Senior Hydrogeologist; Hydrogeologist

Overview

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist
4) within the Water Quality Program.

Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA;
Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA. Upon hire, 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. For the first month, the position will be required to work full time in the office. After 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.

Apply by February 10, 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.

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.

• 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 hydro geologists to review, interpret, and enhance internal and external guidance for land treatment practices, contributing to the ongoing improvement of program resources.

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

Required Qualifications

Possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty…