Regional Hydrogeologist; Hydrogeologist

Position: Regional Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

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

Location:

* Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.

* Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the 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.

* A minimum of one day per week is required in the office, at the Lacey building on Tuesdays.

* Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

* Apply by April 30, 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 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. These landfills are located in different hydrogeologic settings with unique histories. The 12 counties in the southwest region rely on this very important position to make sure contamination from landfills are not impacting the water table.

What you will do:

* 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.

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

Required Qualifications:

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist Specialty license

AND

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 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.

Special Requirements /Conditions of Employment:

* Must be a Licensed Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington.

* Must have or complete Manager of Landfill certification within first two years of hire.

* Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

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 hydro geologists by reciprocity.

Desired

Qualifications:

* 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.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.

You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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…