Required Qualifications:

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

AND 

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

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.

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

A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three (3) years of experience if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.

This position requires knowledge of: Physical and natural sciences related to ground/surface water quality, quantity, development, and basin-wide management; principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, well hydraulics, soils, geochemistry, meteorology, and related earth science and engineering subjects; waste disposal practices; computer sciences; well construction; field surveying techniques, instruments, and mapping; Water Code, Ground Water Quality Stan­dards, Dangerous Waste Regulations, and related departmental regulations; tech­niques and procedures for water sampling and monitoring; principles and proce­dures of cost estimating, budgeting, and public finance; principles and practic­es of workload management, program administration, human relations, and person­nel development programs.

The position also requires the ability to: Plan, organize, conduct, and direct hydrogeologic/surface water investigations, field work, and special studies of water quality, water quantity, hazardous waste, and water right problems; draft and administer departmental contracts; apply state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology; prepare and publish technical reports and bulletins; provide peer review of hydrogeologic activities and reports; interpret and apply the Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, related State and Federal laws, and related departmental regulations; evaluate and report on proposed water resources management legislation; negotiate with supervisory personnel of the agency and represent the program in departmental matters as directed; issue clear, concise, and tactful written and oral communications.

Desired Qualifications:

This position also employs knowledge of the principles of management as applied in a scientific work environment, including familiarity with environmental monitoring and assessment methods.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement by and between “The State of Washington” and “Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)”, state civil service system rules, and agency policies concerning personnel development and personnel actions including recruitment, hiring, training, professional development, performance evaluation, corrective action, affirmative action and diversity goals, and corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Knowledge of budget management, including budget planning and tracking, time accounting and employee leave, purchasing and procurement procedures, and negotiating and administering contracts and inter-agency agreements.
• Knowledge of the principles of aquatic pollution ecology, specifically in scientific research methods for sample collection, data analysis, statistical testing, computer modeling, and information management.
• Knowledge of the current State and Federal laws and regulations establishing water quality standards.
• Knowledge of standard methods governing sampling design, sampling methods and protocols, laboratory methods and procedures, and quality assurance procedures.
• Skills to write, review, and edit technical reports and to present complex scientific material to management and the public.
• Skills to design and implement environmental monitoring studies, including application of quality assurance procedures.
• Skills to strategically plan, schedule, and track monitoring project workloads to assure timely delivery of quality products to clients.
• Ability to plan, develop, conduct, direct, and oversee independent hydrologic projects statewide.
• Ability to administer a monitoring program designed to assess the causes and effects of pollution on groundwater, surface water, sediment, and biological resources.
• Ability to formulate environmental monitoring policy in consideration of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate, coordinate, and negotiate with employees, managers, clients, governmental agencies, tribes, stakeholders, and the public.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Geologist License and either a Washington State Engineering Geologist Specialty License or a Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty 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

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:

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.