Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)(In Training) 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 selected 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 August 20, 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

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.
     

Qualifications
 

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (entry class): 
Pay Range 62, $6,229 - $8,374 monthly

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist and/or Hydrogeologist Specialty license. 

AND

Seven years of professional experience and/or education, which must include: 

• Hydrogeologic Analysis – Ability to evaluate complex hydrogeologic data, site conditions, and groundwater interactions to ensure scientifically sound permitting and protection of groundwater quality. 
  
• Regulatory & Permitting Application – Ability to interpret and apply water quality laws, regulations, and standards to develop defensible, enforceable permits that protect public health and the environment. 
  
• Field Investigation & Sampling – Ability to conduct onsite inspections, groundwater sampling, and field assessments to verify compliance and inform accurate environmental evaluations. 
  
• Compliance & Enforcement Evaluation – Ability to identify, investigate, and assess potential violations to support corrective actions, enforcement decisions, and consistent regulatory outcomes. 
  
• Technical Communication – Ability to clearly communicate scientific, regulatory, and hydrogeologic information to permittees, interested parties, legal teams, and the public to support informed decision making.
  
• Technical Document Review – Ability to critically evaluate scientific, engineering, and regulatory documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with professional standards and water quality requirements.
  
• Independent Professional Judgment – Ability to make sound, defensible decisions to support effective regulation and maintain agency credibility.

Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.

At the Hydrogeologist 4 level (goal class): 
Pay Range 66, $6,870 - $9,246 monthly

Possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty license. 

AND 

Nine years of professional experience and/or education, which must include: 

• Hydrogeologic Analysis – Ability to evaluate complex hydrogeologic data, site conditions, and groundwater interactions to ensure scientifically sound permitting and protection of groundwater quality. 
  
• Regulatory & Permitting Application – Ability to interpret and apply water quality laws, regulations, and standards to develop defensible, enforceable permits that protect public health and the environment. 
  
• Field Investigation & Sampling – Ability to conduct onsite inspections, groundwater sampling, and field assessments to verify compliance and inform accurate environmental evaluations. 
  
• Compliance & Enforcement Evaluation – Ability to identify, investigate, and assess potential violations to support corrective actions, enforcement decisions, and consistent regulatory outcomes. 
  
• Technical Communication – Ability to clearly communicate scientific, regulatory, and hydrogeologic information to permittees, interested parties, legal teams, and the public to support informed decision making. 
  
• Technical Document Review – Ability to critically evaluate scientific, engineering, and regulatory documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with professional standards and water quality requirements. 
  
• Independent Professional Judgment – Ability to make sound, defensible decisions to support effective regulation and maintain agency credibility. 

Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely related 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 or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
• This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license at the Hydrogeologist 3 level.
• This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license at the Hydrogeologist 4 level.
   

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.

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.

Supplemental Information
 

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 www.uscis.gov.

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.

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.

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.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

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 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Andrea Jedel at Andrea.Jedel@ecy.wa.gov
• 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s 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 balance. We 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 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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.