Hydrogeologist 4

Washington State Department of Ecology; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology's Nuclear Waste Program seeks a Hydrogeologist 4 to provide expert guidance on groundwater and vadose zone conditions, informing cleanup and regulatory decisions at the Hanford Tank Farms. The role offers the chance to tackle complex challenges and serve as the program’s technical authority on leak evaluations.

This position in Richland, WA supports telework with flexible scheduling, including most work from home and occasional fieldwork, and requires WA

Qualifications

• Requires licensure as Washington State Geologist and Hydrogeologist specialty.
• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education in hydrogeology or closely allied fields.
• Strong ability to analyze vadose zone, groundwater, and surface water data and trends.
• Excellent technical writing and report-development skills.
• Experience with regulatory interpretation including RCRA and CERCLA.
• Education involving a major study in hydrogeology or closely allied field.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate SST leak determinations by DOE and contractors.
• Review RCRA facility investigations and groundwater-related reports.
• Develop hydrogeologic recommendations for project managers and senior staff.
• Evaluate groundwater well permits and monitoring plans.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, toxicologists, and regulatory staff on remediation efforts.
• Interpret vadose zone and groundwater modeling to guide cleanup and closure at SST farms.

Skills

Hydrogeology expertise

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Technical writing

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hydrogeology or related field

Master’s degree in hydrogeology

Ph.D. in hydrogeology

Job description

Hydrogeologist 4 – Nuclear Waste Program

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Job Overview

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hydrogeologist 4 within the Nuclear Waste Program. The role provides expert guidance on groundwater and vadose zone conditions that inform cleanup and regulatory decisions at the Hanford Tank Farms. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex hydrogeologic challenges, influence long‑term environmental outcomes, and serve as the program’s technical authority on leak evaluations and groundwater impacts.

Location

Richland Field Office in Richland, WA. Upon hire, the employee must live within commutable distance from the duty station.

Assignment Pay

Salary includes 7.5% assignment pay due to required licensure.

Schedule

Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. Telework most of the work time, with at least one in‑office day every other week and occasional fieldwork to observe sampling or drilling activities. Schedules are subject to position needs.

Duties

• Evaluate DOE and contractor determinations of past and present single‑shell tank (SST) leaks.
• Review RCRA facility investigations, scientific studies, remediation plans, sampling plans, and other compliance documents related to groundwater, vadose zone, and surface water contamination at the Hanford Site.
• Develop hydrogeologic recommendations for project managers, the senior groundwater specialist, other site‑wide specialists, and section managers.
• Evaluate permit requests for groundwater wells and monitoring.
• Review engineering reports and annual RCRA and CERCLA groundwater reports.
• Work collaboratively with chemists, engineers, toxicologists, and regulatory specialists to support environmental remediation.
• Review and interpret vadose zone and groundwater fate‑and‑transport modeling to inform cleanup and closure planning for the SST farms.
• Plan, organize, and lead regulatory aspects of hydrogeologic investigations of subsurface conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.
• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or a closely allied profession.
• Demonstrated competence in the following skillsets:
  • Advanced knowledge of physical and natural sciences to evaluate vadose zone, groundwater, and surface water quality, quantity, and basin‑wide management.
  • Data analysis and interpretation of complex monitoring data to assess trends, risks, and compliance.
  • Critical thinking and application of state and federal regulations, including Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, and Dangerous Waste Regulations.
  • Communication and technical writing skills for preparing and reviewing high‑level technical reports, bulletins, and guidance documents.
  • Regulatory interpretation and compliance, including advanced technical review of RCRA permitting, CERCLA decisions, groundwater well installation requests, and monitoring systems.
  • Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or a closely allied field.
• Examples of how to qualify (experience + education thresholds):
  • 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 and Conditions of Employment

• Must possess a Washington State Geologist license and a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.
• Must meet U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a badge for access to the Hanford Site.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Licensing Note

Individuals interested in applying and who believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity are responsible for ensuring they meet those requirements prior to submitting application materials. Licensing information can be found at the WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site.

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 position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.