Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training) (Internal Only)

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Ecology in Washington state is seeking an in-training Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) for the Environmental Assessment Program. The role involves groundwater monitoring, data QA/QC, and supporting grant recipients, with a mix of field and office duties from our Lacey headquarters.

Ranked HG1 or HG2 with progression; telework eligible and flexible scheduling offered. Requires relevant education/experience and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Experience or education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
• Ability to follow Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and SOPs.
• Driver's license required.
• Demonstrated field data collection, QA/QC, and data management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities; able to work with partners and data contributors.
• Experience coordinating field monitoring activities and data submissions.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, QA-check, and upload groundwater measurements into Ecology’s EIM database.
• Coordinate groundwater data submittals with staff and grantees; resolve data quality issues.
• Conduct groundwater monitoring projects, including field logistics and data collection.
• Assist in hydrogeologic studies, including preparing QAPPs and analyzing data.
• Operate field instruments and maintain equipment.
• Prepare maps, figures, graphs, and documentation to communicate study methods and findings.
• Represent program interests in EIM training and user-group activities.

Skills

Communication

Accountability

Problem Solving

Field Operations

Data Quality Assurance

Project Coordination

QAPP SOPs

Equipment Operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or higher

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

Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP).

Location:

• Headquarters 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.
• This position requires field work and office work
• You may telework most of your office work time with in-person meetings and activities one day per week.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 4, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

In this position, under the guidance of a licensed hydrogeologist, you will conduct groundwater monitoring, collect and analyze hydrogeologic data, and support Water Resources grant recipients that submit environmental data to Ecology. You will work closely with Water Resources Program staff to implement a water-level monitoring network and ensure that all grant-funded groundwater data is accurately processed and recorded in Ecology’s Environmental Information Management (EIM) database. Key tasks include collecting, processing, QA-checking, and uploading both manual and continuous groundwater measurements; resolving data quality or metadata issues; and serving as a point of contact for EIM questions from staff and grantees. You will also provide field support for ongoing groundwater monitoring efforts and may conduct smaller hydrogeologic studies as needed. This position, based in the Environmental Assessment Program’s Statewide Coordination Section, offers broad field experience across Washington’s varied landscapes.

What you will do:

• Collect, process, QA-check, and upload both manual and continuous groundwater measurements into Ecology’s Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.
• Coordinate with Water Resources Program staff and grantees to manage groundwater data submittals, resolve data quality issues, and support consistent data entry.
• Conduct groundwater monitoring projects, including planning field logistics, collecting water-level and water-quality data, and maintaining field equipment.
• Assist in designing and performing hydrogeologic studies, including preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans, conducting aquifer tests, and analyzing hydrogeologic data.
• Operate field instruments such as pressure transducers, water-quality meters, and data loggers.
• Prepare maps, figures, graphs, and written documentation to communicate study methods and findings.
• Represent Water Resources Program interests in EIM user-group activities and help deliver groundwater-specific EIM training to data submitters.

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 1 or 2 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the HG 1 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an HG 2 within a specified time period.

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 1 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 52, $4,866 - $6,542 monthly

5 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication and Collaboration Skills – Ability to share information clearly and professionally to help others understand technical work and project results. Ability to work well with coworkers, partners, and data contributors to support shared project goals.
• Accountability – Ability to follow established procedures and standards to ensure work is accurate, consistent, and reliable.
• Problem Solving and Adaptability – Ability to recognize issues, evaluate options, and apply practical solutions to keep projects and data moving forward. Ability to adjust to changing priorities, field conditions, and projects need to support program objectives.
• Field Operations – Ability to plan and carry out fieldwork to collect reliable environmental data needed for groundwater and surface water studies.
• Data Quality Assurance – Ability to check, verify, and correct data to ensure information meets quality standards and can be confidently used for decision-making.
• Project Coordination – Ability to organize monitoring activities, track tasks, and support timely submission and processing of environmental data.
• Quality Assurance Project Plan Implementation – Ability to follow QAPPs and SOPs to maintain consistent and scientifically sound work practices.
• Equipment Operation – Ability to safely use vehicles, boats, pumps, meters, and field tools to complete field assignments in varied environmental conditions.

Educationinvolving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field

Examples of how to qualify:

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

At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (Goal Class)

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

6 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication and Collaboration Skills – Ability to share information clearly and professionally to help others understand technical work and project results. Ability to work well with coworkers, partners, and data contributors to support shared project goals.
• Accountability – Ability to follow established procedures and standards to ensure work is accurate, consistent, and reliable.
• Problem Solving and Adaptability – Ability to recognize issues, evaluate options, and apply practical solutions to keep projects and data moving forward. Ability to adjust to changing priorities, field conditions, and project needs to support program objectives.
• Field Operations – Ability to plan and carry out fieldwork to collect reliable environmental data needed for groundwater and surface water studies.
• Data Quality Assurance – Ability to check, verify, and correct data to ensure information meets quality standards and can be confidently used for decision-making.
• Project Coordination – Ability to organize monitoring activities, track tasks, and support timely submission and processing of environmental data.
• Environmental Data Management – Ability to enter, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental datasets to ensure information is complete, accurate, and accessible.
• Instrumentation and Monitoring – Ability to use and maintain field instruments and equipment to collect dependable water-level and water-quality data.
• Quality Assurance Project Plan Implementation – Ability to follow QAPPs and SOPs to maintain consistent and scientifically sound work practices.
• Equipment Operation – Ability to safely use vehicles, boats, pumps, meters, and field tools to complete field assignments in varied environmental conditions.

Educationinvolving 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Technical Documentation – Ability to prepare clear plans, maps, figures, and reports to communicate study methods and findings.
• Hydrogeologic Analysis – Ability to review and interpret groundwater data to understand aquifer conditions, water movement, and environmental impacts.
• Environmental Data Management – Ability to enter, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental datasets to ensure information is complete, accurate, and accessible.
• Instrumentation and Monitoring – Ability to use and maintain field instruments and equipment to collect dependable water-level and water-quality data.
• Well Construction and Testing – Ability to install monitoring wells and perform tests to determine characteristics of groundwater systems.
• GIS and Data Visualization – Ability to create maps, charts, and graphics that clearly present environmental data and support project communication.
• Interested Party Support – Ability to guide data submitters, partners, and grantees so they understand data requirements and can meet quality expectations.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity:We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect:We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [e-mail]
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Jacob Carnes at [e-mail]
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. We work to improve the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

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