects.
- Interpret policy and procedures.
- Address large groups and write effectively.
- Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!