Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist ; NRSci

Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4)

Recruitment #2026-9-A442

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location:

Natural Resources Building
- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $8,161.00 - $10,969.00 Monthly

Additional 7.5% assignment pay has been added to the base salary listed on this announcement due to the required licensure.

We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/30/26.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting job opportunity within the Washington Geological Survey’s Surface Mine Reclamation regulatory program as a Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4).

Are you interested in mining, slope stability, rock mechanics, soil health, and re-establishing sustainable vegetation in disturbed landscapes? Consider supervising a team of geologists and geoscientists in the Surface Mine Reclamation Program who administer the Surface Mining Act (RCW 78.44 & WAC 332-18), providing regulatory oversight for reclamation of surface mines throughout Washington.

The Surface Mining Act recognizes the importance of surface mining to Washington’s economy while also recognizing the need for thorough regulation and reclamation of mined lands. The goal of surface mine reclamation is to reestablish the vegetative cover, soil stability, and water conditions following mining, to prevent or mitigate future environmental degradation, and to help ensure mined lands are in a condition suitable for their post‑mining, secondary use.

We are currently recruiting for an engineering geologist to supervise a group of five regionally based Reclamation Specialists/Inspectors (geologists and geoscientists). This position will also provide reclamation‑related technical assistance to permit holders to help them achieve compliance at Washington’s 850 permitted surface mines, as well as collaborate with program staff to sustain and grow our new Surface Mine Reclamation Award program.

We are seeking a candidate with strong leadership skills, a passion for nurturing a positive program culture, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position will be based in Olympia but will work throughout the state, as needed. Alternative duty station locations may be considered.

As a Licensed Engineering Geologist (LEG) in Washington state, this position will provide responsible charge, in collaboration with the Lead Regulatory Geologist and Assistant Director of Regulatory Programs, for all five Reclamation Specialists/Inspectors (geologists and geoscientists), as well as occasionally for the Reclamation Geologist/Plan Specialist, and provide oversight and guidance to the Inspectors, including training, evaluations, assistance in prioritization of work, and interpretation of the law (RCW 78.44) and rules (WAC 332-18).

The successful candidate will guide and assist the Inspectors in identifying and following up on compliance issues and will provide technical assistance and consultation regarding mining‑related slope stability mitigation and reclamation techniques to Inspectors, permit holders, consultants, and others.

The position will take the lead from Inspectors, as deemed necessary based on workload, complexity, licensing requirements, or when a higher‑level position is needed to assist, in order to work with permit holders toward achieving voluntary compliance. Working in good communication with Inspectors on compliance efforts, this position will recommend compliance issues to the Lead Regulatory Geologist and Assistant Director for enforcement action and assist them in the follow‑up to…