Hydrogeologist 3

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Water Resources (WR) program is currently looking to fill a Hydrogeologist 3 position. This position will be located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

The Hydrogeologist 3 position provides hydrogeologic analysis and technical assistance to internal water rights permitting and watermaster staff, and external watershed planning and water management groups. Supports cross program and other Ecology initiatives of the Regional Director and Regional Water Program Management Teams as directed by the Technical Unit Supervisor. Assumes responsibility for the management of regional water supply data gathering system. Independently plans, develops, directs, conducts, and/or oversees professional hydrogeological investigations as directed by the Technical Unit Supervisor.

We're looking for innovative applicants who are comfortable in field, office, and public situations, are interested in data gathering, interpretation and application of the data to solve water availability problems. The ability to communicate, including complex hydrogeologic concepts to lay audiences, is desired.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you've seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

• As professional hydrogeologist, works with the Section Manager and Technical Unit supervisor to acquire, assemble, and analyze data in support of Water rights decision making using professional level techniques and analysis.
• Develops and prepares expert testimony for presentation before the Pollution Control Hearings Board and Superior Court.
• Appears and testifies as an expert witness in administrative court hearings involving water right conflicts and appeals of decisions rendered.
• Works closely with the Assistant Attorney Generals in preparation of testimony for hearing in support of water rights decisions and in resolution of disputes through settlement negotiations requiring mitigation.
• Provides professional level technical assistance to local water management groups and inter-program workgroups, independently providing water resources technical expertise and guidance for planning and salmon recovery efforts.
• Provides hydrogeologic expertise on regional geological and hydrogeological assessments, including water budgets (recharge, evapotranspiration, etc.) the relationship between ground and surface water (hydraulic continuity and conjunctive management), the connection between water quality and quantity, instream flows and ground and surface water analytical and numerical modeling.
• Prepares plans and presents hydrogeological theories to educated planning groups with respect to water quantity related elements of watershed assessments.
• Participates in local and interstate water planning group technical committees and in the development of hydrogeologic assessments and plans, including preparing requests for proposals and reviewing consultant's proposals and draft and final reports.
• Assists Ecology staff and management as necessary with other hydrogeologic and water quantity issues that arise.
• Plans, implements, and provides direction in the collection of data on a depth to ground water, well, yields, and extent of ground water contamination, for regional monitoring well networks to determine ground water supply, mining of ground water, storage, artificial recharge, or contaminant migration.
• Prepares hydrographs as appropriate and evaluates the technical adequacy of ground water monitoring networks.
• Interprets data for trend forecasting water level changes for ground water availability studies, effects of ground water withdrawals on surface water, and water resource inventories performed by the water resources program.
• Analyzes professional reports and publications to ensure up to date ground water availability information is provided in making water right decisions.
• Prepares and presents hydrogeologic information on water resource related activities to other state, federal and local governmental entities, citizen groups, consultants, and the general public.
• Serves a professional technical advisor on committees created to develop policies, rules, and proposed legislation concerning water resources management.

A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field

AND

Three (3) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession or one year as a Hydrogeologist 2.

A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for two (2) years of experience.

A Ph.D. will substitute for three (3) years of experience if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
 
 

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

Registration as a Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington. If not currently registered, license must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

• A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required/desired qualifications of this position.
• A resume outlining your professional experience.