Subsurface Data Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3

Description

Subsurface Data Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)

Recruitment #2026-7-P510-06348

Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)

Anticipated Project Employment is October 2026 - 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 8/6/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Washington Geological Survey is looking for an energetic team member to serve as our Subsurface Data Geoscientist, and you might be the right fit to work with us! The successful candidate will lead the collection, compilation, design, and maintenance of subsurface data in support of our mission to promote the safety, health, and welfare of the people of Washington. This position is part of a small program that works collaboratively with teams stewarding data, including groundwater geochemistry, gravity and magnetics, school seismic safety refraction surveys, geothermal, carbon sequestration, and oil & gas.

Our ideal candidate is self‑motivated, interpersonal, and detail‑oriented, with a broad understanding of geologic data types and experience with database management. This 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 (DNR), and make a difference for Washingtonians through geology!

• Works collaboratively with program staff to identify, gather, compile, verify, attribute, and publish subsurface geospatial data for use by internal and external researchers.
• Leads design of a multi‑discipline, complex spatial database, including innovating efficient data workflows via scripts or other means for maintaining and updating database development and production.
• Solicits and retrieves subsurface data from external jurisdictions for inclusion in the subsurface database.
• Recommends new data types and layers for future inclusion in the subsurface database.
• Trains Survey staff to enforce data standards and ensure high‑quality data delivery.
• Assists in developing data preservation grant proposals.
• Responds to subsurface data requests.

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. Please 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 a closely related field AND (4) four years of professional geoscience or closely related work experience. OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design and database management.
• Experience in independent project or grant management.

• 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.

• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

• 90% in office, with the remaining time spent at the WGS Webster warehouse facility (Webster Seed Nursery Geologic Materials Storage facility with limited heating, no cooling, no running water, and a portable toilet).
• Infrequent to occasional in‑state or out‑of‑state travel to conferences, workshops, or other meetings.

• Washington Geologist License (LG) per RCW .
• Master’s degree in geology or related field.
• (5) Five years of experience in GIS involving digitizing, editing, and relational database design AND service…