Central Region Well Construction Coordinator (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training)

State of Washington•Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Central Region Well Construction Coordinator (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training) within the Water Resources Program. This position is located in the Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. The salary listed includes a scheduled general salary increase and assignment pay for required licensure. This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, with a combination of field and office work required. Most office work can be telework, with a minimum of one day per week in the office. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. The application deadline is June 29, 2026.

Requirements

Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position for the Hydrogeologist 2 level (In-Training).
Communication – Ability to explain technical and regulatory information clearly to help others understand requirements, findings, and decisions.
Problem Solving – Ability to analyze hydrogeologic information and field conditions to identify practical, defensible solutions that support public safety and compliance.
Regulatory Application – Ability to interpret and apply water laws, well construction rules, and policies to ensure activities meet legal and program requirements.
Investigation – Ability to gather facts, evaluate evidence, and document findings to determine what occurred and what corrective actions are needed.
Technical Analysis – Ability to collect, interpret, and report hydrogeologic and field data to support scientific conclusions and agency decisions.
Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with coworkers, external partners, and the public to support shared goals and consistent program implementation.
Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license (for Hydrogeologist 3 level).
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position for the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class).
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of geology and hydrogeologic issues associated with central Washington
Experience using Geographic Information Systems software
Education, training, experience, skills and abilities in well construction techniques, problems, and construction methods and alternatives
Education, training, experience, skills and abilities in downhole video, geophysical, or other downhole investigations and equipment.
Experience working around drilling rigs and in the drilling industry, including logging and oversight of well drilling operations.

Responsibilities

Manage the Program’s well construction enforcement and compliance work for all seven counties within the Central region.
Operate independently and as a regional expert, addressing well construction violations through education, technical assistance, and informal or formal enforcement, as appropriate.
Respond to complaints of well construction violations, illegal drilling, well construction provision violations, and other highly complex well compliance issues with conflicting interests among the parties and broad public impacts.
Provide technical assistance to well drillers, well owners, government agencies, governments, the general public, and Ecology staff.
Conduct hydrogeologic and other technical analysis of well construction problems and issues, and education with respect to the correct understanding and application of well construction laws and regulations.
Administer licensing tests for well contractors as needed and manages the regional maintenance and organization of regional well reports and video scan data.
Independently conduct well construction violation investigations arising from both external and internal sources and performs any compliance and enforcement action that may be needed to provide remedy.
Prepare formal enforcement documents to ensure compliance with state statutes.
Testify as an Expert Witness in Pollution Control Hearings Board or Superior Court hearings on water well construction laws, violations, and enforcement issues.