Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training) (Internal Only)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 2) (In-Training) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP). This position is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. The role involves conducting groundwater monitoring, collecting and analyzing hydrogeologic data, and supporting Water Resources grant recipients. The position offers telework and flexible schedule options, with a requirement for both field and office work. Upon hire, employees must live within a commutable distance from the duty station in Lacey, WA.

Requirements

Communication and Collaboration Skills – Ability to share information clearly and professionally to help others understand technical work and project results. Ability to work well with coworkers, partners, and data contributors to support shared project goals.
Accountability – Ability to follow established procedures and standards to ensure work is accurate, consistent, and reliable.
Problem Solving and Adaptability – Ability to recognize issues, evaluate options, and apply practical solutions to keep projects and data moving forward. Ability to adjust to changing priorities, field conditions, and project needs to support program objectives.
Field Operations – Ability to plan and carry out fieldwork to collect reliable environmental data needed for groundwater and surface water studies.
Data Quality Assurance – Ability to check, verify, and correct data to ensure information meets quality standards and can be confidently used for decision-making.
Project Coordination – Ability to organize monitoring activities, track tasks, and support timely submission and processing of environmental data.
Quality Assurance Project Plan Implementation – Ability to follow QAPPs and SOPs to maintain consistent and scientifically sound work practices.
Equipment Operation – Ability to safely use vehicles, boats, pumps, meters, and field tools to complete field assignments in varied environmental conditions.
Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Technical Documentation – Ability to prepare clear plans, maps, figures, and reports to communicate study methods and findings.
Hydrogeologic Analysis – Ability to review and interpret groundwater data to understand aquifer conditions, water movement, and environmental impacts.
Environmental Data Management – Ability to enter, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental datasets to ensure information is complete, accurate, and accessible.
Instrumentation and Monitoring – Ability to use and maintain field instruments and equipment to collect dependable water-level and water-quality data.
Well Construction and Testing – Ability to install monitoring wells and perform tests to determine characteristics of groundwater systems.
GIS and Data Visualization – Ability to create maps, charts, and graphics that clearly present environmental data and support project communication.
Interested Party Support – Ability to guide data submitters, partners, and grantees so they understand data requirements and can meet quality expectations.

Responsibilities

Conduct groundwater monitoring, collect and analyze hydrogeologic data, and support Water Resources grant recipients that submit environmental data to Ecology.
Implement a water-level monitoring network and ensure that all grant-funded groundwater data is accurately processed and recorded in Ecology’s Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.
Collect, process, QA-check, and upload both manual and continuous groundwater measurements into Ecology’s Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.
Resolve data quality or metadata issues.
Serve as a point of contact for EIM questions from staff and grantees.
Provide field support for ongoing groundwater monitoring efforts.
Conduct smaller hydrogeologic studies as needed.
Coordinate with Water Resources Program staff and grantees to manage groundwater data submittals, resolve data quality issues, and support consistent data entry.
Conduct groundwater monitoring projects, including planning field logistics, collecting water-level and water-quality data, and maintaining field equipment.
Assist in designing and performing hydrogeologic studies, including preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans, conducting aquifer tests, and analyzing hydrogeologic data.
Operate field instruments such as pressure transducers, water-quality meters, and data loggers.
Prepare maps, figures, graphs, and written documentation to communicate study methods and findings.
Represent Water Resources Program interests in EIM user-group activities and help deliver groundwater-specific EIM training to data submitters.