Hydrogeologist 4

State of Washington•Benton County – Richland, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hydrogeologist 4 within the Nuclear Waste Program. This position is located at the Richland Field Office in Richland, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. You may telework most of your work time, with at least one in-office day every other week and occasional fieldwork to observe sampling or drilling activities. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. The salary listed includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure. This position will remain open until filled, but the agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after June 7, 2026, may not be considered.

Requirements

Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
Demonstrated competence in the following skillsets:
Hydrogeologist Knowledge – Advanced understanding of physical and natural sciences to evaluate vadose zone, groundwater and surface water quality, quantity, and basin-wide management.
Data Analysis – Ability to interpret complex monitoring data to assess trends, risks, and compliance. Experience in using technical tools to support assessment and long-term resource planning.
Critical Thinking – Ability to interpret and apply the Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Dangerous Waste Regulations, and related state and federal laws. Demonstrated ability in evaluating compliance of projects and programs with departmental regulations and statutory requirements.
Communication and Technical Writing – Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory concepts in clear, concise, and tactful written and oral formats. This will include the ability to prepare, review, and publish high-level technical reports, bulletins, and guidance documents.
Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance – Demonstrated ability providing advanced technical review of RCRA permitting projects, CERCLA decision documents, groundwater well installation requests, and groundwater monitoring systems, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and site-wide hydrogeologic strategy.
Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
9 years of experience.
8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
Must meet U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a badge for access to the Hanford Site.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Provide expert guidance on groundwater and vadose zone conditions that directly inform cleanup and regulatory decisions for the Hanford Tank Farms.
Analyze subsurface data, evaluate contaminant fate and transport modeling, and advise on remediation strategies that protect human health and the environment.
Serve as the program’s technical authority on leak evaluations, groundwater impacts, and the scientific foundation behind cleanup actions.
Engage in technical reviews, collaborate with federal partners, shape cleanup plans, and support milestone negotiations.
Deepen expertise in large-scale remediation and regulatory oversight while serving as a trusted technical resource and contributing to meaningful, technically complex work that will have a lasting impact on the environment and public health.
Evaluate U.S. Department of Energy and contractor determinations of past and present single-shell tank (SST) leaks.
Review Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facility investigations, scientific studies, remediation plans, sampling plans and data, and other compliance documents related to groundwater, vadose zone, and surface water contamination and cleanup at the Hanford Site.
Develop hydrogeologic recommendations for project managers, the senior groundwater specialist, other site-wide specialists, and section managers.
Evaluate permit requests for groundwater wells and groundwater monitoring.
Review engineering reports and annual RCRA and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) site-wide groundwater reports.
Work collaboratively with chemists, engineers, toxicologists, and regulatory specialists to support environmental remediation that protects human health and the environment.
Review and interpret vadose zone and groundwater fate-and-transport modeling to inform cleanup and closure planning for the SST farms.
Plan, organize, and lead regulatory aspects of hydrogeologic investigations of subsurface conditions.

Benefits

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 Incentives
Combined Fund Drive
SmartHealth
Personal protective equipment will be provided by the program along with reimbursement for required footwear.