Regional Hydrogeologist; Hydrogeologist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Regional Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist
4) within the Solid Waste Management program.

• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.
• You must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

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

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office, on Tuesdays.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by April 30, 2026.
• This position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

If you love protecting human health and the environment, providing technical assistance to local governments, and interpreting hydrogeological data, this position is for you! In this role, you will analyze data from 35 landfills in Ecology’s southwest region.

• Review and evaluate the adequacy of technical reports and permitting documents.
• Recommend actions such as ending post‑closure care or improving groundwater monitoring at landfills.
• Enter data for landfill environmental indicators and facilities database for the southwest region.
• Work with a team of hydro geologists to recommend statewide hydrogeological policy, including guidance documents.

• Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist Specialty license.
• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
• Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely related profession.
• Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or a 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.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

• Must be a licensed Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington.
• Must have or complete Manager of Landfill certification within the first two years of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Experience or training in solid waste management and/or sustainable resource management and environmental protection.
• Experience or training in hydrogeologic site characterization, groundwater monitoring networks, pollutant migration pathways, and/or assessing extent of contamination to ground and surface waters.
• Experience or training in statistical procedures and associated software for evaluating environmental monitoring data.
• Experience or training in GIS.

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, veterans, military spouses, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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