Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3) (In Training)

Salary : $66,372.00 - $105,909.00 Annually
Location : Yakima County - Union Gap, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-EAP4925-03837
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Environmental Assessment
Opening Date: 05/05/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3) (In Training)within the
Location:

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

Assignment Pay:

• The top salary listed above includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires field work. Mondays and Wednesdays are in office days, other days that do not involve field work can be teleworked.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 17, 2026
• 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 provide field and office support in developing and implementing scientifically credible, well-coordinated monitoring programs designed to meet multiple agency objectives involving the management and regulation of Central and Eastern Washington water resources, including groundwater, rivers, streams, and lakes. This position serves as field lead for the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Land Use and Groundwater Study efforts, characterizing groundwater flow, overseeing installation of monitoring wells, conducting field sampling, analyzing the resulting data, determining effective land use management practices, report writing, and Environmental Information Management System (EIM) data management. You will also manage groundwater monitoring for the Lower Yakima Valley Ambient Groundwater Monitoring Network, including conducting field sampling, analyzing the resulting data, report writing and EIM data management. You will provide support for analyzing large datasets associated with soil and groundwater sampling. You will also apply state-of-the-art theories and practices in designing and directing hydrological and water quality field investigations in Central and Eastern Washington.
What you will do:
• Analyze data by applying advanced statistical and water quality and hydrologic modeling techniques and formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations.
• Report status and results of water quality, hydrologic, and other studies and analyses to management, staff, public, and interest groups.
• Direct and prepare publication of technical reports and presents results to scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, universities, technical advisory groups).
• Train other staff in water quality modeling research and investigative techniques.
• Attend and participate in professional or scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Qualifications
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 2 and 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the Hydrogeologist 2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become a Hydrogeologist 3. within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our

Required Qualifications:
At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (In-Training)
Pay Range 58, $5,531 - $7,443 monthly

Six years of professional experience and or education:
Experience: as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. Experience must include the following:

• Hydrogeology Experience: Experience in groundwater investigations, including aquifer characterization, groundwater flow analysis, and contaminant fate and transport in applied settings.

• Technical Writing, Reporting, and Publication: Proven ability to author technical reports, document methods and decisions, and present results to various audiences such as management, scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, technical advisory groups), the public and other interest groups.

• Data Management & Systems: Hands-on experience with environmental data management, including data validation and metadata standards; ability to manage and upload datasets to systems like the Ecology Environmental Information Management System (EIM) (or equivalent), ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability.

• Monitoring Well Programs & Field Sampling: Demonstrated experience with monitoring and domestic wells, and conducting groundwater field sampling (e.g., purge methods, low-flow sampling, chain-of-custody, field parameters) with strict QA/QC practices.

Education: 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 (Associate's degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• a Master's degree.

At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 62, $6,565 - $8,825 monthly

The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist Specialty license.

AND

Seven years of professional experience and or education:

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

• Hydrogeology Experience: Experience in groundwater investigations, including aquifer characterization, groundwater flow analysis, and contaminant fate and transport in applied settings.

• Technical Writing, Reporting, and Publication: Proven ability to author technical reports, document methods and decisions, and present results to management, scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, technical advisory groups), the public and other interest groups.

• Quality Assurance Experience (QAPPs & QA/QC): Experience reviewing and developing Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs); ability to provide written technical review comments and follow QA/QC practices for groundwater investigations and data workflows.

• Data Management & Systems: Hands-on experience with environmental data management, including data validation and metadata standards; ability to manage and upload datasets to systems like the Ecology Environmental Information Management System (EIM) (or equivalent), ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability.

• Project Planning & Independent Professional Judgment: Strong project planning/coordination skills with the ability to plan, develop, direct, and oversee multi-site groundwater studies; exercises independent professional judgment to set goals, select appropriate methods, and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.

• Monitoring Well Programs & Field Sampling: Demonstrated experience planning, overseeing, and/or directing the installation of monitoring and domestic wells, developing well construction/specifications, and conducting groundwater field sampling (e.g., purge methods, low-flow sampling, chain-of-custody, field parameters) with strict QA/QC practices.

Education: major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify- a valid Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist Specialty license and:

• 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.
• a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• A valid Washington State Geologist License and a Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty License are required for the Hydrogeologist 3 level.

NOTE: 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: WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity.
Desired Qualifications:

• Regulatory & Policy Knowledge: Working knowledge of state and federal water laws and standards relevant to groundwater quantity and quality, including application to Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Waste Regulations, and/or related compliance/permit contexts; ability to provide policy/technical recommendations for pollution control.
• 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Certification and current 8-hour Annual Refresher.

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 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.
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 Ecology's 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 DEIRis 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
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
• 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 Travis Bartholomew 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 [email protected]

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. This position is in the Modeling/TMDL/Groundwater Unit within Eastern Operations Section and will be in the Central Region Office in Union Gap.
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.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), , 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 , 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.
#LI-Hybrid
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

02

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession?Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• None of the above

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06

What is your level of education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

07

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
08

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
09

Please describe your experience with each of the following skills:• Hydrogeology Experience: Experience in groundwater investigations, including aquifer characterization, groundwater flow analysis, and contaminant fate and transport in applied settings. • Technical Writing, Reporting, and Publication: Proven ability to author technical reports, document methods and decisions, and present results to various audiences such as management, scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, technical advisory groups), and the public/stakeholders. • Data Management & Systems: Hands-on experience with environmental data management, including data validation and metadata standards; ability to manage and upload datasets to systems like the Ecology Environmental Information Management System (EIM) (or equivalent), ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability. • Monitoring Well Programs & Field Sampling: Demonstrated experience with monitoring and domestic wells, and conducting groundwater field sampling (e.g., purge methods, low-flow sampling, chain-of-custody, field parameters) with strict QA/QC practices.
10

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

11

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

12

Are you a licensed Hydrogeologist in the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

13

Please list your Geologist / Hydrogeologist license(s) and the state(s) they are from. If none, put N/A.
Required Question