Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training) (Internal Only)
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Job Summary
- Description
This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees including those on temporary or project assignments and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training)within theEnvironmental Assessment Program (EAP).Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey WA.
Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
This position requires field work and office work
You may telework most of your office work time with in-person meetings and activities one day per week.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by October 4 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
- Duties
In this position under the guidance of a licensed hydrogeologist you will conduct groundwater monitoring collect and analyze hydrogeologic data and support Water Resources grant recipients that submit environmental data to Ecology. You will work closely with Water Resources Program staff to implement a water-level monitoring network and ensure that all grant-funded groundwater data is accurately processed and recorded in Ecologys Environmental Information Management (EIM) database. Key tasks include collecting processing QA-checking and uploading both manual and continuous groundwater measurements; resolving data quality or metadata issues; and serving as a point of contact for EIM questions from staff and grantees. You will also provide field support for ongoing groundwater monitoring efforts and may conduct smaller hydrogeologic studies as needed. This position based in the Environmental Assessment Programs Statewide Coordination Section offers broad field experience across Washingtons varied landscapes.
What you will do:
- Collect process QA-check and upload both manual and continuous groundwater measurements into Ecologys Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.
- Coordinate with Water Resources Program staff and grantees to manage groundwater data submittals resolve data quality issues and support consistent data entry.
- Conduct groundwater monitoring projects including planning field logistics collecting water-level and water-quality data and maintaining field equipment.
- Assist in designing and performing hydrogeologic studies including preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans conducting aquifer tests and analyzing hydrogeologic data.
- Operate field instruments such as pressure transducers water-quality meters and data loggers.
- Prepare maps figures graphs and written documentation to communicate study methods and findings.
- Represent Water Resources Program interests in EIM user-group activities and help deliver groundwater-specific EIM training to data submitters.
- Qualifications
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 1 or 2 level depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the HG 1 level and are hired you will progress through an in-training plan to become an HG 2 within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Hydrogeologist 1 level (In-Training)Pay Range 52 $4866 - $6542 monthly
5 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position which includes the following:
- Communication and Collaboration Skills Ability to share information clearly and professionally to help others understand technical work and project results. Ability to work well with coworkers partners and data contributors to support shared project goals.
- Accountability Ability to follow established procedures and standards to ensure work is accurate consistent and reliable.
- Problem Solving and Adaptability Ability to recognize issues evaluate options and apply practical solutions to keep projects and data moving forward. Ability to adjust to changing priorities field conditions and projects need to support program objectives.
- Field Operations Ability to plan and carry out fieldwork to collect reliable environmental data needed for groundwater and surface water studies.
- Data Quality Assurance Ability to check verify and correct data to ensure information meets quality standards and can be confidently used for decision-making.
- Project Coordination Ability to organize monitoring activities track tasks and support timely submission and processing of environmental data.
- Quality Assurance Project Plan Implementation Ability to follow QAPPs and SOPs to maintain consistent and scientifically sound work practices.
- Equipment Operation Ability to safely use vehicles boats pumps meters and field tools to complete field assignments in varied environmental conditions.
Educationinvolving a major study in hydrogeology hydrology geology or closely allied field
Examples of how to qualify:
5 years of experience.
4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
1 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
a Masters degree or higher.
At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 58 $5642 - $7592 monthly
6 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position which includes the following:
- Communication and Collaboration Skills Ability to share information clearly and professionally to help others understand technical work and project results. Ability to work well with coworkers partners and data contributors to support shared project goals.
- Accountability Ability to follow established procedures and standards to ensure work is accurate consistent and reliable.
- Problem Solving and Adaptability Ability to recognize issues evaluate options and apply practical solutions to keep projects and data moving forward. Ability to adjust to changing priorities field conditions and project needs to support program objectives.
- Field Operations Ability to plan and carry out fieldwork to collect reliable environmental data needed for groundwater and surface water studies.
- Data Quality Assurance Ability to check verify and correct data to ensure information meets quality standards and can be confidently used for decision-making.
- Project Coordination Ability to organize monitoring activities track tasks and support timely submission and processing of environmental data.
- Environmental Data Management Ability to enter maintain and troubleshoot environmental datasets to ensure information is complete accurate and accessible.
- Instrumentation and Monitoring Ability to use and maintain field instruments and equipment to collect dependable water-level and water-quality data.
- Quality Assurance Project Plan Implementation Ability to follow QAPPs and SOPs to maintain consistent and scientifically sound work practices.
- Equipment Operation Ability to safely use vehicles boats pumps meters and field tools to complete field assignments in varied environmental conditions.
Education involving a major study in hydrogeology hydrology geology or closely allied field
Examples of how to qualify:
6 years of experience.
5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
2 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
a Masters degree or above.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
Desired Qualifications:
Technical Documentation Ability to prepare clear plans maps figures and reports to communicate study methods and findings.
Hydrogeologic Analysis Ability to review and interpret groundwater data to understand aquifer conditions water movement and environmental impacts.
Environmental Data Management Ability to enter maintain and troubleshoot environmental datasets to ensure information is complete accurate and accessible.
Instrumentation and Monitoring Ability to use and maintain field instruments and equipment to collect dependable water-level and water-quality data.
Well Construction and Testing Ability to install monitoring wells and perform tests to determine characteristics of groundwater systems.
GIS and Data Visualization Ability to create maps charts and graphics that clearly present environmental data and support project communication.
Interested Party Support Ability to guide data submitters partners and grantees so they understand data requirements and can meet quality expectations.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge skills or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants especially women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.- Supplemental Information
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 .
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect preserve and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity:We champion equity recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecologys work.
Respect:We treat each other with respect and dignity acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard seen and valued.
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 backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click Apply at the top of this page. Complete the entire application including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions and attach:
Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the work experience section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as see resume may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process including this job announcement in an alternate format:
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.
Questions
For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Jacob Carnes at
If you need assistance applying for this job are inquiring about the status of your application would like to request the full position description or have any other questions please contact the Recruitment Team at
The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program(EAP) is to measure assess and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. We work to improve the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land air water and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership effective resource management teamwork professionalism and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Vacation Sick and other Leave* 11 Paid Holidays per year* Public Service Loan Forgiveness Tuition Waiver Long Term Disability & Life Insurance Deferred Compensation Programs Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) Employee Assistance Program Commute Trip Reduction Incentive Combined Fund Drive SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology please visit our website explore Working at Ecology check out our Strategic Plan and connect with us on LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note:This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
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Required Experience:
Staff IC
