Senior Geologist (Hydrogeologist 4)



Senior Geologist (Hydrogeologist 4)

Salary

$76,920.00 - $100,956.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2022-TCP4730-10892

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Toxics Cleanup

Opening Date

07/28/2022

Closing Date

Continuous

Description





Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  



Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen


The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is looking to fill a Senior Geologist (HG- 4) position. This position will be based in our Northwest Regional Office (NWRO) located in Shoreline, WA. 
  
In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating the cleanup of contaminated sites by overseeing the investigation of site geology as a site leader or a technical expert to other site cleanup teams. You will provide expert opinions and direction to improve plans, provides technical assistance, guidance, oversight and approval on professional geological analysis on contaminated cleanup sites. This position will focus on cleaning up contaminated sites in favorable locations to increase the development of affordable housing to help combat gentrification and displacement that often follows cleanup activities.


As the technical expert you will review regulatory and technical documents for completeness and will provide final professional geology review and approval of associated remedial investigations.


Agency and Program Mission:  Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land and water. The agency’s goals are to prevent pollution, clean up pollution and support sustainable communities and natural resources.  The mission of the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is to protect human health and the environment for the people of Washington by preventing, reducing, or eliminating exposure to contamination to support the development of environmentally, economically sustainable communities and address environmental justice issues within our highly impacted communities.

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embrace the value of people. 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.


Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
 
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
 
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
 
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
 
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
 
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued. 

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. Once on-boarded, this position is expected to work in the office 2 days a week or more as needed to meet the business needs. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding building occupancy, mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. 

Please Note: The salary posted above includes the additional 5% premium pay that this position receives due to this position's location in King County.     
 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, the next screening date is October 31, 2022. In order to be considered for the next screening, please submit an application on or before October 30, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
 

Duties


The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) has a supportive work environment of open communication, innovation, and collaboration. We strongly believe that professional growth and development supports a healthy and productive work force. We have an inclusive and clearly-defined professional development program that can help all staff reach their full potential. This professional development program shifts TCP’s focus from simply meeting CORE training requirements, to investing in the long-term growth and development of its staff.

In Washington state, we've identified over 13,000 contaminated sites in need of cleanup and oversight by our professional teams. Over 7,000 of those sites have been cleaned up, and 200 to 300 new sites are reported every year. Most of these sites are large and complex, with multiple sources of contamination. Many of these complex sites have multiple sources of contamination in soil and groundwater. Most contaminated sites in Washington are handled by our Toxics Cleanup Program and are cleaned up under Washington’s environmental cleanup law, the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). Property owners may clean-up sites independently or under Ecology supervision. Ecology can also clean-up sites. In this role you will become an essential member of our amazing team.
 
What makes this role unique? 
 
The Affordable Housing group works on a variety of projects that are usually fast paced compared to standard cleanup sites. The speed is based on redevelopment. We do standard site cleanup work with motivated developers. If the redevelopment project is on a contaminated site and the project will be adding affordable housing to the community, we assist them with cleanup funding and technical assistance. The cleanup sites can have complicated histories with multiple contaminants which makes for interesting work.

What you will do: 

  • Conduct site visits, review regulatory and technical documents and apply geology experience and project management skills to formal contaminated sites in the region including sites with air, soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment and uplands cleanup components.
  • Pursue the cleanup of contaminated sites as one of the principle regional geologist and site managers of contaminated sites by implementing applicable statutes, administrative codes, and agency guidance and policy related to remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial design, and remedial action.  
  • Serve as geology specialist providing technical assistance and guidance on project management teams to evaluate proposed projects and facilities to ensure sound geologic judgment and principles are used in the development of policies, regulations, and designs. Provide technical assistance in specialty areas associated with the planning, design, construction, and/or startup of assigned environmental projects.  
  • Research and apply conventional geology techniques and principles. Perform final professional geology review and approval of associated designs, plans, and specifications. Develop cleanup strategies for complex sites. Communicate complex concepts clearly.  
  • Use geology expertise and site manager experience to oversee and direct cleanup for contaminated sites.  
  • Procure and manage contracts to prepare sampling and analysis plans, source evaluations, and investigations, and conduct sampling for high-priority projects.
  • Ensure the implementation of applicable statutes, administrative codes, and agency guidance and policy related to independent remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial design, and remedial action. This includes the ability to successfully deal with confrontational situations and difficult clients during environmental negotiations.
  • Perform formal oversight of contaminated sites for compliance with MTCA regulations and other relevant laws and regulations.
  • Coordinate with the Brownfields Teams at HQ and throughout the other regions, and coordinate with WQ, SEA, HWTR and other Ecology programs to accomplish work.
  • Develop scopes of work; describe and/or recommend actions leading to site remediation and/or source control; review technical reports and proposals for completeness, feasibility, and compliance with applicable agency requirement; coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies as well as special interest groups and the public.
  • Conduct site visits, review regulatory and technical documents, and apply geology specialty and experience and project management skills to the section's largest, most complex, and/or controversial (having many liable parties, conflicting needs/opinions and very expensive) formal contaminated sites in the region. These include (but are not limited to) Affordable Housing Projects such as MBHA Maddox, MBHA Grand Street Commons,  MBHA Rainier Genesee, 701 S Jackson, Port of Bellingham, Seattle International Projects, South Lake Union Projects, Lake Washington Quendall Terminal Projects, and other complex sites across the Northwest (sites with air, soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment and uplands cleanup components).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

 

Option 1: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Five years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
 
Option 2: A Master's degree with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Three years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.  
 

Option 3: A Ph.D. with a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND Two years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.  
 
Registration as a licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Washington.
 
NOTE:  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. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity.
 
 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
 

  • Washington State driver's license
  • Must complete 40-hour hazardous materials training and 8-hour annual hazwaste worker training within six months of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid Washington State Professional Geologist license.


 
Desired Qualifications:
 
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience or education below. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, and meeting facilitation skills. 
Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience or education may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.
 

Supplemental Information


Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   
Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.  
 
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 
 
Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:


If you have specific questions about the position, please email Dhroov Shivjiani at: dhroov.shivjiani@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Dhroov to inquire about the status of your application.


To request the full position description: email 
careers@ecy.wa.gov


Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.


Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   


Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.


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

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education with a major study in in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
  • I have a Bachelor's degree.
  • I have a Master's degree.
  • I have a Ph.D
  • None of the above statements apply.
05
Please indicate your degree and major study.
06
Please select the statement that best describes your professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied profession.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply
07
Please provide additional information to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
08
Are you registered as a licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Please indicate your License(s) and the State(s) they are from.
10
How many years of experience do you have conducting Remedial Investigations of contaminated sites?
11
Do you have experience interpreting groundwater modeling to review and/or conduct groundwater modeling activities conducted by you or others?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Do you have professional experience writing Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) and/or Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) Plans?
  • Yes
  • No
13
The State of Washington, including the Department of Ecology, plays a vital role in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. It may also be helpful to review the job posting for what diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect mean to Ecology, in practice. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on you professionally?

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact