Technical Unit Supervisor / Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)

This position is eligible for 7.5% assignment pay.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Technical Unit Supervisor / Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4) within the Water Resources Program.

Location:

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

Schedule:

• This position is required to work in the office four to five days per week for the probationary period of six months. 
• After the probationary period has ended, increased telework and flexible scheduling options may be available.
• Occasional overnight travel and field work will be necessary.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 2, 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

We are seeking an experienced hydrogeologist and leader to join our team in Central Washington – home to some of the state’s most diverse and complex geology and hydrogeology. In this role, you will manage a team of skilled technical professionals conducting hydrogeologic evaluations and investigations that guide water right decisions and safeguard the region’s critical water resources. Your team plays a key role in collecting and analyzing groundwater data through our monitoring network, providing the essential information needed to understand long-term aquifer trends and support sustainable water management. You will also supervise our regional Well Drilling Coordinator, ensuring compliance with Washington’s well drilling statutes and regulations.

Additionally, you will provide expert hydrogeologic insight and guidance to senior managers, helping shape policies and management strategies that protect water resources while supporting the economic vitality, public health, and environmental well-being of our communities. 

What you will do:

• Supervise a team of at least four staff members in the Central Region’s Technical Unit.
• Plan and conduct professional geologic and hydrogeologic investigations and research.
• Review proposed groundwater and surface water development projects.
• Investigate the hydraulic continuity between surface and groundwater and assess their potential impacts on water management decisions.
• Oversee the central Washington groundwater well monitoring network and prepare well hydrographs for water management purposes.
• Review, or oversee the review of, water right reports submitted by consultants through Conservancy Boards and the Cost Reimbursement Programs.
• Represent the Water Resources Program and the Central Region on project groups with cross-program and external collaborators.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist specialty license, 

AND
 

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
• Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must possess a current Washington State Geologist and a current Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.

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. Must possess or become a Licensed Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington within 6 months after hiring.

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 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.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

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 Heather Simmons at Heather.Simmons@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 Water Resources Program

The mission of the Water Resources Program is to manage water resources to meet the current and future needs of the natural environment and Washington's communities.

About Central Washington 

From snow-capped peaks to fertile valleys, Central Washington offers a stunning mix of natural beauty, diverse outdoor recreation, and thriving communities. Enjoy year-round activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, and wine tasting – all within a short drive from home. With a lower cost of living, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, and a welcoming community spirit, Central Washington is a place where you can build both a meaningful career and an exceptional quality of life.

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 (Download PDF reader), 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.