Hydrogeologist 4

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Hydrogeologist 4

Salary

$73,260.00 - $96,156.00 Annually

Location

Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2022-HWTR3752-11311

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Opening Date

08/04/2022

Closing Date

Continuous

Description





The Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Contaminated Site Clean Up Project Manager (Hydrogeologist 4) position.
 
This position is located in our Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

 
 Are you interested in making a difference by cleaning up some of the most contaminated sites in Washington State? This position oversees investigation and cleanup at military bases, ports, and large industries. We deal with both historic contamination and emerging contaminants like PFAS. You can develop and apply your knowledge and experience to assist our team with cleanup and hazardous waste management at these important sites.
 
The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is to protect Washington’s residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination. The HWTR vision is to be national leaders in minimizing and eliminating the impacts of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.
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 embraces the value of people.

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is not currently required to work in the office on a regular basis. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” 
 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of August 25, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before August 24, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.


About the Department of Ecology

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 embraces 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.

Our commitment to DEIR
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. 

 

Duties


What makes this role unique?

This is a unique opportunity to do something good for both the environment and the people affected by contamination: the cleanup of some of Washington’s most contaminated sites. If you enjoy a challenge, then this job is for you. You will research historical contamination, learn what’s worked and what hasn’t, then develop and implement strategies to move forward while working alongside the affected community and site owners and environmental consultants. This role will engage and challenge your attention to detail, your ability to navigate the regulations, research appropriate cleanup technologies, and negotiate and implement cleanup agreements. This work has a long horizon so a positive, can-do attitude is very helpful.
 
 What you will do: 
 
  • Develop and implement strategies to ensure environmental cleanup is effective and permanent.
  • Recommend compliance schedules and agreements and actions necessary to expedite contaminated site investigation and cleanup.
  • Conduct reviews of corrective action activities. This work may include researching sites by conducting site visits, reviewing files, and documenting the effectiveness of cleanup actions.
  • Evaluate if soil, groundwater, and debris from contaminated sites can be disposed of at solid waste or hazardous waste landfills/disposal facilities.
  • Review sampling and analysis plans to make sure the data collected will be of sufficient quality to use in decision making.
  • Review technical and administrative site documents (closure plans, sampling plans, monitoring reports, orders, permits, feasibility studies, etc.).


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option 1:
A bachelor’s degree involving 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 equivalent to the Hydrogeologist 2 level or higher at the department of Ecology. Examples may include:  
  • Providing professional hydrogeologic review and analysis of water quality, and providing technical hydrogeologic assistance to other sections or programs; 
  • Researching and obtaining geologic information; 
  • Locating and mapping contaminant migration in ground water, unsaturated zone, sediment, and surface water; 
  • Determining hydrogeologic characteristics of aquifers, and waste sites; 
  • Performing field duties to determine hydrogeologic characteristics such as potentiometric surface, seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, velocity and direction of ground water flow;
  • Analyzing hydrogeologic project data; 
  • Interpreting hydrogeologic results and reporting conclusions; 
  • Overseeing and approving various phases of hydrogeologic project development and implementation; 
  • Providing project leadership of technicians and hydrogeologic staff on field projects; 
  • Providing professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations.
 
Option 2:
A master’s degree with 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 equivalent to the Hydrogeologist 2 level or higher at the department of Ecology. Examples may include:  
  • Providing professional hydrogeologic review and analysis of water quality, and providing technical hydrogeologic assistance to other sections or programs; 
  • Researching and obtaining geologic information; 
  • Locating and mapping contaminant migration in ground water, unsaturated zone, sediment, and surface water; 
  • Determining hydrogeologic characteristics of aquifers, and waste sites; 
  • Performing field duties to determine hydrogeologic characteristics such as potentiometric surface, seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, velocity and direction of ground water flow;
  • Analyzing hydrogeologic project data; 
  • Interpreting hydrogeologic results and reporting conclusions; 
  • Overseeing and approving various phases of hydrogeologic project development and implementation; 
  • Providing project leadership of technicians and hydrogeologic staff on field projects; 
  • Providing professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations.
 
Option 3:
A PhD degree with research in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely-allied field.
AND
Two years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely-allied profession equivalent to the Hydrogeologist 2 level or higher at the department of Ecology. Examples may include:  
  • Providing professional hydrogeologic review and analysis of water quality, and providing technical hydrogeologic assistance to other sections or programs; 
  • Researching and obtaining geologic information; 
  • Locating and mapping contaminant migration in ground water, unsaturated zone, sediment, and surface water; 
  • Determining hydrogeologic characteristics of aquifers, and waste sites; 
  • Performing field duties to determine hydrogeologic characteristics such as potentiometric surface, seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, velocity and direction of ground water flow;
  • Analyzing hydrogeologic project data; 
  • Interpreting hydrogeologic results and reporting conclusions; 
  • Overseeing and approving various phases of hydrogeologic project development and implementation; 
  • Providing project leadership of technicians and hydrogeologic staff on field projects; 
  • Providing professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

 Desired Qualifications:
 We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.
  • Has a successful history of navigating complex projects with technical, political, or administrative challenges. Experienced facilitator of politically sensitive or technically complex hydrogeologic projects.
Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

LICENSED HGs:
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.

NOTE: Must possess or become a Licensed Hydrogeologist in the State of Washington within 6 months after hiring. 
 


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 on 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 (such as 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 Greg Caron at: Greg.Caron@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Greg 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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

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.

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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 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
If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please indicate your degree and major study. If you don't have a degree, put N/A.
06
Please select the statement that best describes your experience in hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely-allied profession equivalent to the Hydrogeologist 2 level or higher at the department of Ecology. Examples may include: Providing professional hydrogeologic review and analysis of water quality, and providing technical hydrogeologic assistance to other sections or programs; Researching and obtaining geologic information; Locating and mapping contaminant migration in ground water, unsaturated zone, sediment, and surface water; Determining hydrogeologic characteristics of aquifers, and waste sites; Performing field duties to determine hydrogeologic characteristics such as potentiometric surface, seasonal water level variability, hydraulic conductivity, velocity and direction of ground water flow; Analyzing hydrogeologic project data; Interpreting hydrogeologic results and reporting conclusions; Overseeing and approving various phases of hydrogeologic project development and implementation; Providing project leadership of technicians and hydrogeologic staff on field projects; Providing professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations.
  • 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
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?

09
Can you obtain and maintain a valid state's driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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