What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Hydrogeologist / Unit Supervisor (Hydrogeologist 4) position at Ecology Department?
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**Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen**
The Department of Ecology is hiring a **Senior Hydrogeologist / Unit Supervisor (Hydrogeologist 4) **within the [Water Resources Program](https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/water-resources){target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}.
**Location:**
## Duties
In this role, you will supervise a unit of 5-6 hydrogeologists and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting and managing Washington's groundwater and surface water resources. The unit is responsible for safeguarding senior water rights (including yet to be quantified Tribal water rights), protecting stream flows, and providing technical assistance to a wide range of invested parties. These include state residents, Tribal and local governments, agency staff, consultants in hydrogeology, engineering and environmental fields, real estate agents, attorneys, and partner agencies such as the Department of Health and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
You will provide recommendations on water right authorizations that help guide how Ecology manages surface water and groundwater in the Southwest Region. This position is both highly rewarding and challenging, offering opportunities to make a lasting impact on Washington's water future.
The Southwest Region includes 12 counties, 14 sovereign Tribal Nations, and 20 distinct watersheds - 12 of which have separate and specific instream flow regulations. Serving a population of over two million, this region supports a diverse range of water uses, including municipal supply, domestic use, irrigation, fish propagation, and power generation. It is also home to two National Parks, a National Volcanic Monument, the mouth and lower portion of the Columbia River (the fourth largest river discharge in North America), and several thousand miles of ocean and inland sea coastline. Field visits to the region's unique and varied landscapes are a key and rewarding aspect of the role.
What You Will Do
Supervise the hydrogeologists and environmental specialists responsible for water right permitting in the Southwest Region Water Resources Section.
Provide comprehensive technical assistance and support to permit writers on water right management and enforcement decisions.
Report on hydrogeologic issues and analyses to agency leadership, including the Section Manager, Program Manager, Southwest Regional Director, and other senior staff.
Conduct technical peer reviews of unit
** **
**Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen**
The Department of Ecology is hiring a **Senior Hydrogeologist / Unit Supervisor (Hydrogeologist 4) **within the [Water Resources Program](https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/water-resources){target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}.
**Location:**
- Southwest Region Office in [Lacey, WA](http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/){target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- As Unit Supervisor, you will be required to work in the office at least two days per week.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
- **Apply by June 3, 2025**
- 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.
## Duties
In this role, you will supervise a unit of 5-6 hydrogeologists and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting and managing Washington's groundwater and surface water resources. The unit is responsible for safeguarding senior water rights (including yet to be quantified Tribal water rights), protecting stream flows, and providing technical assistance to a wide range of invested parties. These include state residents, Tribal and local governments, agency staff, consultants in hydrogeology, engineering and environmental fields, real estate agents, attorneys, and partner agencies such as the Department of Health and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
You will provide recommendations on water right authorizations that help guide how Ecology manages surface water and groundwater in the Southwest Region. This position is both highly rewarding and challenging, offering opportunities to make a lasting impact on Washington's water future.
The Southwest Region includes 12 counties, 14 sovereign Tribal Nations, and 20 distinct watersheds - 12 of which have separate and specific instream flow regulations. Serving a population of over two million, this region supports a diverse range of water uses, including municipal supply, domestic use, irrigation, fish propagation, and power generation. It is also home to two National Parks, a National Volcanic Monument, the mouth and lower portion of the Columbia River (the fourth largest river discharge in North America), and several thousand miles of ocean and inland sea coastline. Field visits to the region's unique and varied landscapes are a key and rewarding aspect of the role.
What You Will Do
Supervise the hydrogeologists and environmental specialists responsible for water right permitting in the Southwest Region Water Resources Section.
Provide comprehensive technical assistance and support to permit writers on water right management and enforcement decisions.
Report on hydrogeologic issues and analyses to agency leadership, including the Section Manager, Program Manager, Southwest Regional Director, and other senior staff.
Conduct technical peer reviews of unit