In the Freshwater Monitoring Unit of the Western Operation Section of the Environmental Assessment Program, this position serves as staff Hydrologist focusing in the area of surface water discharge measurement and Ambient/ Continuous Water Quality Sampling.

Some of the key work activities at the Hydrogeologist 2 level include:

• Manages all aspects of the surface water hydrological using independent professional judgment based on strong technical underpinning.
• Independently develops flow rating curves that relate stage height to a corresponding instantaneous stream flow. Also analyzes discharge data and actively tracks the status of individual flow curves.  Supports data management activities including review of field sheet for quality control, entering data into database, validating data quality, and securing data from outside sources as necessary, to be used to create accurate flow curves and accurate representation of stream flow conditions.
• Reviews provisional data quarterly and finalizes the data before the end of the next Water Year.
• Is responsible for the scheduled collection and processing of discrete water quality samples for the FMU Northwest Ambient Monitoring Run. The sampling effort requires 3 ½ days per month to complete and another 1/2 day for preparation and post processing
• The positions primarily assigned geographic work area will be Western Washington. However, this position will also be available statewide to fill in for others “As Needed” to help complete scheduled and event based sampling efforts.

Special Note – Significant overnight travel and fieldwork is required. Time away from the office can sometimes exceed 60% of the scheduled work week.

Please Note: This recruitment is open to current Department of Ecology employees only. This includes employees working on temporary and project assignments at the Department of Ecology.

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:

Course work should also have at least 6 semester (9 quarters hours) in calculus and applied statistics.

Examples of specialized experience desired with a high degree of independent responsibility include the following activities:

1. Installing, operating and maintaining continuous stream gaging and water quality monitoring equipment.
2. Making discharge measurements of streams at: All stage levels, under extreme weather conditions, using tag lines, wading rods, mechanical velocity meters, acoustic Doppler current meters and profilers.
3. Applying sound professional judgment and acceptable hydrological principles to: evaluate hydrological data records for completeness and accuracy, develop and maintain accurate stage-discharge rating curves, and provide written annual technical evaluation of the overall quality of hydrological data for individual sample locations.
4. Collecting discrete water quality samples for field and laboratory analysis.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

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 Brad Hopkins at: Brad.hopkins@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Brad 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.