Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4) within the Water Quality Program.
Location Options:
- Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
- Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Assignment Pay:
- The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.
Schedule:
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- For the first month, the position will be required to work full time in the office, but after successful completion of onboarding and training, the position may be eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule with 10% of the time spent in-office and in the field.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by February 10, 2026.
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the above date may not be considered.
Duties
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As a Senior Hydrogeologist with the Central Regional Office (CRO) Water Quality Industrial Unit, you will have the opportunity to apply your hydrogeologic background to meaningful work that supports Washington’s communities and environment. This role gives you the chance to work on emerging groundwater topics—such as reclaimed water use, land-application practices, and industrial wastewater treatment—while contributing to important permitting decisions that help protect water quality across the state.
In this position, you will draw on your knowledge of groundwater systems and industrial discharges to support a variety of groundwater evaluations and water quality projects. Your perspective will help shape practical approaches to managing wastewater, preserving natural resources, and responding to evolving environmental needs in a rapidly growing region.
You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Water Quality Program, individuals at regulated facilities, and community members who care about clean and healthy waterways. You’ll have a central role in providing hydrogeologic input for groundwater assessments, permit development, and project reviews. The work you support plays a vital part in keeping Washington’s water resources safe, sustaining local communities, and encouraging responsible growth.
If you’re looking for a position where your scientific background can contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes, this role offers a chance to make a long-lasting difference while working with a supportive team and a mission-driven program.What you will do:
- Support the preparation and review of wastewater discharge permits (State Waste Discharge (SWD) & National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)) for industrial facilities, ensuring permits help protect water quality and meet regulatory requirements.
- Use hydrogeology and geology knowledge to assess submitted hydrogeological reports and documents, helping ensure they meet relevant state and federal standards.
- Integrate state Groundwater Quality Standards into wastewater discharge permits by interpreting monitoring data, conducting statistical and hydrogeologic assessments, and contributing to permit conditions and compliance decisions.
- Collaborate with facility staff and consultants to address complex environmental questions related to regulatory requirements, treatment technologies, permit conditions, and water quality investigations, providing clear guidance and supporting solutions.
- Apply understanding of groundwater, reclaimed water, and industrial wastewater systems to support permit compliance inspections, document findings, and communicate results in ways that promote safe and effective practices.
- Work alongside other Ecology hydrogeologists to review, interpret, and enhance internal and external guidance for land treatment practices, contributing to the ongoing improvement of program resources.
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Qualifications
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For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty license
AND
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
- Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 9 years of experience.
- 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
- 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license within 6 months after hiring.
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.
Must possess or become a Licensed Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington within 6 months after hiring.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
- Experience with oral and written communication of complex issues and interpreting technical documents for a variety of audiences.
- Experience or demonstrated familiarity with groundwater analysis and land treatment techniques at industrial facilities.
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.
