Hydrogeologist 1

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hydrogeologist 1 within theEnvironmental Assessment Program(EAP).

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey WA.
• Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position has a combination of field work and office work. You may telework most of your office work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 14 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

In this role you will experience a compelling mix of fieldwork data analysis and scientific investigation. You will work in rivers lakes and stream systems as well as in office and laboratory settings collecting and interpreting data that help the state understand changing water quality and hydrologic conditions. You will operate in fast-paced environments where you will manage multiple monitoring efforts at once requiring you to stay organized adapt quickly and pay close attention to detail.

You will also be challenged intellectually as you work with complex environmental datasets apply statistical and computational tools support water-quality and hydrologic modeling and interpret scientific information to explain environmental patterns and trends. You will use advanced tools and technologies such as water-quality meters data loggers GIS mapping software and autonomous survey vessels. You will continue building your scientific knowledge through ongoing training professional conferences and engagement with current hydrogeologic literature

What you will do:

Operate calibrate maintain and troubleshoot field instruments and sampling equipment to support accurate and reliable data collection.

Compile process and analyze hydrologic meteorological and water quality datasets using tools such as R Python MATLAB or GIS to support scientific assessments and modeling.

Support water-quality and TMDL modeling efforts by preparing datasets reviewing model output and assisting with data visualization and interpretation.

Prepare clear technical documentation including field notes reports data summaries and figures and communicate results through written and oral presentations.

Manage field logistics including pre-sampling notifications bottle orders sample submission forms and coordination with laboratory staff.

Load review and maintain environmental data in agency databases to ensure accuracy completeness and accessibility.

Participate in multiple monitoring or research projects supporting study design implementation quality assurance and reporting activities.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Five (5) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experienceas a hydrogeologist hydrologist geologist watershed or marine water modeling technical support or closely allied profession.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Field Data Collection Ability to safely collect accurate water quality and hydrologic data in the field to support reliable environmental monitoring. Ability to follow and adhere to procedures in Quality Assurance Plans.
• Data Compilation and Analysis Ability to compile process and analyze environmental data to help interpret conditions and support scientific conclusions.
• Technical Tools and Software Ability to develop modify and run scripts needed for processing model input data plus analytical and mapping purposes. Ability to use R Python and/or MATLAB GIS or similar software to evaluate summarize and visualize data.
• Equipment Operation and Maintenance Ability to safely operate calibrate and maintain field instruments and sampling tools to ensure high-quality measurements. Be proficient in or willing to obtain training operating boats (including uncrewed autonomous vessels) in rivers and lakes.
• Communication Ability to clearly share information findings and scientific concepts in writing and through presentations to support understanding and decision-making.
• Time and Workload Management Ability to plan prioritize and organize work tasks to meet field schedules project timelines and reporting deadlines.

Educationin hydrogeology hydrology geologist or closely allied field.

Required: Must be proficient in at least one of the following scripting languages: R Python or MATLAB

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
• a Masters degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in freshwater hydrological and water quality measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in numerical and spatial data analysis skills familiarity with watershed or marine modeling and familiarity with objectives of the TMDL program and watershed management issues.
• Computer scripting (using Python R and/or Matlab) for mapping statistical and/or spatial analysis and data visualization techniques.
• Application of standard methods in determination of discharge presence and extent of contaminants in water bodies and evaluation of boundary conditions for estuarine or stream flow characteristics.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualificationswe encourage you to apply.Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge skills or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants especially women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect preserve and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity:We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity:We champion equity recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion:We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecologys work.

Respect:We treat each other with respect and dignity acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe thatDEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard seen and valued.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity equity inclusion and respect through a broad lens including race ethnicity class age religion sexual orientation gender identity immigration status military background language education life experience physical disability neurodiversity and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click Apply at the top of this page. Complete the entire application including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions and attach:

• Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.A resume will not substitute for the work experience section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as see resume may be considered incomplete.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.

Questions

• For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Cristiana Figueroa-Kaminsky at
• If you need assistance applying for this job are inquiring about the status of your application would like to request the full position description or have any other questions please contact the Recruitment Team at

Program Mission: The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure assess and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. We work to improve the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land air water and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership effective resource management teamwork professionalism and accountability.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)Vacation Sick and other Leave11 Paid Holidays per yearPublic Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth*Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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 military spouses or people with military status and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

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