Subsurface Materials Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3

Subsurface 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, WA

Work 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.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Washington Geological Survey is looking for an energetic team member to serve as our Subsurface Materials Geoscientist. If you're enthusiastic about organizing rock samples and working in a warehouse setting, this role is for you! 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.

Apply to be part of our dynamic division in the Department of Natural Resources and make a difference for Washingtonians through geology!

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.

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.  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…