Hydrogeologist 4

State of Washington•Benton County – Richland, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hydrogeologist 4 within the Nuclear Waste Program. This role provides expert guidance on groundwater and vadose zone conditions that directly inform cleanup and regulatory decisions for the Hanford Tank Farms. The position involves analyzing subsurface data, evaluating contaminant fate and transport modeling, and advising on remediation strategies to protect human health and the environment. It serves as the program’s technical authority on leak evaluations, groundwater impacts, and the scientific foundation behind cleanup actions. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex hydrogeologic challenges with direct influence on long-term environmental outcomes. The role includes engaging in technical reviews, collaborating with federal partners, shaping cleanup plans, and supporting milestone negotiations. It also allows for deepening expertise in large-scale remediation and regulatory oversight while serving as a trusted technical resource.

Requirements

Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
Demonstrated competence in Hydrogeologist Knowledge – Advanced understanding of physical and natural sciences to evaluate vadose zone, groundwater and surface water quality, quantity, and basin-wide management.
Demonstrated competence in 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.
Demonstrated competence in 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.
Demonstrated competence in 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.
Demonstrated competence in 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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.