Site Manager/Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2 or 3) INTERNAL ONLY

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington in the Southwest region seeks a Site Manager/Hydrogeologist (LUST) at Hydrogeologist 2/3 level in Lacey, WA. The role blends technical leadership with project management to advance MTCA cleanup and VCP site closures.

You will evaluate geologic data, guide consultants, and support regulatory decisions while mentoring staff and ensuring timely data submissions. Telework options and in-office days are available.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• Foundational MTCA, UST regulations knowledge and ability to review cleanup reports.
• Experience managing multiple contaminated-site projects and communicating with stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct site hazard assessments and prepare assessment materials.
• License/credential readiness in WA Geologist license pathway.

Responsibilities

• Review technical reports, data and proposals to determine compliance and next steps.
• Conduct initial investigations and site hazard assessments with clear recommendations.
• Provide technical oversight and geologic/hydrogeologic review of cleanup sites.
• Prepare technical letters, regulatory determinations, and documentation.
• Collaborate with property owners, consultants, and agencies to resolve issues.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in peer reviews and policy work.
• Maintain accurate site records and data submittals in databases.

Education

Hydrogeology degree

Geology degree

Environmental data analysis

Regulatory knowledge MTCA/UST

Tools

Geologic data review

Field sample collection

Technical writing

Job description

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is hiring a Site Manager/Hydrogeologist - Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) (Hydrogeologist 2 or 3).

Location

• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day every other week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

We are committed to supporting the professional growth of our hydrogeology staff. If hired into this role as a non-licensed hydrogeologist, you may qualify for a one-time $5,000 incentive payment if you later obtain your Washington State hydrogeologist specialty license. Please visit our Recruitment website for full eligibility details.

Application Timeline

• Apply by November 11, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Join a mission-driven team working to protect Washington’s communities by advancing cleanup of sites impacted by hazardous substances released to the environment. As a Site Manager in the Toxics Cleanup Program's southwest region, you will primarily manage Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) cleanup projects that enroll in the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), ensuring cleanups meet the requirements of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). You will evaluate complex geologic and environmental data, guide consultants and property owners toward technically sound cleanup actions, and help move contaminated sites to closure. If you are energized by applying geologic expertise to real-world cleanup projects, and want to make a direct and positive impact across the region, we would be thrilled to welcome your talent to our team.

What you will do

• Review and evaluate technical reports, sampling data, work plans, scopes of work, and corrective-action proposals to identify regulatory compliance, data adequacy, and next steps for contaminated sites.
• Conduct and document initial investigations and site hazard assessments, including data analysis, contamination evaluation, and preparation of clear written recommendations and assessment reports.
• Provide technical oversight and geologic/hydrogeologic review of complex cleanup sites, including evaluating field activities, monitoring-well installation, and environmental sampling plans.
• Prepare technical correspondence, opinion letters, regulatory determinations, and other cleanup documentation that clearly communicates requirements and supports cleanup progress.
• Collaborate with property owners, consultants, community members, and local or state agencies to address technical issues, communicate expectations, and support productive, solution-focused interactions.
• Offer technical assistance and mentorship to junior staff, contribute to peer reviews, and participate in program workgroups, planning efforts, and policy review as needed.
• Maintain accurate site records and ensure timely data submittals and document uploads in agency databases to support tracking, reporting, and regulatory decision-making.

If you qualify at the HG2 level and are hired, you must be able to meet the requirements to qualify for and attain a Washington State Geologist license within the length of the in-training plan to become an HG3. Please review details regarding the Washington State Geologist License and exam. For additional questions, please contact Eun-Joo Ahn, at [e-mail].

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications

At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 58, $5,642 - $7,592 monthly

• Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
  • Regulatory Cleanup Oversight -Understands and applies foundational elements of MTCA, UST regulations, and related environmental cleanup requirements. Reviews cleanup reports and site documentation for completeness and alignment with established guidance and identifies issues that need further evaluation.
  • Environmental Project Management -Supports the management of multiple contaminated-site projects by tracking tasks, gathering information, preparing draft communications, and helping maintain project schedules. Follows established procedures and direction to ensure consistent project progress.
  • Geologic and Environmental Data Evaluation -Reviews basic geologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental sampling data to identify errors, gaps, or inconsistencies. Summarizes findings to support technical decision-making and cleanup evaluations.
  • Technical Communication and Documentation -Prepares clear and accurate draft letters, reports, field notes, and data summaries. Ensures documentation reflects sound technical practices and regulatory expectations, with materials ready for technical review.
  • Multi-Party Collaboration and Issue Resolution -Communicates effectively with consultants, property owners, and partner agencies to exchange information, clarify site conditions, and support project needs. Seeks guidance when situations involve conflict, complex technical issues, or regulatory interpretations.
  • Field Investigation Support and Quality Assurance -Conducts fieldwork such as sampling, monitoring well inspections, and data collection using established methods. Follows quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate and reliable data and properly documents all field activities.
  • Initial Investigation and Site Hazard Assessment -Performs directed portions of initial investigations and Site Hazard Assessments by gathering background information, conducting field observations, documenting findings, and preparing draft assessment materials.
  • Technical Leadership and Knowledge Sharing -Supports team effectiveness by sharing knowledge from assigned tasks, demonstrating field techniques when appropriate, and seeking opportunities to strengthen technical skills through training and collaboration.
• Education:involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s degree or above.

At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 62, $6,229 - $8,374 monthly

• Possessionof a valid Washington State Geologist license AND
• Seven years of experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession, and/or education related to the duties of the position. Experience must include the following:
  • Regulatory and Cleanup Oversight: Experience reviewing environmental cleanup investigations and applying state cleanup regulations to support compliance and sound regulatory decisions.
  • Environmental Project Management: Skill in managing multiple contaminated-site projects, coordinating work plans and schedules, and ensuring steady progress toward cleanup completion.
  • Geologic and Environmental Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental data to evaluate site conditions and confirm that investigations are sufficient for decision-making.
  • Technical Communication and Documentation: Strong technical writing skills, including preparing clear, defensible reports, letters, and regulatory determinations.
  • Collaboration and Issue Resolution: Effective at working collaboratively with property owners, consultants, local governments, community members, and internal teams to resolve project issues.
  • Quality Assurance and Field Oversight: Experience evaluating field investigation activities, sampling plans, and data-quality practices, and maintaining accurate site records.
  • Technical Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to team consistency through peer review and knowledge-sharing.
• Education:involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.

Examples of how to qualify -- a valid Washington State Geologist license and:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• A Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

To qualify as an HG3: Must possess an active Washington State Geologist license.

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 prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity.

Desired Qualifications

• Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty License (or ability to obtain).
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour refresher.
• Advanced Environmental and Regulatory Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex environmental, geologic, and regulatory information to develop clear, well-supported cleanup recommendations consistent with Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations, and related environmental laws.
• Technical Communication and Engagement Skills: Strong ability to convey complex technical and regulatory concepts clearly in writing and verbally to support understanding, navigate challenging interactions, and guide cleanup progress.
• Collaborative Problem Solving and Relationship Building: Experience working constructively with property owners, consultants, local governments, and agency staff to identify and resolve sensitive or complicated technical issues.
• Senior-Level Technical Leadership: Experience providing technical guidance, peer review, or mentorship that strengthens team capability and supports consistent, science-based cleanup decisions.
• Applied