The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4) position. This position is located in our Northwest Regional Office (NWRO) in Bellevue, WA.

The Senior Hydrogeologist position is responsible for post-cleanup sites by evaluating and assessing the site’s conditions and monitoring data to assure that human health and the environment are being protected. Utilizing senior level knowledge, skills and abilities to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing or completed cleanup actions, including the effectiveness of engineered controls and institutional controls, new scientific information, new applicable state and federal laws, current and projected site and resource uses, the availability and practicability of more permanent remedies and availability of improved analytical techniques to evaluate compliance with cleanup levels. Evaluates completeness of cleanup activities for compliance with the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act. Reviews and /or oversees the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites for compliance with MTCA and other relevant laws and regulations. Provides a high level of scientific knowledge to all levels of the organization regarding the development and implementation of the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act.

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, are organized and thorough, have the ability to quickly assess a situation and make a recommendation for agency decision, have excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse audience.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Some of the key work activities for the Senior Hydrogeologist position are:

• Applies hydrogeology specialty and experiences and project management skills to the section’s largest, most complex, and/or controversial projects.
• Researches and applies conventional hydrogeology techniques and principles.
• Performs final professional hydrogeology review and approval of associated designed, plans, and specifications.
• Develops cleanup strategies for complex sites.
• Communicates completed concepts clearly.
• Serves as hydrogeology specialist on project management teams to evaluate proposed projects and facilities to ensure sound hydrogeologic judgement and principals are used in development of policies, regulations, and designs.
• Provides technical assistance in specialty areas associated with the planning, design, construction, and/or startup of assigned environmental projects.
• Researches historic cleanup sites and using scientific methods and ingenuity to determine if the site meets the criteria developed in Cleanup Action Plans. Since each site is individual in character and where no precedent has been established for the individual sites, this position is responsible for planning and participating in reviews and report writing based upon data collected during those reviews.
• Researches sites by conducting site visits, reviewing files, and writing reports documenting the effectiveness of various cleanup actions.
• Uses sound scientific principals investigate, collect, record and interpret data, and report on the efficacy of environmental treatments and remediation.
• Conducts site surveys and records data found at the sites on site and field conditions in order to independently draw conclusions to present to program and regional management.
• Assists regional site mangers, ISIS coordinators, public information officers, and other data management personnel in the contribution of periodic reviews.
• Reviews environmental treatments and remediation to ensure efficacy and protectiveness.
• Gathers data from field sampling and file reviews to formulate and justify conclusions in written reports.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be September 3, 2017.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application including a cover letter and resume on or before September 2, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information: 

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Louise Bardy at: louise.bardy@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Louise to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

The Washington State Department of Ecology 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.