In the Department of Ecology, plans, serves as a project hydrogeologist independently planning, developing, directing, conducting and/or overseeing hydrogeologic analyses and technical services for ground water, unsaturated zone and/or surface water investigations.

Plans and conducts professional investigations and provides comprehensive hydrogeologic services to other sections, programs, or regional offices in the department; 

Applies state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology in:  review of major ground water and surface water development projects; hydrogeologic research; complex investigations of water right conflicts; development and use of computer models to analyze site specific concerns; water quality and contamina­tion problems; and administration of the Water Code, Ground Water Quality Stan­dards, Waste Regulations, or related State and Federal laws and regulations; consults with management personnel to define project goals and objectives; 

Reviews and prepares letters, memos, technical reports and bulletins; 

Testifies as an expert witness in court or administrative hearings; 

Trains other staff in hydrogeologic research and investigative techniques; 

Attends and participates in professional or scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars; 

Plans and conducts ground or surface water studies such as:  regional geologic mapping of aquifers, basins, and watersheds; identifies and maps geologic formations and their hydrogeologic and hydraulic characteristics; determines rate and extent of ground water mining; investigates complaints of interference and protection of water rights; provides project leadership for collection of data on depth to ground water, well yields, and the extent of ground water contamina­tion; designs and evaluates technical adequacy of ground water monitoring net­works; determines effects of ground water withdrawals on surface water; esti­mates fresh water inflows, tidal effects, wind wave analysis, and long-shore drift for estuaries and coastal environments; determines hydrogeologic relation­ships in migration and accumulation of contaminants; conducts advanced hydrogeologic analysis including modeling flow systems, and contaminant migra­tion; conducts surface and ground water supply studies, storage estimates, artificial recharge studies, and special studies for waste sites; 

Provides professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations; 

Performs other work as required. 

Knowledge of:  physical and natural sciences related to quantity, quality, development, management, and monitoring of ground water and surface water; the principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, soils, well hydraulics, geochemistry, meteorology, and related earth science and engineering subjects; waste disposal practices; computer modeling; field surveying techniques and instruments, field sampling, and mapping; Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Waste Regulations, and related State and Federal laws and departmental regulations; monitoring of hydrogeologic and water quality factors.   

Ability to:  plan, organize, conduct, and take responsible charge of hydrogeologic investigations, draft and administer contracts for detailed hydrogeologic investigations and well construction, apply state-of-the-art theories and practices of to ground water quality and quantity problems, review and prepare and letters, memos, technical reports and bulletins. 

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

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

AND 

Three 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 major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience. 

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

Note:  Some positions require possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license. Some positions may additionally require possession of a Washington State Engineering Geologist specialty license and/or a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.