The Water Resources (WR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an ERO Water Resources Program Technical Unit Supervisor (Hydrogeologist 4) position. This position will be located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

We are looking for candidates who have strong leadership skills required to manage a small group of technical professionals, and who have demonstrated knowledge and skills required to plan, organize, and direct complex surface water and groundwater investigations.

You would enjoy this job if you like fast-paced work that requires you to be adaptable and flexible and you have the ability to find creative and innovative solutions and/or new approaches as well as long-term strategic thinking/planning.

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.ecology.wa.gov.

AND

Five (5) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession at the Hydrogeologist 2 level, higher or equivalent.

OR

A Master’s degree with major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND three (3) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession at the Hydrogeologist 2 level, higher or equivalent.

OR

A Ph.D. degree as long as the majority of research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND two (2) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession at the Hydrogeologist 2 level, higher or equivalent.

• Have demonstrated skills required to plan, organize, conduct, and direct hydrogeologic/surface water investigations and to perform project management duties.
• Have at least one year of professional experience working on water supply or water availability issues.
• Have working knowledge of Washington’s water code, including statutes and regulations pertaining to management of water resources.

The experience at the Hydrogeologist 2 level can include a combination of the following: (1) Provides professional hydrogeologic review and analysis of water quality and water quantity problems. (2) Provides technical hydrogeologic assistance to other sections or programs in the department. (3) Measures streamflow. (4) Estimates low streamflow, flood magnitude and frequency analysis. (5) Conducts drought and watershed yield analysis. (6) Locates and maps contaminant migration in ground water, unsaturated zone and surface water. (7) Determines hydrogeologic characteristics of drainage basins, aquifers, and waste sites. (8) Performs field duties on pump tests, slug tests, aquifer tests, and tracer studies to determine hydrogeologic characteristics such as potentiometric surface, seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, storage coefficient, dispersivity, velocity and direction of ground water flow, and well interference. (9) Analyzes project data, interprets results and reports conclusions. (10) Oversees and approves various phases of project development and implementation. (11) Provides project leadership of technicians and hydrogeologic staff on field projects. (12) Provides professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations. (13) Responds to inquiries from public officials and private interests. (14) Assists in drafting and administering contracts for detailed hydrogeologic investigations and well construction. (15) Assists in drilling and administering contracts for detailed hydrogeologic investigations and well construction (16) Prepares technical reports and memoranda.

Valid drivers license.

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

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 have specific questions about the position, please email Keith Stoffel at: Keith.Stoffel@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Keith 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.

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.