Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydro 4) DOH8862

Full Job Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. Field work across Washington State is required, averaging approximately 10–16 hours per month.

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Hydrogeologist 4

Office of Environmental Health & Safety & Office of Drinking Water

Permanent · Full-time

About the Department

The Washington State Department of Health’s mission is to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by advancing equity, innovation, and engagement.

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety works to reduce and prevent exposure to environmental hazards linked to wastewater, food safety, schools, and recreational settings. The Office of Drinking Water ensures safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state.

The Opportunity

The Department of Health is seeking a Senior Hydrogeologist to serve as the statewide soils and hydrogeology technical expert supporting both the Wastewater Management Section and the Office of Drinking Water.

This highly visible role provides leadership on complex, multi-agency hydrogeologic, environmental, and water policy issues affecting groundwater quality and quantity.

The position advises executive leadership, conducts technical peer review, represents the agency on interagency committees, and provides expert testimony related to groundwater protection and water supply sustainability.

The position reports jointly to the Wastewater Management Section Manager and the Engineering & Technical Services Section Manager within the Office of Drinking Water.

Key Responsibilities

Large On-Site Sewage Systems (LOSS) Technical Leadership

• Review and approve LOSS projects, including site risk surveys, hydrogeology reports, nitrate analyses, monitoring plans, and performance data
• Conduct field reviews to evaluate soils, hydrogeology, and site suitability
• Establish and revise monitoring conditions during permit renewals
• Identify performance concerns and provide technical assistance
• Develop LOSS policies, procedures, and guidance documents

Drinking Water & Groundwater Protection

• Provide peer review of hydrogeologic analyses and pump tests
• Support source approval applications, including groundwater under the influence of surface water
• Advise leadership on hydrogeologic policy options and rule development
• Serve on the Water Supply Availability Committee to inform drought declarations
• Provide technical support during floods and drought events

Interagency & Statewide Representation

• Represent the Office of Drinking Water on statewide and national committees addressing groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, nitrate contamination, climate change, and drought response
• Provide technical leadership for the Lower Yakima Valley Implementation Committee
• Support collaboration with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and source water protection partners
• Provide technical support to the Columbia Basin Sustainable Groundwater Coalition

Policy, Legislation & Partners Engagement

• Conduct bill analysis and review legislative proposals
• Draft technical reports on declining groundwater and contamination issues
• Develop agency recommendations related to aquifer storage, water supply sustainability, agricultural impacts, reclaimed water, and groundwater protection
• Facilitate discussions with counties, tribes, engineers, consultants, and planners to resolve complex groundwater challenges
• Deliver technical training and consultation related to soils, hydrogeology, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water, and public water systems

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to shape groundwater protection and drinking water policy at a statewide level.

You will work alongside highly skilled engineers, scientists, and policy leaders while influencing decisions that protect communities, aquifers, and future water supplies.

The role offers meaningful public health impact, technical leadership visibility, and the ability to guide innovative, science-based solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed.

Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, soil science, geology, or closely allied field; AND

five (5) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, soil scientist, geologist, or closely allied profession.

Option 2: Master’s degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, soil science, geology, or closely allied field; AND three (3) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, soil scientist, geologist, or closely allied profession.

Option 3: Ph.D. degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, soil science, geology, or closely allied field; AND

Two (2) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, soil scientist, geologist, or closely allied profession.

Option 4: Six (6) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, soil scientist, geologist, or closely allied profession.

AND for all options listed:

Must possess a valid Washington State Hydrogeologist license or obtain licensure within one year from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance.

You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today.

Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage.

Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health.

Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health.

Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting:

Schedule:

Travel Requirements:

Tools & Equipment:

Customer Interactions:

Other:

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable).

List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer.

We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8862.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.