Tsunami Geoscientist

Tsunami Geoscientist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project is April 2025-August 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,632.00 - $6,227.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/27/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
As a Tsunami Geoscientist, you will play a key role in tsunami modeling, working closely with other scientists to complete state-of-the-art probabilistic and deterministic tsunami models. These models are essential for understanding how tsunamis will impact our coastline, and your contributions will inform hazard maps and reports used by decision-makers. In addition, you will engage with internal and external partners, attending meetings and sharing your findings with emergency planners, elected officials, and the public.

The core objective of this position will be to work on a Community Technical Partnership grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to build a probabilistic tsunami hazard map for the state at two recurrence intervals (2,475-yr event and 975-yr event). This grant has 18 months of funding and support beyond that time will be contingent on future grant success. 

If you have a passion for using science to solve real-world problems and an interest in working with a collaborative, supportive team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. With flexible work schedules, opportunities for telework, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Washington Geological Survey offers a place where you can grow your skills while making a meaningful difference. Take the next step in your career and help us make a safer, more resilient Washington.

Responsibilities:
Tsunami Modeling- 75%

• This position, under the general direction of the lead Tsunami Geologist and following technical guidance and direction from the other Tsunami Geologist, will complete probabilistic and deterministic tsunami models for the coastline of Washington for a variety of scenarios. In collaboration with their WGS team and external partners, they will determine model parameters and inputs, test the modeling software, and set up full model runs on our processing server. They will check the results of their model and share the results with their WGS team for additional QA/QC. They may develop additional models for inclusion as animations. As part of a team, they will document their work and explain the results in tsunami hazard assessment maps and reports which will be published by the WGS.

Internal/External Partner Engagement and Other Outreach- 15%

• This position will attend meetings and workshops to communicate scientific results to local and state emergency management, elected officials, planners, funding agencies, and other scientists. This position may also communicate directly with the public through presentations, panels, interviews, and other events.

Other Duties- 10%

• Perform additional tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications: 
 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in an earth science field AND three years of experience related to the position;
  OR a Master of Science degree AND one year of experience related to the position;
  OR a PhD in the scope of work performed in this position;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in tsunami modeling and hazard assessment.
• Experience with database structures, UNIX or LINUX commands, and (or) Python.
• Familiarity and basic fluency in the use of GIS to develop figures and maps.
• Knowledge of tsunami wave physics, numerical modeling, hazard assessments, and sediment transport processes.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.