SENIOR - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, HYDROGEOLOGIST, OR SCIENTIST (GROUNDWATER QUALITY)

West Yost Associates; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior/Principal Engineer or Hydrogeologist with expertise in groundwater quality. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative water resource projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to assess and improve groundwater quality. You will leverage your extensive knowledge in inorganic chemistry and modeling techniques to tackle complex challenges in water supply and treatment. Join a company recognized as a top workplace, where your contributions will help shape sustainable water solutions for future generations while enjoying a supportive and flexible work environment.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Profit Sharing with Employer Match

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Wellness Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Professional Memberships

Leadership Academy Programs

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in groundwater quality and inorganic chemistry.
• Expertise in environmental fate of metals, salts, and nutrients.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to assess water quality conditions and develop solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and prepare design reports.

Skills

Inorganic Chemistry

Groundwater Quality Assessment

Modeling Equilibrium Geochemical Systems

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or Related Field

Master's Degree Preferred

Tools

2D and 3D Modeling Software

Job description

Who we are:

We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work based on feedback from our community of over 245 team members. We ranked top three in the AEC Advisors 2021 and 2022 Diversity Index Top Firms and were recognized as one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services in 2023 and 2024. Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team. Over the years we have built upon that mission and now integrate a host of high-quality services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology from our multiple locations in the west. As a team, we work with our clients to understand their true needs. Our long-term relationships are based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions. In 2025 and beyond, West Yost is advancing water resources for future generations and living our core values every day.

Compensation range: $105,250 to $179,420. Based on our Davis, CA office location. (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions).

LOCATION: Can sit in any of our CA office locations - (West Yost Locations). This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Standard benefits:

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.

Position: Senior/Principal Engineer, Hydrogeologist, or Scientist (Groundwater Quality)

About the Role: We are seeking a highly experienced Senior or Principal Engineer, Hydrogeologist, or Scientist with specific expertise in groundwater quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in inorganic chemistry, particularly in the environmental fate of metals, salts, and nutrients. This role requires the ability to model equilibrium geochemical systems and an understanding of reaction kinetics. Familiarity with California and federal drinking water regulations, as well as water and wastewater treatment technologies and systems, is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with hydrogeologists and treatment design engineers to characterize existing water quality conditions.
• Assess needs, analyze alternatives, and prepare feasibility studies.
• Conduct pilot studies and prepare basis of design reports.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop and evaluate water supply alternatives.
• Develop various cost and non-cost factors to evaluate alternatives.
• Work with groundwater flow and transport modelers using 2D and 3D modeling techniques to assess groundwater quality scenarios.
• Translate model results into actionable recommendations for developing and managing groundwater resources.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in groundwater quality and inorganic chemistry.
• Expertise in the environmental fate of metals, salts, and nutrients.
• Proficiency in modeling equilibrium geochemical systems and understanding reaction kinetics.
• Familiarity with California and federal drinking water regulations.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment technologies and systems.
• Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in developing and evaluating cost and non-cost factors for alternatives.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D analysis techniques for groundwater characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Travel Requirements:

This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices. Applicant must carry a valid driver's license and be able to meet West Yost’s rules to be eligible to drive for business. West Yost’s insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.

Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service match our vision for excellence. We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees. Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you’ll do the best work of your life.

A day in the life:

You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance. All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs. We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us. Our annual company-wide monthly staff meetings, annual in-person All Staff meeting, Duck Dinner, company camping events, company celebrations, and other company-sponsored events provide an important part of the West Yost culture, which is to have fun.

Other unique benefits:

You’ll be provided with support in ongoing education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance-based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay