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Hydrogeologist 4 (In-Training)



Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Office of the Columbia River within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Hydrogeologist 4 (In-Training) position. This position will be located in either our Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA. or our Eastern Region Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.
The mission of the Office of Columbia River (OCR) is to aggressively pursue the development of new water supplies for the Columbia River through conservation and both surface water and groundwater storage projects. In this role, you will serve as the agency's project manager for implementing projects delegated by the OCR Director for groundwater oriented projects in the Columbia River Basin. You will have responsibility within OCR to develop policies or technical guidelines relating to project management activities and will report status and/or results of hydrologic issues and analyses to the OCR Director and OCR Financial and Project Section Manager. You will serve as a technical expert for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and shallow aquifer recharge (SAR) projects. You will perform technical review of hydrogeologic activities and act as in-house technical expert regarding hydrogeologic issues to support the OCR. You will represent Ecology on the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program and lead technical studies on the Odessa subarea declining aquifer. 
During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is expected to work in the office three days per week. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of September 26, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before of September 25, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

About the Department of Ecology
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. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our commitment to DEIR
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s 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 Ecology’s 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 that DEIR is 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. 

 
Duties

What makes this role unique? 

In this role, you will manage water supply development projects and technical studies for the OCR within the Columbia River Basin, perform cross program coordination for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and shallow aquifer recharge (SAR) projects, and provide hydrogeologic expertise in the development of policies and technical guidelines. Work includes cross-program coordination to resolve potential conflicts in the implementation of OCR funded projects and is the technical lead representing OCR in the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.
What you will do:  

•Perform technical review of hydrogeologic activities and act as in-house technical expert regarding hydrogeologic issues to support the OCR. 
•Represent Ecology in the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.
•Serve as the lead hydrogeologist implementing project management regarding ground water issues and projects related to the Columbia Basin Project, supply-demand forecasting, aquifer storage and recovery, groundwater monitoring, and groundwater modeling. 
•Plan, develop, conduct and oversee professional geologic and hydrogeologic investigations, research, and mapping of geologic formations, watersheds, basins, and aquifers to determine hydrogeologic and hydraulic characteristics and regional water resource availability.
•Direct or oversee other Columbia Basin studies which involve field and office work and technical evaluations in applied hydrogeology.
•Review and evaluate water resource and water development projects and design specific test criteria to evaluate hydraulic parameters utilizing state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology.
•Develop and review scopes of work, timelines, deliverables, budgets, and invoices as they relate to projects.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
The goal class for this position is a Hydrogeologist 4 (HG4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Hydrogeologist 2, 3 and 4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the HG2 or HG3 levels then they will be hired in at that level and will be placed into a training program to become a HG3 and then a HG 4 within a specified period of time.
At the Hydrogeologist 2 Level: ($5,013– $6,575 per month) (In-Training)
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Two years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. 
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Option 3: One year of experience as a Hydrogeologist 1, at the Department of Ecology.
Note: Must be able to successfully obtain a WA State Geology License and WA State Hydrogeology License during the 36 month training period. 
 
 
At the Hydrogeologist 3 Level: ($5,535 – $7,262 per month) (In-Training)
 
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Three years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
 
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND One year of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
 
Option 3: A Ph.D. if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
 
Option 4: One year as a Hydrogeologist 2, at the Department of Ecology.
 
NOTE: Must have a valid WA State Geology License and WA State Hydrogeology License.

 
At the Hydrogeologist 4 Level: ($6,105– $8,013 per month) (Goal Class)
 
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Five years of professional level experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession. 
 
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Three years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
 
Option 3: A Ph.D. if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Two years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
 
 NOTE: Must have a valid WA State Geology License and WA State Hydrogeology License.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
 
  • At the Hydrogeologist 2 level: Must be able to successfully obtain WA State Geology License and WA State Hydrogeology License during 36 month training period. 
  • At the Hydrogeologist 3 or Hydrogeologist 4 Levels: Must have a valid WA State Geology License and WA State Hydrogeology License. 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. 


Desired Qualifications:
 
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.
 

  • Knowledge of Natural Sciences related to ground/surface water quantity, water supply development, and basin-wide management; principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, soils and related earth science and engineering subjects; field surveying techniques, instruments, and mapping; Water Code, and related departmental regulations; techniques and procedures for water sampling and monitoring; principles and procedures of cost estimating, budgeting, and public finance; principles and practices of workload management. 
  • Ability to: plan, organize, conduct, and direct hydrogeologic/surface water investigations, field work and special studies of groundwater flow directions, water quality, water quantity, and water right problems; draft and administer departmental contracts; apply state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology; prepare and publish technical reports as needed. Provide peer review of hydrogeodogic activities and reports; interpret and apply the Water Code, related State and Federal laws and related departmental regulations; issue clear, concise, and tactful written and oral communications. 
  • Completed course work or experience in GIS systems and analysis, agricultural irrigation systems, natural science, or water resources

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

 
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.
Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology 
Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable. 
 
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current 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.

Application Attestation: 

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. 

Other Information:
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Melissa Downes at: Melissa.Downes@ecy.wa.govPlease do not contact Melissa to inquire about the status of your application.
To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov
Why work for Ecology?

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.

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 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 balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.

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

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. 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.

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.