Job Information
Washington State Department of Natural Resources Geothermal Geologist in Olympia, Washington
Geothermal Geologist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $5,643.00 - $7,589.00 Monthly *Review of applications is ongoing. *We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/15/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:
- Perform innovative research on the locations, types, and qualities of geothermal resources in Washington State. The focus is on identifying and characterizing the distribution of subsurface heat and the potential risks of developing a geothermal resource in high-priority areas using innovative techniques such as geophysics or geochemistry.
- Aggregate existing data, collect new data, and conduct the analyses required to adequately identify and characterize geothermal plays, using methods such as geologic mapping, interpretation of petrographic, geophysical, and geochemical data, crustal stress analysis, structural analysis, drilling, borehole log interpretation, borehole temperature analysis, lab analyses of rock, soil, and water.
- The use of GIS and other modeling tools, including database development, will be required to integrate data and interpretations into favorability, potential, and risk maps at various scales.
- Develop induced seismicity models to characterize potential seismic risks to infrastructure and resources, compiling data in support of findings for use in decision support tools.
- The successful applicant will inform the Survey and Agency of strategies or approaches to navigate the study and development of geothermal resources, including industry-based technologies used in that development. The position will also represent the Survey as a subject matter resource on geothermal in statewide workgroups or meetings. Furthermore, this position will independently respond to local and tribal governments, industry partners, and state enterprise requests for information and technical assistance.
- The successful applicant will have or establish relationships with partners/peers in state and federal agencies to maintain awareness of geothermal activities outside of DNR, identify and take advantage of collaborative opportunities, and learn of new technological advancements or efforts.
*Required Qualifications: *
- A bachelor's degree in geology or related science, AND four years of professional geology experience OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience (e.g., a M.S. degree substitutes for 2 years of experience, and a PhD substitutes for 3 years of experience).
- Experience in successful project management, developing budgets, work plans, and proposals.
- Experience in conducting field investigations.
- Experience utilizing public speaking and written communication skills to clearly and effectively deliver scientific and technical content to diverse audiences, adjusting content and language as appropriate, based on the intended audience.
- Two years of experience in the design and use of geospatial databases, data visualization software, and modeling techniques, including GIS.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.