Some of the key work activities at the Hydrogeologist 2 level (Under the technical review of a Licensed Hydrogeologist) include:

• Provides professional hydrogeologic assistance to the Permitting Unit to support water right management decisions.
• Reviews, analyzes, and periodically collects hydrogeologic data.
• Determines the hydrogeologic characteristic, such as seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, storage coefficients, direction of groundwater flow, and well interference.
• Performs field investigations that may require stream flow measurements, aquifer tests, geologic mapping, aerial photograph analysis, water level measurements; and negotiating with water right applicants, protesting parties and their hired consultants.
• Utilizes PC based computer models to evaluate well/stream relationships, aquifer characteristics and well interference information, prepared written technical reports and reviews those submitted by consultants.
• Reviews hydrogeologic reports and water right mitigation proposals.
• Provides professional hydrogeologic  assistance in reviewing the site suitability, monitoring plans, and estimations of increased groundwater storage associated with exempt well mitigation and stream flow restoration proposals within Ecology’s Central Region.

The goal class for this position is a Hydrogeologist 2 (HG2). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Hydrogeologist 1 and 2 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the HG1 level then they will be hired in at that level and will be placed into a training program to become an HG2 within a specified period of time.

At the Hydrogeologist 1 Level – Pay Range 52 ($3795 – $4977) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field

AND 

One (1) year of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied professional or one (1) year as a Hydrogeologist Trainee.

A Master’s degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for the experience.

At the Hydrogeologist 2 Level – Pay Range 58 ($4399 – $5770) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field

AND

Two (2) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession or one (1) year as a Hydrogeologist 1.

A Master’s degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field will substitute for the two (2) years of experience.

Desired Qualifications:

Ability to develop and apply standard methods in determination of ground water movement and storage, groundwater recharge, discharge, areal extent and thickness of geologic formations, hydraulic conductivities, boundary conditions and other aquifer properties, stream flow characteristics, well construction, radial flow to a well, and well interference.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess a valid driver’s 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 John Kirk at: tkir461@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact John 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.