What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tsunami Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Tsunami Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)
Recruitment #2025-2-P476
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project is April 2025-August 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRecruitment #2025-2-P476
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project is April 2025-August 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Salary: $4,632.00 - $6,227.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/27/25. 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 Office. Are you ready to join a dynamic team and contribute to the safety and well-being of Washington’s coastal communities? The Washington Geological Survey is looking for a Tsunami Geoscientist to help reduce the risk of tsunami disasters through scientific modeling, hazard mapping, and collaboration with emergency management teams. You’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge tsunami research, modeling, and hazard assessments that will shape evacuation planning and public awareness. Your work will make a direct impact on community preparedness and will be part of a larger mission to protect the state’s lands and waters for future generations.
As a Tsunami Geoscientist, you will play a key role in tsunami modeling, working closely with other scientists to complete state-of-the-art probabilistic and deterministic tsunami models. These models are essential for understanding how tsunamis will impact our coastline, and your contributions will inform hazard maps and reports used by decision-makers. In addition, you will engage with internal and external partners, attending meetings and sharing your findings with emergency planners, elected officials, and the public.
The core objective of this position will be to work on a Community Technical Partnership grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to build a probabilistic tsunami hazard map for the state at two recurrence intervals (2,475-yr event and 975-yr event). This grant has 18 months of funding and support beyond that time will be contingent on future grant success.
If you have a passion for using science to solve real-world problems and an interest in working with a collaborative, supportive team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. With flexible work schedules, opportunities for telework, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Washington Geological Survey offers a place where you can grow your skills while making a meaningful difference. Take the next step in your career and help us make a safer, more resilient Washington.
Duties
Responsibilities:
Tsunami Modeling- 75%
- This position, under the general direction of the lead Tsunami Geologist and following technical guidance and direction from the other Tsunami Geologist, will complete probabilistic and deterministic tsunami models for the coastline of Washington for a variety of scenarios. In collaboration with their WGS team and external partners, they will determine model parameters and inputs, test the modeling software, and set up full model runs on our processing server. They will check the results of their model and share the results with their WGS team for additional QA/QC. They may develop additional models for inclusion as animations. As part of a team, they will document their work and explain the results in tsunami hazard assessment maps and reports which will be published by the WGS.
- This position will attend meetings and workshops to communicate scientific results to local and state emergency management, elected officials, planners, funding agencies, and other scientists. This position may also communicate directly with the public through presentations, panels, interviews and other events.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
-
A Bachelor of Science degree in an earth science field AND three years of experience related to the position;
OR a Master of Science degree AND one year of experience related to the position;
OR a PhD in the scope of work performed in this position;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience in tsunami modeling and hazard assessment.
- Experience with database structures, UNIX or LINUX commands, and (or) Python.
- Familiarity and basic fluency in the use of GIS to develop figures and maps.
- Knowledge of tsunami wave physics, numerical modeling, hazard assessments, and sediment transport processes.
- 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
- Typically, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. Position may be eligible for additional schedule variations pending supervisor/program approval.
- Occasional travel with overnight stays.
- Experience with GeoCLAW or MOST modeling software.
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
- Applicants invited to participate in the interview process will be expected to finish a 15-minute take home test and a 45-minute round-robin virtual interview.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
- Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- 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 benefits 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.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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 it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
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.
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Salary : $4,632 - $6,227
