Address
Form of workSalary : $62,568.00 - $92,868.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-WR0717-06042
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 05/08/2023
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 Water Resources(WR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Project Hydrogeologist-Permit Writer (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training) position in our Southwest Region Office inUpon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
In this role, you will serv as the Southwest Region Well Construction Coordinator, you will get the awesome responsibility of ensuring that our state's licensed well drillers (who work in the SW Region) are properly doing their job and that wells are properly constructed according to state law and regulations. While looking at a well itself may not look like a very interesting thing to look at, in reality a water well represents the following:
You will also be responsible for performing field exams on apprentice well drillers to help them along the process of obtaining a Washington State well drillers license. You will get to use your professional hydrogeological expertise to issue Well Construction and well decommissioning variances in situations where the required Well Construction steps or well decommissioning steps cannot be reasonably met due to the size of the parcel, ability of a drill rig to access the parcel, etc. As a Well Construction Coordinator, your role is essential in the Water Resources Program's work in managing and protecting Washington's ground water and surface water supplies, protecting senior water rights (including yet to be quantified Tribal water rights), protecting streamflows and providing technical assistance to a wide range of state residents, local and Tribal government agency staff, hydrogeological, engineering and environmental consultants, real estate agents, attorneys and sister state agencies such as the Department of Health and Department of Fish and Wildlife is extremely rewarding and challenging work.
Note: This position offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Hydrogeologist field and achieve the goal class of a Hydrogeologist 3 (HG3). Candidates will be considered at the HG2 and the HG3 levels, depending on their qualifications. For salary levels for each, please see the qualifications section.
Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Resources Program is to is to support sustainable water resources management to meet the present and future water needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities.
Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule after initial training. During the first six-months of initial training, this position is required to work in the office two days per week. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in "other information." Schedules are dependent upon position needs and is subject to change.
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on May 18, 2023.In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before May 17, 2023. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
, , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *Click here for more information
About the Department of Ecology
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan.
Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:
Our commitment to DEIRDiversity, 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 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.
Duties
What makes this role unique?
Ecology's Southwest Region has an overall population of over two million people. The Region is comprised of 12 Counties (ranging in population from ~4,000 to over ~900,000 people), 14 sovereign Tribal Nations, 20 different watersheds (12 of which have separate and specific instream flow regulations), and a wide variety of water uses ranging from municipal, multiple domestic, irrigation, fish propagation, power generation to single domestic uses. In addition, Ecology's Southwest Region has two National Parks, one National Volcanic Monument, the mouth and lower portion of the fourth largest river discharge in North America and several thousand miles of ocean and inland sea coastline. If you like doing field visits to the different reaches of this Region, this position may be especially rewarding to you. Ecology's Southwest Region in particular has a wide variety of water availability challenges with annual precipitation rates ranging from 15 inches to over 100 inches and geological conditions that create sustainable groundwater supplies in some part of the Southwest Region and limited supplies in other parts of the region. The daily working experience in Ecology's Southwest Region also includes working with a wide variety of dedicated and passionate water well drillers, hydrogeologists, attorneys and property owners. Daily outreach to the public we serve (who have a variety of educational, economic, cultural and social backgrounds) also makes this job professionally challenging and rewarding.
What you will do:
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:
This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is a Hydrogeologist 3 (HG3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Hydrogeologist 2 and 3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the HG2 level, then they will be placed into a training program to become a HG3 within a specified period of time.
At the Hydrogeologist 2 Level - Pay Range - 58 ($5,214- $7,016 Monthly) (In-Training)
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Two (2) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
Option 2: A Master's degree or higher with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Option 3: One (1) year as a Hydrogeologist 1, at the Department of Ecology.
At the Hydrogeologist 3 Level - Pay Range - 62 ($5,756 - $7,739 Monthly) (Goal Class)
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Three (3) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND One (1) year of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
Option 3: A Ph.D. if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Option 4: One year as a Hydrogeologist 2, at the Department of Ecology.
Please Note: At both the HG3 level possession of a Washington State Geologist License and Hydrogeology Specialty License is required.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
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. These requirements can be found at the following website:
Supplemental Information
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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Need an Accommodationin the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?
It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.
Please d...
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-WR0717-06042
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 05/08/2023
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 Water Resources(WR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Project Hydrogeologist-Permit Writer (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training) position in our Southwest Region Office inUpon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
In this role, you will serv as the Southwest Region Well Construction Coordinator, you will get the awesome responsibility of ensuring that our state's licensed well drillers (who work in the SW Region) are properly doing their job and that wells are properly constructed according to state law and regulations. While looking at a well itself may not look like a very interesting thing to look at, in reality a water well represents the following:
- FREE access to a public resource (our groundwater), owned in common by all Washingtonians
- Access to a SAFE and SUSTAINABLE source of water for drinking, watering plants and lawns, for bathing, kitchen and laundry needs, and many other uses that require a water supply.
- A source of water on the parcel (no need to truck in water or walk to another water source for one's supplies).
- A device that will last 50 to 75 years.
- A public record of:
- The subsurface of the earth as recorded by the well driller.
- Depth to the water table.
- Yield of water from the well.
- A dramatic increase in the value of this parcel of land.
- Improved access for roads and electricity to this parcel (if they are not there yet).
- Vastly increased ability to sell this parcel in the future.
- The subsurface of the earth as recorded by the well driller.
You will also be responsible for performing field exams on apprentice well drillers to help them along the process of obtaining a Washington State well drillers license. You will get to use your professional hydrogeological expertise to issue Well Construction and well decommissioning variances in situations where the required Well Construction steps or well decommissioning steps cannot be reasonably met due to the size of the parcel, ability of a drill rig to access the parcel, etc. As a Well Construction Coordinator, your role is essential in the Water Resources Program's work in managing and protecting Washington's ground water and surface water supplies, protecting senior water rights (including yet to be quantified Tribal water rights), protecting streamflows and providing technical assistance to a wide range of state residents, local and Tribal government agency staff, hydrogeological, engineering and environmental consultants, real estate agents, attorneys and sister state agencies such as the Department of Health and Department of Fish and Wildlife is extremely rewarding and challenging work.
Note: This position offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Hydrogeologist field and achieve the goal class of a Hydrogeologist 3 (HG3). Candidates will be considered at the HG2 and the HG3 levels, depending on their qualifications. For salary levels for each, please see the qualifications section.
Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Resources Program is to is to support sustainable water resources management to meet the present and future water needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities.
Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule after initial training. During the first six-months of initial training, this position is required to work in the office two days per week. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in "other information." Schedules are dependent upon position needs and is subject to change.
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on May 18, 2023.In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before May 17, 2023. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
, , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *Click here for more information
About the Department of Ecology
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan.
Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:
- A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
Our commitment to DEIRDiversity, 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 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.
Duties
What makes this role unique?
Ecology's Southwest Region has an overall population of over two million people. The Region is comprised of 12 Counties (ranging in population from ~4,000 to over ~900,000 people), 14 sovereign Tribal Nations, 20 different watersheds (12 of which have separate and specific instream flow regulations), and a wide variety of water uses ranging from municipal, multiple domestic, irrigation, fish propagation, power generation to single domestic uses. In addition, Ecology's Southwest Region has two National Parks, one National Volcanic Monument, the mouth and lower portion of the fourth largest river discharge in North America and several thousand miles of ocean and inland sea coastline. If you like doing field visits to the different reaches of this Region, this position may be especially rewarding to you. Ecology's Southwest Region in particular has a wide variety of water availability challenges with annual precipitation rates ranging from 15 inches to over 100 inches and geological conditions that create sustainable groundwater supplies in some part of the Southwest Region and limited supplies in other parts of the region. The daily working experience in Ecology's Southwest Region also includes working with a wide variety of dedicated and passionate water well drillers, hydrogeologists, attorneys and property owners. Daily outreach to the public we serve (who have a variety of educational, economic, cultural and social backgrounds) also makes this job professionally challenging and rewarding.
What you will do:
- Writing Variance letters, providing field exams, and providing technical assistance to well drillers and property owners on Well Construction regulations and practices.
- Draft and finalize Well Construction variance letters.
- Inspect Well Construction activities.
- Provide technical assistance via phone, in the field or by e-mail to well drillers and property owners who are having water wells constructed.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:
- 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
- 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent
This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is a Hydrogeologist 3 (HG3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Hydrogeologist 2 and 3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the HG2 level, then they will be placed into a training program to become a HG3 within a specified period of time.
At the Hydrogeologist 2 Level - Pay Range - 58 ($5,214- $7,016 Monthly) (In-Training)
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Two (2) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
Option 2: A Master's degree or higher with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Option 3: One (1) year as a Hydrogeologist 1, at the Department of Ecology.
At the Hydrogeologist 3 Level - Pay Range - 62 ($5,756 - $7,739 Monthly) (Goal Class)
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Three (3) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND One (1) year of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
Option 3: A Ph.D. if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Option 4: One year as a Hydrogeologist 2, at the Department of Ecology.
Please Note: At both the HG3 level possession of a Washington State Geologist License and Hydrogeology Specialty License is required.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must possess a Washington State Geologist License and Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty License at the HG 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. These requirements can be found at the following website:
Supplemental Information
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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Need an Accommodationin the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?
- Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: and we will be happy to assist.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
- If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
- If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.
It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.
- A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
- A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
- A list of three professional references.
Please d...
