Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2)

State of Washington•Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2) within the Environmental Assessment Program. This role is located at the Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, but requires field work. Mondays and Wednesdays are in-office days, and other days that do not involve field work can be teleworked. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. In this role, you will collect and process credible stream hydrology information for river systems or basins that are reliable, accurate, and timely. You will possess and demonstrate the skills required to install and operate stream gages in the assigned geographical area. You will also evaluate and develop rating curves, reviewing data for completeness and overall quality and providing field support to keep stations on-line and reporting accurate information.

Requirements

Six years of experience and/or education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied profession.
Demonstrated competence in Teamwork & Collaboration – Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with others to support shared goals and maintain productive working relationships.
Demonstrated competence in Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changing field conditions, project demands, and new technologies to remain effective in varied situations.
Demonstrated competence in Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Ability to interpret information, troubleshoot issues, and make sound decisions to resolve problems and support program objectives.
Demonstrated competence in Field Operations – Ability to plan, prepare for, and conduct fieldwork safely and effectively to collect accurate environmental data.
Demonstrated competence in Hydrologic Measurement & Analysis - Ability to measure stream flow and channel characteristics to develop and update accurate stage-discharge rating curves.
Demonstrated competence in Data Quality & Management – Ability to record, review, and maintain accurate data and notes to ensure data integrity and support scientific analyses.
Demonstrated competence in Ability to enter, validate, and analyze data using databases and standard office software to support accurate reporting.
Demonstrated competence in Equipment & Vehicle Operation – Ability to safely operate field equipment, tools, vehicles, and/or boats to access sites and maintain monitoring stations.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Communication – Ability to clearly share information verbally and in writing to support accurate, effective, and professional interactions.
Workload & Time Management – Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and maintain steady workflow.
Professional Conduct – Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor to support a positive and inclusive work environment.
Project Coordination – Ability to organize field logistics, equipment, and schedules to support efficient and successful project execution.
Scientific Judgment – Ability to interpret environmental data and apply scientific principles to provide objective recommendations.
Hydrologic Monitoring– Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot stream gages and related equipment to collect reliable hydrologic data.
Telemetry & Data Systems – Ability to install, operate, and maintain telemetry and data logger systems to support continuous data collection.
Environmental Sampling – Ability to use scientific instruments and sampling methods to collect water quality or biological data that support environmental assessments.

Responsibilities

Using sound scientific principles, select measurement points that are representative of the measurement of stream discharge.
Develop individual state discharge rating curves for each measurement site by taking flow measurements that define this relationship over the entire flow regime.
Carry out cross section measurements at individual measurement sites so that accurate calculations can confirm the stage discharge rating curves developed.
Track the change in channel cross-section over time and adjust the stage-discharge rating table.
Install, operate and maintain water stage height telemetry systems.
Download data loggers and service telemetry systems and/or making upgrades as necessary.
Act as a resource to other agencies and groups that require technical assistance in regards to stream discharge measurement.