Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2)
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 Water Resources (WR) program is currently looking to fill a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) position. This position will be located in our Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.
The Staff Hydrogeologist position is responsible for providing hydrogeological technical support for Ecology water rights decisions of other permit writers in the Section including the review of hydrogeologic investigation reports, pump test reports and data and relevant conceptual or numerical modeling studies. Also, this position will prepare written reports of examinations that result in agency decisions on water right applications. In addition, this position will perform necessary hydrogeologic field investigations and collect, research and analyze technical information relating to water right applications, permits, certificates and claims and the filing of proofs of appropriations and review of proposed projects for feasibility and compatibility with State statutes, regulations and Water Resources Program policies and will prepare written reports of examinations that result in agency decisions on water right applications.
We are looking for applicants who are self-starters, possess strong communications skills, excellent writing skills, and work well with others.
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 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
The mission of the Water Resources program is to manage our State's water resources to meet the needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities.
Some of the key work activities of the Staff Hydrogeologist position include:
- Serves as a staff level hydrogeologist in the administration of water resources laws and regulations.
- Work is performed under the technical review of a licensed Hydrogeologist 3 or equivalent.
- Conducts field investigations and necessary hydrogeological field analyses of water right applications and prepares hydrogeological memos for section permit writers and written reports of examination that result in agency approval, approval with conditions, or denial of water right applications.
- Prepares written reports of examinations that result in agency decisions on water right applications.
- Reviews hydrogeologic investigation reports, pump test reports and data and relevant conceptual or numerical modeling studies that are developed by consultants of water right applicants.
- Provides professional interpretation of subsurface geological and hydrogeological conditions, surficial flow and drainage conditions and determines the potential for impairment and legal and physical availability of surface water and groundwater in the area adjacent to the water right application(s).
- Coordinates and consults with other Water Resources staff, applicants, the public, local governmental and state agencies and Indian tribes regarding rules and regulations of water law.
- Responds to inquiries from water right applicants, their consultants, local governmental authorities, the public, and other agency staff on pending water right applications.
- Performs necessary field investigations and collecting, researching and analyzing technical information relating to water right applications, permits, certificates and claims and the filing of proofs of appropriations.
- Reviews proposed projects for feasibility and compatibility with State statutes, regulations and Water Resources Program policies and preparing written reports of examinations that result in agency decisions on water right applications.
- Performs water rights research using WRTS, microfiche, the well log database, public water system plans, water right files and via consultation with permit writers and managers.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree involving a major study in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely allied field
AND
Two (2) years of professional level experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied field.
OR
One (1) year experience as a Hydrogeologist 1, as long as the degree above has been obtained.
A Master's degree with a major study in one (1) of the above fields will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
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
Application Instructions:
In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach the following documents as an attachment to their application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required/desired 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 complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.
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 need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Mike Gallagher at: mike.gallagher@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Mike 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.