$86,880.00 – $116,928.00 Annually<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Yakima County – Union Gap, WA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Full Time – Permanent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Flexible\/Hybrid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2025-WQ3484-08161<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Dept. of Ecology<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Water Quality<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
11\/17\/2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Continuous<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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- DESCRIPTION<\/a><\/li>\n
- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n
- QUESTIONS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n- \n
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Description<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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<\/strong><\/div>\nKeeping Washington Clean and Evergreen<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Department of Ecology is hiring a\u00a0Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)\u00a0<\/strong>within the\u00a0Water Quality Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Location:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA<\/a><\/span>.<\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Assignment Pay:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.<\/li>\n
- For the first month, the position will be required to work full time in the office, but after successful completion of onboarding and training, the position may be eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule with 10% of the time spent in-office.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Application Timeline:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Apply by January 4, 2026.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 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 above date may not be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n- \n
Duties<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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As a Senior Hydrogeologist with the Central Regional Office (CRO) Water Quality Industrial Unit, you will have the opportunity to apply your hydrogeologic background to meaningful work that supports Washington\u2019s communities and environment. This role gives you the chance to work on emerging groundwater topics\u2014such as reclaimed water use, land-application practices, and industrial wastewater treatment\u2014while contributing to important permitting decisions that help protect water quality across the state.
In this position, you will draw on your knowledge of groundwater systems and industrial discharges to support a variety of groundwater evaluations and water quality projects. Your perspective will help shape practical approaches to managing wastewater, preserving natural resources, and responding to evolving environmental needs in a rapidly growing region.
You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Water Quality Program, individuals at regulated facilities, and community members who care about clean and healthy waterways. You\u2019ll have a central role in providing hydrogeologic input for groundwater assessments, permit development, and project reviews. The work you support plays a vital part in keeping Washington\u2019s water resources safe, sustaining local communities, and encouraging responsible growth.
If you\u2019re looking for a position where your scientific background can contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes, this role offers a chance to make a long-lasting difference while working with a supportive team and a mission-driven program.<\/p>\nWhat you will do:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Support the preparation and review of wastewater discharge permits (State Waste Discharge (SWD) & National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)) for industrial facilities, ensuring permits help protect water quality and meet regulatory requirements.<\/li>\n
- Use hydrogeology and geology knowledge to assess submitted hydrogeological reports and documents, helping ensure they meet relevant state and federal standards.<\/li>\n
- Integrate state Groundwater Quality Standards into wastewater discharge permits by interpreting monitoring data, conducting statistical and hydrogeologic assessments, and contributing to permit conditions and compliance decisions. \u00a0<\/li>\n
- Collaborate with facility staff and consultants to address complex environmental questions related to regulatory requirements, treatment technologies, permit conditions, and water quality investigations, providing clear guidance and supporting solutions.<\/li>\n
- Apply understanding of groundwater, reclaimed water, and industrial wastewater systems to support permit compliance inspections, document findings, and communicate results in ways that promote safe and effective practices.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Work alongside other Ecology hydrogeologists to review, interpret, and enhance internal and external guidance for land treatment practices, contributing to the ongoing improvement of program resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n- \n
Qualifications<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Required Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty license<\/strong>AND <\/strong><\/p>\n
Nine (9) years of experience and\/or education as described below:<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- Experience\u00a0<\/strong>as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.<\/li>\n
- Education<\/strong> involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of how to qualify:<\/p>\n
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- 9 years of experience.<\/li>\n
- 8 years of experience AND\u00a030-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- 7 years of experience AND\u00a060-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate\u2019s degree).<\/li>\n
- 6 years of experience AND\u00a090-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- 5 years of experience\u00a0AND a Bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/li>\n
- 3 years of experience\u00a0AND a Master\u2019s degree.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Special Requirements\/Conditions of Employment:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.<\/li>\n
- This position requires possession of a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license within 6 months after hiring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
NOTE:\u00a0<\/strong>Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: \u00a0WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Desired Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Experience working with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.<\/li>\n
- Experience with oral and written communication of complex issues and interpreting technical documents for a variety of audiences.<\/li>\n
- Experience or demonstrated familiarity with groundwater analysis and land treatment techniques at industrial facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description,\u00a0we encourage you to apply.<\/strong>\u00a0Studies 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.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n
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Supplemental Information<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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Ecology does not use the E-Verify<\/strong> system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit\u00a0www.uscis.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Our Commitment to DEIR<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)<\/strong>\u00a0are 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.<\/p>\n
We believe that\u00a0DEIR\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n
Application Process<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
How to Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n
Click \u201cApply\u201d at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:<\/p>\n
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- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position<\/li>\n
- Resume<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.\u00a0A resume will not substitute for the \u201cwork experience\u201d section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as \u201csee resume\u201d may be considered incomplete.<\/p>\n
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.\nApplication Attestation:<\/u> 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.<\/p>\n
Need an Accommodation?<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and\/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:<\/p>\n
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- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Andrea Jedel\u00a0<\/strong>at Andrea.Jedel@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- 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\u00a0careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
About the Department of Ecology<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
As the State of Washington\u2019s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following<\/u>: Medical\/Dental\/Vision for employee & dependent(s)<\/a>, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)<\/a>, Vacation, Sick, and other Leave,\u00a011 Paid Holidays per year<\/a>, Public Service Loan Forgiveness<\/a>, Tuition Waiver<\/a>, \u00a0Long Term Disability<\/a> & Life Insurance<\/a>, Deferred Compensation Programs<\/a>, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)<\/a>, \u00a0Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)<\/a>, Employee Assistance Program<\/a>, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives<\/a>, Combined Fund Drive<\/a>, SmartHealth<\/a> *Click here for more information<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our\u00a0website<\/a>, explore Working at Ecology<\/a>, check out our\u00a0Strategic Plan<\/a>, and connect with us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, or our\u00a0blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Equal Opportunity Employer:<\/u> 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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Collective Bargaining:<\/u> This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n
#LI-Hybrid<\/p>\n
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\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n- \n
- Employer<\/dt>\n
- State of Washington<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
- 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\u00a0careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- \n
- Education<\/strong> involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- 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 above date may not be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Apply by January 4, 2026.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n