Washington Geologic Survey - Job Posting!

HIRING 3 GEOLOGIC MAPPING ASSISTANTS

 
The Washington Geological Survey is looking for qualified applicants for some exciting geological mapping projects that will start in the next few months. These positions start in July, are 6 months in duration, and are a great opportunity to gain both applied and research experience.
 
PROJECT 1: GEOLOGIC MAP OF THE EATONVILLE QUADRANGLE (SW WASHINGTON) with Michael Polenz

Location—Based in Olympia; all field work will be daytrips from Olympia.
Summary—This project will map and characterize bedrock and Quaternary geology at the intersection of the Tacoma basin and the western Cascades. The basin edge may be bounded by as yet unexplored faulting. We will improve understanding of the evolution of the ancestral Cascade volcanic arc where (early Cascades) Northcraft Formation likely transitions to as yet little-known, more recent volcanism. We will explore the age and character of Tacoma Basin fill. Cascades-sourced sediment of the Mashel Formation may be younger than previously thought, with paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental implications. It also provides an aquifer that may systematically produce problematic levels of arsenic. Quaternary highlights include improved understanding of Pleistocene stratigraphy (and water resources), which we will explore through (1) the intersection of multiple Mt. Rainier-sourced alpine glaciations and Cordilleran sourced continental ice advances and related outburst floods, (2) Mt. Rainier-sourced lahar deposits in the beautiful Nisqually River basin.

 
PROJECT 2: GEOLOGIC MAP OF THE ELLENSBURG SOUTH QUADRANGLE (CENTRAL WASHINGTON) with Andrew Sadowski

Location—Based out of Ellensburg; all field work will be daytrips from Ellensburg.
Summary—This project is near Ellensburg, WA in the Kittitas Valley, which is an actively deforming fault- and fold-bound basin east of the Cascade Range. This is the 5th year of a multi-year project that will investigate geologic hazards and natural resources in central Washington.

Objectives include: 

-Mapping new lidar scarps and existing faults to ongoing USGS paleoseismic investigations.
-Documenting the extent and character of landslides and landslide-prone features such as glacial deposits(?) and dipping bedrock-sediment contacts.
-Refining Neogene stratigraphy to elucidate rates and styles of deformation in the Yakima Fold and Thrust Belt (YFTB).
-Characterizing the poorly understood tectonic transition from the YFTB west across the Cascade Range and into the active forearc fault system.
-Conceptualizing  2D/3D models of the geology and deformation history for Kittitas Valley.
-Collecting new data to update a 3D hydrogeologic model to aid in understanding water resources in both deep and shallow aquifers.
-Locating new and existing aggregate resources to inform municipal planning.

 
PROJECT 3: GEOLOGIC MAP OF THE EAGLE GORGE and COUGAR MTN. QUADRANGLES in the Cascade Foothills with Trevor Contreras

Location—Based in Olympia; all field work will be conducted from a seasonally rented field house or motel near Enumclaw or Black Diamond.  Additional office work will be done in Olympia following field work.
Summary—This project will map and characterize bedrock and Quaternary geology of the Cascade Foothills. This includes tracing fault zones of the Puget Lowland into the foothills to better understand how they interact with the Cascades Mountains. The project has it all—beautiful uplands, faults and folds; a variety of bedrock and glacial geology to puzzle over and interpret. Previous experience mapping structurally complex volcanic, volcaniclastic, and metamorphic rocks will be helpful.

 
TO APPLY:

  • Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm of May 21.

  • Email required material to: Trevor Contreras, Geologic Mapping Section, Washington Geological Survey; 360-810-0005; trevor.contreras@dnr.wa.gov

  • Ensure you meet the required qualifications (see below)

  • Provide a resume (including GPA), cover letter, list of completed geology classes and grades, and the names and contact information for at least three references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Please indicate the position(s) for which you would like to be considered. \

  • Telephone interviews will be conducted in late May; work starts in July, depending on your availability.

 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in geology or closely related discipline, including coursework on geologic mapping techniques and (or) field methods

  • Ability to describe the basic lithology of sediments and sedimentary and igneous rocks

  • A valid driver’s license and experience or interest in driving on unpaved forest roads with varying conditions, including the use of 4-wheel drive

  • Experience or interest in using maps (paper and digital) to navigate marked and unmarked road networks

  • Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (by having completed, at a minimum, their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines) or be approved for a medical or religious accommodation as a condition of employment.

 
PREFERRED/DESIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES:

  • Master’s degree in geology or closely related discipline OR 2 years of professional geology experience

  • Interest and a background in volcanic rocks

  • Experience using ArcPro and Field Maps or Collector

  • Geologic knowledge of Washington State

  • Experience collecting, processing, or interpreting geophysical data

  • Experience working outdoors in remote and (or) urban locations

  • Ability to pleasantly interact with the public and coworkers

 
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULE

  • Field work occurs July through early November and may require work in adverse weather (heat, rain, smoke) while hiking up to 10 miles on uneven and steep terrain.

  • Driving can be a big component of the job, with 50+ miles daily driving during field work and the potential for occasional overnight stays. Vehicles are supplied by the WGS.

  • You will use a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, and standard geologic field equipment (rock hammer, pick-axe, sledge hammer, shovel, hand lens).

  • Four 10-hour days per week is a typical schedule.

 
COMPENSATION

  • $4080/mo salary (plus benefits); per diem and accommodation during overnight travel (but not while working from the designated office).

 
POSITIONS AND GENERAL JOB DUTIES

  • 3 geologic mapping assistants

    • (75%) Conducts independent and team-based geologic mapping, including making detailed descriptions of rocks, deposits, and geologic features encountered. Makes deductions and interpretations from new and existing geologic data. Continuously and accurately locates themselves in the field using a variety of methods (lidar, topography, GPS, compass, etc). Independently, or as a member of a mapping team, navigates forest roads, trails, and terrain. Uses an ArcGIS Online database for field-data collection. Compiles, reviews, and synthesizes existing and newly collected geologic information to develop geologic unit descriptions, interpret the geologic setting, and deduce geologic structures.

    • (25%) Analyzes geologic data for the project (rock descriptions, outcrop patterns, geologic structures, compiled data as applicable) and deduces and interprets geologic patterns. May compile and interpret subsurface borings, wells, and other drilling records to understand subsurface geology. Independently, and as a member of an interdisciplinary team, may develop 2D cross sections of subsurface geology. Collates, prepares, and makes recommendations for which samples to send for laboratory analysis. Analyzes thin-sections to determine modal abundances of minerals and deduce provenance. May help to develop technical geologic writing, including unit descriptions, interpretive text, and appendix materials. May also complete miscellaneous tasks to meet project goals. Includes use of GIS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Illustrator software.