Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2768886/hydrogeologist-4
As our community responds to the public health emergency, the Department of Ecology’s priority is to keep our staff, candidates and the public safe. We are experiencing some delays as we transition to a virtual recruitment process. Thank you for your patience and we will be in touch as soon as we are able. We encourage you to apply to open postings.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.
The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is looking to fill a Hydrogeologist 4 position at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
This Hydrogeologist 4 will serve as a senior hydrogeologist responsible for groundwater resource evaluations, especially those involving land applications of wastes and resulting groundwater impacts; surface water/groundwater interactions in support of Total Maximum Daily Load Studies (TMDLs); watershed characterization; subsurface contaminant transport; and water-quality/quantity monitoring. This position coordinates with staff from Ecology’s other Water Programs (e.g. Water Resources and Water Quality) to develop and manage statewide groundwater monitoring efforts. Assists in the development of legislative proposal, rules, and policies, as needed, to advance Ecology’s groundwater monitoring activities.
We are looking for applicants who have excellent communication skills, are collaborative, and are good at solving problems.
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.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts
Duties
This position serves as a senior hydrogeologist for EAP’s Groundwater/Forests and Fish Unit. Some of the key work activities for this Hydrogeologist 4 position include:
Conducts groundwater or surface water quality studies and analyzes environmental data:
- Independently designs, plans, conducts, and manages hydrogeologic projects. These projects typically involve the evaluation of land application of wastes and resulting groundwater impacts; surface water/groundwater interactions in support of Total Maximum Daily Load Studies (TMDLs); watershed characterization; subsurface contaminant transport; and water-quality/quantity monitoring.
- Develops hydrogeologic study design and site conceptual models.
- Develops Quality Assurance Project Plans.
- Plans and implements field logistics and data collection.
- Performs quality checks on raw water level and water quality data and loads hydrologic data into the agency’s environmental database (EIM).
- Performs analysis of hydrogeologic data/information, prepares written reports documenting study methods and findings.
- Manages projects as directed by the Program Manager.
- Leads other hydrogeologists in completion of aforementioned duties.
Communicates hydrogeologic information to diverse audiences:
- Writes professional technical reports for publication on the status and results of hydrogeologic issues and analysis. Provides professional recommendations regarding future study and policy or regulatory implications.
- Presents study results orally or as written briefings to peers, managers, and to non-technical audiences.
- Reports status and/or results of hydrogeologic issues and analyses to the Program Manager.
- Assists in the development of legislative proposals, rules, and policies, as needed, to advance Ecology’s groundwater monitoring activities.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 11, 2020. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 10, 2020. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
As our community responds to the public health emergency, the Department of Ecology’s priority is to keep our staff, candidates and the public safe. We are experiencing some delays as we transition to a virtual recruitment process. Thank you for your patience and we will be in touch as soon as we are able. We encourage you to apply to open postings.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
AND
Five years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession at the Hydrogeologist 2 level, higher or equivalent.
A Master’s degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.
A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of experience if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Note: This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license, and either a Washington State Hydrogeologist or a Washington State Engineering Geologist specialty license.
NOTE: Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity.
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.
This position requires knowledge of: Physical and natural sciences related to ground/surface water quality, quantity, development; principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, well hydraulics, soils, geochemistry, meteorology, and related earth science and engineering subjects; computer sciences; well construction; field surveying techniques, instruments, and mapping; 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:
Preferred training and certification:
- Knowledge of and experience with ArcGIS software.
- Experience using “R”, Excel, or other software tools for scientific data analyses and presentation.
- Experience with relational databases such as Access or SQL Server.
- Groundwater monitoring field experience (e.g. measurement of groundwater levels, water quality sampling, installing and downloading pressure transducers, conducting aquifer tests, etc.).
- OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment.
- This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license, and either a Washington State Hydrogeologist or a Washington State Engineering Geologist specialty license.
- 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
Supplemental Information
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
- Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
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 Pam Marti at: pam.marti@ecy.wa.gov Please do not contact Pam 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.
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.