The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hydrogeologist 3 (In-Training) within the Water Resources Program. Location: Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA. The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. Assignment Pay: If the finalist for this position qualifies at the Hydrogeologist 3 level, they will receive additional 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure. Schedule: This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A minimum of three days per week is required in the office during the first six-months of employment. Additional telework options will be available following this period. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by April 19, 2026 This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered. Duties In this position, you will serve as a permit writer, processing water right applications, developing Reports of Examination, conducting hydrogeologic evaluations and generating technical memorandums in support of permitting decisions. You will develop in-depth knowledge of water resources science and legal framework and must effectively communicate and perform technical consultation with other agencies, Tribes, businesses, interest groups, and local governments regarding complex issues. What you will do: Lead hydrogeologic investigations, provide technical peer reviews, and serve as a technical expert for the region on surface and groundwater flow. Identify the hydrogeologic characteristics of drainage basins and aquifers. Apply standard methods to identify groundwater movement and storage, groundwater recharge and discharge, areal extent and thickness of geologic formations, hydraulic conductivities, boundary conditions, extent of ground-water mining, and other aquifer properties. Draft hydrogeologic cross-sections. Measure streamflow, identify stream flow characteristics, estimate low streamflow, and conduct watershed yield analysis. Independently perform field and office investigations of applications for new water rights and changes to existing water rights and prepare Reports of Examination and other decision documents. Develop and prepare technical materials, gather legally defensible data, consider input from interested parties to gain consensus when possible, and conduct necessary water rights/water law research in making permit decisions. Serve as contact person for water rights in assigned watersheds; respond to inquiries from public officials and private interests. Qualifications This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the HG2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an HG3 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 2 level (In-Training) Pay Range 58, $5,807 - $7,815 monthly Six years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. 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. 0 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or above. At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class) Pay Range 62, $6,412 - $8,620 monthly Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license. AND Seven years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.. Examples of how to qualify: 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 years of experience AND a Master’s degree. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: At the HG3 level: Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist specialty 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.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $69684.00 - 103440.00 Per Year