In the Department of Ecology, as designated in writing by an Assistant Director, equivalent or higher, serves as a program hydrogeologist with cross-section ad/or cross-program duties and responsibilities. Performs advisory and consulting work for a program as a designated and recognized authority for multiple or specialized areas of hydrogeologic interest including technical complexity and political sensitivity.

Coordinates and directs intra-program hydrogeologic investigation and planning; 

Provides technical oversight of highly visible and/or controversial hydrogeologic issues, projects, sites and studies; 

Provides expert testimony before such bodies as the legislature, courts, and hearings boards on complex hydrogeologic issues; 

Serves as a special consultant to a program manager on hydrogeological issues, which may include: 

• Policy development,
• Planning,
• Procedures and
• Pending legislation; 

Helps guide and organize program hydrogeologic training; 

Directs planning and research of all program hydrogeologic studies and procedures; approves hydrogeologic research plans at discretion of program manager; 

Serves as editor of technical hydrogeologic reports within a program; 

Develops standard technical-hydrogeologic procedures for use within a program and is responsible for the implementation of those standards;

Assists in budget development for the program hydrogeological needs; 

Maintains hydrogeologic records, tracking systems and databases within a program; 

Maintains liaison with other program and industry hydrogeologists; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  physical and natural sciences related to ground/surface water quality, quantity, development, and basin-wide management; principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, well hydraulics, soils, geochemistry, meteorology, and related earth science and engineering subjects; waste disposal practices; computer sciences; well construction; field surveying techniques, instruments, and mapping; Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Dangerous Waste Regulations, and related departmental regulations; techniques and procedures for water sampling and monitoring; principles and procedures of cost estimating, budgeting, and public finance; principles and practices of workload management, program administration, human relations and personnel development programs. 

Ability to:  plan, organize, conduct, and direct hydrogeologic/surface water investigations, field work, and special studies of water quality, water quantity, hazardous waste, and water right problems; draft and administer departmental contracts; apply state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology; prepare and publish technical reports and bulletins; provide peer review of hydrogeologic activities and reports; interpret and apply the Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, related state and federal laws, and related departmental regulations; evaluate and report on proposed water resources management legislation; negotiate with supervisory personnel of the agency and represent the program in departmental matters as directed; issue clear, concise, and tactful written and oral communications.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Some positions require possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license. Some positions may additionally require possession of a Washington State Engineering Geologist specialty license and/or a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.

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 at the Hydrogeologist 3 level, higher or equivalent.

A Master’s degree with major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.

A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of experience if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.