Remote Gis Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $74,748.00 - $100,488.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-07-P511-06374
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Division: Washington Geological Survey
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Subsurface Materials Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)Recruitment #2026-07-P511-06374
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is October 2026 through 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 8/6/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington Geological Survey is looking for an energetic team member to serve as our Subsurface Materials Geoscientist. If you're enthusiastic about organizing rock samples and working in a warehouse setting, this role is for you! The successful candidate will manage the collection, storage, analysis, and inventory of physical materials including core, cuttings, and hand samples. This project 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 and make a difference for Washingtonians through geology!
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory database system to track archived materials, including linking materials to relevant publications.
• Facilitates future public access to sample information.
• Locates Washington sample materials held by external partners and determines if materials are suitable for consideration of requesting materials for permanent storage within WGS.
• Receives new materials from WGS staff and external donors, and updates the inventory accordingly.
• Thoroughly checks sample inventory and gathers sample information to enhance metadata.
• Creates archival-quality labels and a storage system.
• Identifies samples at risk of degradation from improper boxing or storage and re-boxes samples as appropriate.
• Upon request, arranges sample viewing or check-out.
• Once accurate inventory is finalized, assists in creating public-facing inventory and webpage.
• Determines appropriate analyses and performs sampling as needed, including determining whether destructive sampling is permissible.
• Designs and maintains database structure for analytical results and compiles results from literature.
• Manages physical materials warehouse safety and maintenance.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
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. It is important that you 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 closely related field AND (4) four years of professional geoscience or closely related work experience
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience.
• GIS experience, focused on editing, attribution, and metadata writing for vector-based spatial geodatasets.

Required Competencies:

• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 30% office setting, 70% warehouse setting (Webster Seed Nursery Geologic Materials Storage Facility) with limited heating, no cooling, no running water, and a portable toilet.
• Travel between the Natural Resources building and the WGS warehouse is occasionally needed. Other infrequent travel, in-state or out-of-state, to workshops, meetings, or conferences may occur throughout the year.
• A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Master's degree in geology or a closely related field.
• Experience creating or managing inventories in a warehouse setting.
• Experience in laboratory sampling and analytical techniques.
• Forklift experience.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact William Gallin at or 360 972 6791 or email 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:

• 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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• 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,
• 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 includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 with 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 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 Retire