[ES_JOBS_NET] Surface Mine Reclamation Plan Specialist at Washington Geological Survey

[Maria Furtney]

Surface Mine Reclamation Plan Specialist, Natural Resource Scientist
3Recruitment
#2021-08-6619
*Salary* $61,224.00 - $82,344.00 Annually
*Location* Thurston County – Olympia, WA
*Closing* 8/23/2021 11:59 PM Pacific*Job Type* Full Time - Permanent,
Represented position

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity
within our Washington Geological Survey Division. Are you a geologist
looking for an opportunity that will contribute to both economic vitality
and environmental protection throughout Washington state? The Washington
Geological Survey’s Surface Mine Reclamation regulatory program administers
the Surface Mining Act, and we’re looking to hire a permit and plan
specialist. This position is critical to help ensure surface mines in
Washington state will be reclaimed to a well vegetated, stable, and
naturally draining condition, to provide the greatest practical degree of
environmental protection, and to prepare the site for its future use. We’re
searching for someone with strong attention to detail and great
time-management and organizational skills, as well as an interest in
mining, reclamation, rock mechanics, and slope stability. Our ideal
candidate is productive while working independently and is also a team
player with excellent written and verbal communication skills. We are
looking for someone who can communicate regarding the technical aspects of
surface mining and reclamation with any audience. You must be licensed to
practice geology in Washington state (LG) or be capable of acquiring your
LG within twelve months of your hire date. In-person collaboration will be
necessary for success, but the program is willing to accommodate elective
telework in a hybrid schedule.

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position serves as the plan reviewer and program expert for all
surface mine reclamation permit applications and as the program’s State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) coordinator, ensuring compliance with all
relevant laws, rules, and agency guidance. Typical duties include the
following:

   - Provide consultation with permit applicants and other stakeholders.
   - Conduct a comprehensive review of all permit applications and
   associated documents and ensure compliance with relevant portions of the
   Surface Mining Act (RCW 78.44), its associated rule (WAC 332-18), and
   program and agency policy and guidance.
   - Ensure all required documents, fees, and required performance security
   are received from the applicant, as needed, for a complete permit.
   - Communicate with applicants and their consultants to correct errors
   and omissions and resolve permitting discrepancies in order to move the
   complete permit application through to approval.
   - Consult with the  Assistant Director or the Chief Reclamation
   Geologist regarding technical elements of reclamation plans, on topics
   including but not limited to slope stability, engineering geology,
   hydrology, hydrogeology, the potential for hazardous minerals, and
   geologically complex sites.
   - Coordinate with the permit applicant to ensure the SEPA checklist is
   thorough and accurate.
   - Consult all available information and screening tools and consult with
   subject matter experts, as needed, to identify any environmental conditions
   associated with the proposal that may pose at least a moderate likelihood
   of a probable significant adverse impact.
   - Prepare a response to comments received during the SEPA public comment
   period.
   - Provide information, as needed, to assist the SEPA Responsible
   Official in decision-making processes.
   - Review and comment on, as needed, SEPA documents from other lead
   agencies on behalf of the program.
   - Collaborate with permit holders, consultants, and other stakeholders
   to discuss and resolve issues regarding permits and mine sites.

This person may at times conduct surface mine reclamation permit
inspections, which includes field inspection of mine sites, inspection
report compilation, and intitiating compliance actions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

   - Bachelor’s degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, or
   related field.
   - License to practice geology in Washington state (LG) or ability to
   obtain a LG within twelve months.
   - Proficient with Microsoft Office software for the production of
   reports, letters, and other documents.
   - Experience accessing and interpreting data in ArcGIS.
   - Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
   - The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
   - A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience.
   This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or
   interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all
   states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
   - DNR Core Competencies:
      - Personal Accountability
      - Value Others
      - Compassionate Communication
      - Inspire Others
      - Commitment to Excellence

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

   - License to practice engineering geology and/or hydrogeology in
   Washington state (LEG, LHG).
   - Proficient in ArcGIS.
   - Proficiency with GPS, clinometer, Apple iOS, and other equipment
   needed for field inspections.

Supplemental Information

Location:
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking
discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from
the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling
hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more
information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most
office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to
their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for
telework based on DNR's telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources
<https://www.dnr.wa.gov/about-washington-department-natural-resources>
 (DNR).
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity
of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and
socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations
throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of
state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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, visit here to learn more
   <https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/workforce-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/statewide-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 benefit 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.

How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the
APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be
considered for the position.

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 at des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

   - Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and
   qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required,
   desired and special requirements.
   - Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
   - Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a
   document, use the References text field in the online application, or
   include with resume.
   - Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy
   of your transcripts.
   - Complete all supplemental questions.

Questions?  Please contact Anna Shafer at 253-569-2307,
ana.shafer at dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting at dnr.wa.gov
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