Geologic Planning Liaison, Natural Resource Scientist 3



Geologic Planning Liaison, Natural Resource Scientist 3

Salary

$61,224.00 - $82,344.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-08-7924-09246

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

08/26/2021

Closing Date

9/20/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


Geologic Planning Liaison, Natural Resource Scientist 3
Recruitment #2021-08-7924
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Washington Geological Survey (WGS)  Division.  WGS is seeking a geologist with experience in land-use planning, comprehensive plan updates, and critical area ordinances. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to foster better communication with local governments through an understanding of their individual needs and improved outreach and education about the science we provide. Improved coordination with our local partners across the State ensures disaster ready and resilient communities.

The Washington Geologic Survey (WGS) delivers a number of essential public services contributing to the safety and economic well-being of Washington’s citizens.  This occurs through education about the nature of the land around us, focusing on both the known and hidden natural hazards such as active faults and earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. We also help characterize the availability of important community resources such as aquifers and mineral resources.  We are proud of the fact that the WGS is the primary source of geological products and services in support of critical decision-making by Washington’s government agencies, its businesses, and the public.  We are a group of trusted, passionate professionals looking to expand our team.

Duties

Responsibilities:
As a Planning Geologist, you will be provided the following specific responsibilities:

  • Provide technical assistance to city and county planners in developing and updating critical areas regulations under the GMA with respect to Geologically Hazardous Areas.
  • Use geologic mapping products to assist planners in land-use planning.
  • Interpret geologic mapping products to assist municipal planners in long-term planning, establishing guidelines for restrictive zoning (or avoidance) for seismic (ground failure, shaking, tsunami), landslide, abandoned mines, floods, hazardous minerals, and other geologic hazards.
  • Work closely with Dept. of Commerce staff to develop statewide guidance intended to assist communities in design of locally appropriate programs for designation and protection of critical areas.
  • Provide critical feedback to WGS science and research and regulatory programs to ensure that WGS products and processes fulfill the diverse needs of communities.
  • Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to give a 20-minute presentation about their experience with geologic hazards and local decision making.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in geology or related field and four years of professional experience.
    OR A Master’s degree in geology or related field and two years of professional experience.
    OR a Ph.D. degree in geology or a related field.
  • Experience in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and public outreach.
  • Familiarity with Growth Management Act requirements.
  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel. Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel for field work, meetings, conferences, and central office visits.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: The Commissioner of Public Lands has instituted a requirement that all employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment.   Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made.  An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.  
Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:
  • Two years of experience in land-use planning or critical area regulation.
  • Washington Geology License.

Supplemental Information

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. This position will work out of the WGS main office in the Natural Resources Building on the Capital Campus in downtown Olympia, WA. All staff are currently teleworking, and the necessary tools and equipment for telework will be provided. There are flexible options for elective telework after emergency telework has concluded. This position involves frequent travel across the state. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR's telework policy.
 
About the Department of Natural Resources
 (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
 
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

  • 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, visit here to learn more 
  • 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 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.
How to Apply: 
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.
 
Application Requirements:
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements. 
  • Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
  • Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
  • Complete all supplemental questions. 
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!
 
Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
 
DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.
 
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
 
Questions?  Please contact Jessica Czajkowski at 360-763-2939, Jessica.czajkowski@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a diverse and inclusive work environment means to you.
03
Do you have a bachelor's degree in geology or related field and four years of professional experience? OR A Master's degree in geology or related field and two years of professional experience? OR a Ph.D. degree in geology or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Have you attached a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts? This is a required attachment.
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have experience in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and public outreach?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you familiar with Growth Management Act requirements?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Where did you hear about this job posting?
  • www.dnr.wa.gov
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Monster
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • College/university website/career fair
  • Handshake
  • Newspaper
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
  • Professional/Personal Network
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Other (please specify below)
08
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact