Environmental Hydrology Technician

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

King County is seeking an Environmental Hydrology Technician to monitor groundwater levels, support a flow gauge network, collect water quality samples, and enter data for analysis. You’ll work closely with a licensed hydrogeologist and engage in field work throughout King County, blending remote and in-person duties.

The role emphasizes data communication to community members, planners, and scientists, with a hybrid work model and opportunities to influence environmental policy and water

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, geology, hydrology or two years of professional groundwater/stream science experience.
• Experience with environmental data entry and databases.
• Skill collecting water quality samples and/or water level data in field settings.
• Skill performing statistical analysis using R, Python or similar.
• Experience writing on technical topics for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Field data collection of groundwater levels, discharge, and environmental parameters at wells and stream gauges.
• Enter field data into databases ensuring data quality for analysis.
• Perform data analysis and visualization using statistical tools and ArcGIS.
• Communicate data findings through presentations and written documents for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with licensed hydrogeologist and field team to ensure timely deliverables.

Skills

Field data collection

Water quality sampling

Data entry

Data analysis & visualization

Communication & education

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, geology, or hydrology

Two years of professional groundwater/stream science experience

Tools

ArcGIS

Levelogger

Hoboware

Diver Office

Hobo Connect

Job description

In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Environmental Hydrology Technician career service vacancies within the Waer and Land Resources Division over the next 6 months.

If you’re passionate about protecting groundwater resources, enjoy field work, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to join our team! You will be instrumental in understanding and protecting our water resources – from streams to groundwater. Join us as an Environmental Hydrology Technician (Water Quality Planner/Project Manager II) here in King County’s Science Section where your work will help us understand our environment better and apply these findings to real world issues and solutions.

About the Role:

You will be responsible for monitoring groundwater levels, supporting a flow gauge network, collecting water quality samples, entering data, and supporting the analysis and presentation of scientific findings. You will work closely with our licensed hydrogeologist to ensure monitoring of environmental projects move forward on time, on budget, and produce high-quality data and analyses. You will support the communication of data findings through writing and presenting information to community members, planners, elected officials, and other scientists. This position offers significant time in the outdoors in various parts of King County, with a quarter of the position being in the field throughout the year.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:

We are a Seattle-based team building the scientific foundation to protect water quality and restore habitat for the benefit of people, salmon, and orca. We lead applied research, manage environmental monitoring programs, deliver technical services, and inform evidence-based policies and regulations. We seek to make scientific discoveries that shape environmental regulations and polices. Our work informs how millions of dollars are invested to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat. At King County, your work will have meaning and impact, affecting the lives of people and the environment, and advancing environmental justice. You’ll collaborate with your supervisor to ensure you and your team design useful studies, gather reliable evidence, address emerging issues, and contribute to effective and equitable solutions. In this role, you will join a respected and motivated team of scientists that supports both King County and regional leaders, keeping communities at the heart of our work.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As an Environmental Hydrology Technician, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

1. Field Data Collection –Collect water level data, discharge, and environmental parameters at groundwater wells and stream gauges;
2. Water quality sampling - Collect water quality samples in the field from various groundwater wells and stream monitoring sites for analysis at the King County Environmental Lab;
3. Data Entry – Enter field data into various databases, ensuring data quality for analysis;
4. Data Analysis and visualization – Perform data analysis tasks using statistical programs and ArcGIS;
5. Communication and Education - Support development and delivery of presentations and writing documents regarding groundwater and gauging for various technical and non-technical audiences;
6. Collaboration – Work with a diverse work group that celebrates our differences and collective dedication to the environmental field. You will coordinate directly with the licensed hydrogeologist and field hydrology team developing and ensuring timely delivery of project deliverables and data.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, geology, hydrology, or two years of professional experience working in groundwater or stream science and management.
• Experience with environmental data entry and working with databases.
• Skill collecting water quality samples and/or water level data in a field setting.
• Skill doing statistical analysis using R, Python, or similar.
• Experience writing on technical topics for a variety of audiences.

Physical Requirements:

Regular lifting, use of field equipment and outdoor work with uneven terrain in all weather conditions, approximately 4-5 days a month

Workplace Exposures:

This position will have periodic exposure to flowing water, which could be swift in the fall/winter months. The position will need to be in the field in times of inclement weather and possible heat. Field work will take them around King County where heavy traffic can be encountered.

Competencies You Bring:

• Tech Savvy:Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Communications Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Manages Ambiguity:Operating effectively, even when things are not uncertain, or the way forward is not clear.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

Washington State Driver’s License

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience using groundwater monitoring software; i.e. Levelogger, Hoboware, Diver Office, Hobo Connect
• Experience creating and delivering presentations supporting both technical and non-technical audiences in a professional setting.
• Experience using ArcGIS (will provide training if no prior experience).
• Licensed geologist or geologist-in-training.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The Science and Technical Support Services team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamster’s Local 117.

Discover More About the Water and Land Resources Division:

Visit our website.

Discover More About DNRP:

Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

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Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Morgan Knight Hermann at [e-mail].

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.