Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Union Gap (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology in Union Gap, WA, seeks a Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2) for the Environmental Assessment Program. The role blends fieldwork with data analysis and telemetry work, with telework and flexible scheduling options.

You will install and operate stream gages, develop and update rating curves, and review data quality to support accurate reporting. This position requires strong hydrology skills, teamwork, and safe field practices, with duties spanning

Qualifications

• Six years of experience and/or education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
• Experience with stream discharge measurement and rating curves.
• Ability to operate field equipment and vehicles safely.
• Strong data management and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Select measurement points representative of stream discharge.
• Develop rating curves for each measurement site over the full flow regime.
• Carry out cross‑section measurements to verify stage‑discharge curves.
• Install, operate, and maintain water stage telemetry systems.
• Provide field support to keep stations online and ensure reporting quality.

Skills

Teamwork & Collaboration

Adaptability

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Field Operations

Hydrologic Measurement & Analysis

Data Quality & Management

Equipment & Vehicle Operation

Education

Hydrogeology / Hydrology / Geology degree

Job description

Environmental Assessment Program – Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2)

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2) within the Environmental Assessment Program. The position is located at the Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, the employee 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. Mondays and Wednesdays are in‑office days; other days that do not involve field work can be teleworked.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by July 30, 2026.
• Applications submitted after this date may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this role, you will collect and process credible stream hydrology information for river systems or basins that are reliable, accurate, and timely. You will possess and demonstrate the skills required to install and operate stream gages in the assigned geographical area. You will also evaluate and develop rating curves, review data for completeness and overall quality, and provide field support to keep stations online and reporting accurate information.

What You Will Do

• Use sound scientific principles to select measurement points that are representative of stream discharge.
• Develop individual state discharge rating curves for each measurement site by taking flow measurements that define this relationship over the entire flow regime.
• Carry out cross‑section measurements at individual measurement sites so that accurate calculations can confirm the stage‑discharge rating curves developed.
• Track changes in channel cross‑section over time and adjust the stage‑discharge rating table.
• Install, operate, and maintain water stage height telemetry systems.
• Download data loggers and service telemetry systems or make upgrades as necessary.
• Act as a resource to other agencies and groups that require technical assistance with stream discharge measurement.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications

Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience

In hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied profession.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Teamwork & Collaboration – Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with others to support shared goals and maintain productive working relationships.
• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changing field conditions, project demands, and new technologies to remain effective in varied situations.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Ability to interpret information, troubleshoot issues, and make sound decisions to resolve problems and support program objectives.
• Field Operations – Ability to plan, prepare for, and conduct fieldwork safely and effectively to collect accurate environmental data.
• Hydrologic Measurement & Analysis – Ability to measure stream flow and channel characteristics to develop and update accurate stage‑discharge rating curves.
• Data Quality & Management – Ability to record, review, and maintain accurate data and notes to ensure data integrity and support scientific analyses. Ability to enter, validate, and analyze data using databases and standard office software to support accurate reporting.
• Equipment & Vehicle Operation – Ability to safely operate field equipment, tools, vehicles, and/or boats to access sites and maintain monitoring stations.

Education

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 higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

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

Desired Qualifications

• Communication – Ability to clearly share information verbally and in writing to support accurate, effective, and professional interactions.
• Workload & Time Management – Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and maintain steady workflow.
• Professional Conduct – Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor to support a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Project Coordination – Ability to organize field logistics, equipment, and schedules to support efficient and successful project execution.
• Scientific Judgment – Ability to interpret environmental data and apply scientific principles to provide objective recommendations.
• Hydrologic Monitoring – Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot stream gages and related equipment to collect reliable hydrologic data.
• Telemetry & Data Systems – Ability to install, operate, and maintain telemetry and data logger systems to support continuous data collection.
• Environmental Sampling – Ability to use scientific instruments and sampling methods to collect water quality or biological data that support environmental assessments.

Supplemental Information

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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)

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.

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 represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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.