Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3)

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3) within the Environmental Assessment Program.

Location:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• At least two in-office days per week are required, specifically Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

With increasing focus on managing water to meet both in-stream and out-of-stream needs, it is essential that the managers of these resources have access to reliable, accurate, and timely streamflow information for the river systems and basins they oversee. The Eastern Operations Section (EOS) strives to collect and process credible stream hydrology information across Eastern and Central Washington to support informed and timely decision-making.
 
In this role, you will provide senior-level review of stream gage operation and end-of-water-year products across EOS stream gaging activities. These reviews include evaluating core data sets as well as assessing the hydrologic methods used to interpret them. You will also mentor EOS staff in the operation and maintenance of stream gaging and flow measurement equipment, and you will be responsible for writing and reviewing technical reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and guidance documents as requested. Through a blend of analysis, collaboration, and field-based understanding, your work will help shape the data that Washington relies on to manage its water future.

What you will do:

• Apply professional judgement to evaluate the technical performance and operation of the EOS stream gaging network.
• Support and guide staff who operate and maintain streamflow gages for Ecology’s Stream Gaging Network, including mentoring and ongoing assessment of the skills required for reconnaissance, installation, operation, and troubleshooting of data loggers, stage-recording devices, water-quality probes and telemetry systems.
• Review station survey results for accuracy and completeness and verify that any corrections made to the data record were carried out properly. 
• Evaluate staff field judgments to determine if current hydrological conditions were accurately documented and if the selected flow-measurement equipment and in-stream locations were appropriate for the measurement.
• Provide written review comments on draft annual technical notes that assess and document the overall quality of the data. Offer recommendations for actions that could improve data quality in the future.
• Manage all aspects of the surface water hydrological data stream for up to eight gages using sound professional judgment grounded in strong technical expertise.
• Apply sound scientific principles to select stream discharge measurement points that accurately represent site conditions.
• Develop site-specific state discharge rating curves by collecting and analyzing flow measurements across the full range of expected flow conditions.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, natural resource scientist, or closely allied profession. Experience must include the following: 

  • Stream Gage Operations: Experience installing, operating, and maintaining surface-water stream gages, including data loggers, stage recording devices, water-quality probes, and telemetry systems. 

  • Discharge Measurement Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency conducting stream discharge measurements across a full range of flows using mechanical/electromagnetic/acoustic velocity meters, including site reconnaissance, selection of measurement sections, and application of standard methods. 

  • Rating Curve Development & Maintenance: Hands-on experience developing, applying, and updating stage–discharge rating curves, performing and evaluating cross-section surveys, managing shifts, and executing curve transitions in linear/log/exponential space. 

  • Hydrologic Data QA/QC & Time-Series Processing: Proven ability to review, validate, and process raw hydrologic records (e.g., checking completeness/quality, gap-filling with documented statistical methods, logger drift correction), and to document methods and decisions clearly. 

  • Surveying & Station Control: Ability to perform and evaluate station surveys (benchmarks, reference gages), interpret results for accuracy and completeness, and utilize surveying equipment (e.g., levels, GNSS) to maintain station control. 

• Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field. 

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, provide technical guidance, and perform formal QA reviews of field and office hydrology work; ability to produce written review comments and annual technical notes that lead to measurable quality improvements.

• Telemetry & Instrumentation: Experience installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and upgrading telemetry systems (e.g., GOES, cellular) and downloading/configuring data loggers for reliable data transmission.

• Scientific Judgment & Documentation: Ability to exercise independent professional judgment to evaluate hydrologic conditions, select appropriate equipment and methods, and document decisions, analyses, and QA findings in clear, professional technical writing. 

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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 www.uscis.gov.

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.

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:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Scott Tarbutton at Scott.Tarbutton@ecy.wa.gov 
• 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Environmental Assessment Program

The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program 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 Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s 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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's 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.

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.

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 Incentives, 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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Salary : $73,284 - $98,520