Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-training)

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3) (In Training) within the Environmental Assessment Program.

Location:

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Assignment Pay:

• The top salary listed above includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires field work. Mondays and Wednesdays are in office days, other days that do not involve field work can be teleworked.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 16, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this role, you will provide field and office support in developing and implementing scientifically credible, well-coordinated monitoring programs designed to meet multiple agency objectives involving the management and regulation of Central and Eastern Washington water resources, including groundwater, rivers, streams, and lakes. This position serves as field lead for the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Land Use and Groundwater Study efforts, characterizing groundwater flow, overseeing installation of monitoring wells, conducting field sampling, analyzing the resulting data, determining effective land use management practices, report writing, and Environmental Information Management System (EIM) data management. You will also manage groundwater monitoring for the Lower Yakima Valley Ambient Groundwater Monitoring Network, including conducting field sampling, analyzing the resulting data, report writing and EIM data management. You will provide support for analyzing large datasets associated with soil and groundwater sampling. You will also apply state-of-the-art theories and practices in designing and directing hydrological and water quality field investigations in Central and Eastern Washington.

What you will do:

•       Analyze data by applying advanced statistical and water quality and hydrologic modeling techniques and formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations.

•       Report status and results of water quality, hydrologic, and other studies and analyses to management, staff, public, and interest groups.

•       Direct and prepare publication of technical reports and presents results to scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, universities, technical advisory groups).

•       Train other staff in water quality modeling research and investigative techniques.

•        Attend and participate in professional or scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars.