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

Salary : $80,460.00 - $108,252.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type : Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid

Job Number : 2025-1-A442-00602

Department : Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date : 01 / 24 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 23 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Salary Information : The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4) Recruitment #2025-1-A442

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location : Natural Resources Building - Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary : $6705.00 - $9021.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment any time after 2 / 10 / 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 job opportunity within the Washington Geological Survey's Surface Mine Reclamation regulatory program. Are you interested in mining, slope stability, rock mechanics, soil health, and re-establishing sustainable vegetation in disturbed landscapes? Consider applying to supervise 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 the 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 appropriate to the approved subsequent use of the surface mine and to prevent or mitigate future environmental degradation.

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 develop, launch, and maintain 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. Salaries for this position are under review during this legislative session and may result in a significant pay increase.

Duties

Responsibilities :

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, 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 enforcement actions against unpermitted and / or noncompliant permitted mine sites.

Working in collaboration with the Lead Regulatory Geologist, Assistant Director, and other program staff, this position will also lead the effort to develop, launch, and maintain the new Surface Mine Reclamation Award Program. Maintenance of the program will include coordinating the solicitation and review of nominations, determining the process for identifying annual award recipients, coordinating the distribution of awards, and collaborating with Washington Geological Survey staff to develop and maintain the award program webpage.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or a related field AND 6 years of experience in surface mine reclamation work or a related field.

OR a master's degree or equivalent coursework and 4 years of the required experience.

OR a Ph.D. degree and 3 years of the required experience.

Personal Accountability

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment :

Desired Qualifications :

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates : Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements :

Questions? Please contact Ana Shafer at / (253) 569-2307 or e-mail us at

Persons needing accommodation in the application / testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the 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 :

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include :

Additional 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

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

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits :

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note : If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note : Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and / or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note : Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.

Do you have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or a related field AND 6 years' experience in surface mine reclamation work or a related field.;OR a master's degree or equivalent coursework and 4 years of the required experience;OR a Ph.D. degree and 3 years of the required experience?

Have you attached a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts? This is a required attachment. If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript your application will not move forward in the application process.

If you have not already obtained your license in Washington state as an engineering geologist, please describe what requirements you have yet to meet and a time estimate for obtaining your Washington state engineering geology license (LEG).

Are you proficient with Microsoft Office, ESRI ArcGIS products?

Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? DNR is not an E-Verify agency.

Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question

Salary : $80,460 - $108,252