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

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Olympia seeks a Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 to supervise five Reclamation Specialists/Inspectors and provide expert guidance on mining reclamation, slope stability, and regulatory compliance.

This role oversees the Surface Mine Reclamation program and collaborates with permit holders to achieve compliance while advancing reclamation best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or related field and six years’ experience in surface mine reclamation or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS products.

Responsibilities

• 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), 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).
• Lead the effort to sustain and grow the new Surface Mine Reclamation Award Program, including coordinating nominations and distributing awards.

Skills

Microsoft Office

ESRI ArcGIS

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or related field

Job description

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

Recruitment #2026-9-A442

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $8,161.00 - $10,969.00 Monthly

Additional 7.5% assignment pay has been added to the base salary listed on this announcement due to the required licensure.

We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/30/26.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting job opportunity within the Washington Geological Survey’s Surface Mine Reclamation regulatory program as a Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4).

Are you interested in mining, slope stability, rock mechanics, soil health, and re-establishing sustainable vegetation in disturbed landscapes? Consider supervising 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 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 following mining, to prevent or mitigate future environmental degradation, and to help ensure mined lands are in a condition suitable for their post‑mining, secondary use.

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 sustain and grow 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. Alternative duty station locations may be considered.

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, in order 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 sustain and grow the new Surface Mine Reclamation Award Program. This will include coordinating the solicitation and review of nominations and the distribution of awards and collaborating with Washington Geological Survey staff to develop and maintain the award program webpage. This position will lead the effort to leverage the award program as a means to encourage exemplary reclamation practices, share reclamation resources amongst the regulated community, and educate the people of Washington about mining and reclamation.

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. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or related field AND six years’ experience in surface mine reclamation work or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS products.

Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of Washington geology, soil and rock mechanics, slope stability and mitigation.
• 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 ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• A Washington Engineering Geologist License (LEG) is required per RCW 18.220.020 as outlined in the individual performance development plan.
• While primarily an office‑based position, field work will be required, which may include driving long distances. Some on‑site meetings may be necessary, and these may be conducted at active mine sites on uneven ground in adverse weather. Worksite may be flexible.
• Overnight travel will be required periodically.
• 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 related field.
• Knowledge, experience, and in-depth understanding of surface mines, the mining industry, and reclamation techniques.
• Licensed to practice hydrogeology in Washington State (LHG).

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 [e-mail].

Questions? Please contact Ana Shafer at [e-mail] / 253-569-2307 or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service 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, visit here to learn more
• 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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html 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 www.uscis.gov.

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 [e-mail].