Senior Hydrogeologist; Hydrogeologist

Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist
4)

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 selected 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, you will be required to work full time in the office. After onboarding, you may be eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule with 10% in-office/time in the field.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by June 2, 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 apply your hydrogeologic background to support Washington’s communities and environment by working on emerging groundwater topics such as reclaimed water use, land-application practices, and industrial wastewater treatment. You will contribute to permitting decisions that help protect water quality across the state.

In this position, you will support a variety of groundwater evaluations and water quality projects, shaping practical approaches to managing wastewater and preserving natural resources.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Water Quality Program, regulated facilities, and community members to provide hydrogeologic input for groundwater assessments, permit development, and project reviews.

• Support the preparation and review of wastewater discharge permits (State Waste Discharge (SWD) & National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)) for industrial facilities.
• Use hydrogeology and geology knowledge to assess submitted hydrogeological reports and documents.
• Integrate state Groundwater Quality Standards into wastewater discharge permits by interpreting monitoring data and conducting assessments.
• Collaborate with facility staff and consultants to address regulatory requirements, treatment technologies, permit conditions, and water quality investigations.
• Apply understanding of groundwater, reclaimed water, and industrial wastewater systems to support permit compliance inspections and communicate results.
• Work with other Ecology hydro geologists to review, interpret, and enhance internal and external guidance for land treatment practices.

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

• 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 possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license within 6 months after hiring.

• Experience working with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
• Experience with oral and written communication of complex issues.
• Experience or familiarity with groundwater analysis and land treatment techniques at industrial facilities.

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.