Alluvial Fan Mapping Lead Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is January 2026-June 2027
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $6,107.00 - $8,210.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/20/25. 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 Washington Geological Survey as an Alluvial Fan Mapping Project Lead. 

The Washington Geological Survey is looking for a passionate geologist to join our Post-Wildfire Debris Flow Program. If you're enthusiastic about debris flow hazards, geomorphology, and GIS mapping, this is your chance to make a real impact. We’re launching a major alluvial fan mapping project across the stunning landscapes of the Central Cascades and Northeast Washington- and we need another teammate to get it done! This 18-month project position will focus on leading the GIS mapping, supervising two alluvial fan mappers, and planning the field verification efforts. Are you excited by the intersection of earth science and community safety? Do you thrive in leadership roles and enjoy mentoring a team? If so, you’re exactly who we're looking for. Help us shape the future of hazard resilience in Washington—apply now and be part of something great!

Responsibilities:

• Serves as a senior-level mapper who maps alluvial fans and related geomorphic interpretation for use in geologic hazard maps. 
• Uses aerial imagery, lidar, and other remotely sensed products in ArcGIS Pro to identify debris flow hazards.
• Manages several grant-funded alluvial fan mapping projects. 
• As the team lead of alluvial fan inventory projects, this position is responsible for mapping alluvial fans and managing the team’s data and products.
• Manages project timelines, work scope, and mapping standards. They are responsible for reviewing the work of program staff for professional standards. They provide coaching and mentoring to junior geologists.
• Assigns work, plans the work of their team to maintain timeframes necessary to achieve goals, and helps staff stay on track.
• Collaborates on investigating post-fire debris flow-related questions, such as triggering rainfall intensities, risk to infrastructure from debris flows, and will help their colleagues and direct reports develop a debris flow modeling framework.
• Work well as part of a highly collaborative team to complete project objectives.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in an earth science field AND five years of professional experience in geology assessing and identifying debris flow hazards from remote sensing and field assessments;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in collecting, compiling, managing, and digitizing geospatial and tabular data in the interpretation of lidar and aerial imagery.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, demonstrated by experience and/or coursework.
• Experience in completing and leading field investigations in a variety of topographic and environmental settings, including rugged, uneven terrain.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, particularly regarding difficult topics.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.