Environmental Hydrology Technician

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Transit benefit

Flexible schedules

Job summary

King County is seeking an Environmental Hydrology Technician to monitor groundwater levels, support a flow gauge network, and collect water quality samples. The role involves data entry, analysis, and presenting findings to diverse audiences, with substantial field time across King County and a hybrid work model.

You will work with a licensed hydrogeologist and a team focused on protecting water quality, environmental justice, and reporting to community leaders and scientists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, geology, hydrology, or two years of related experience.
• Experience with environmental data entry and databases.
• Experience collecting water quality and/or water level data in the field.
• Experience with statistical analysis using R, Python, or similar.
• Experience writing technical material for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Field Data Collection – Collect water level data, discharge, and environmental parameters at groundwater wells and stream gauges.
• 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.
• Data Entry – Enter field data into databases, ensuring data quality for analysis.
• Data Analysis and visualization – Perform data analysis tasks using statistical programs and ArcGIS.
• Communication and Education - Support development and delivery of presentations and writing documents regarding groundwater and gauging for various technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaboration – Work with a diverse work group and coordinate with the licensed hydrogeologist and field hydrology team.

Skills

Field data collection

Water quality sampling

Data entry

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, geology, hydrology

Tools

ArcGIS

Groundwater monitoring software

Job description

Summary

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.

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.

Job Duties

• Field Data Collection –Collect water level data, discharge, and environmental parameters at groundwater wells and stream gauges;
• 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;
• Data Entry – Enter field data into various databases, ensuring data quality for analysis;
• Data Analysis and visualization – Perform data analysis tasks using statistical programs and ArcGIS;
• Communication and Education - Support development and delivery of presentations and writing documents regarding groundwater and gauging for various technical and non-technical audiences;
• 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

• 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

• 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 certain, 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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

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.