Central Region Well Construction Coordinator (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training)

About the role

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Central Region Well Construction Coordinator (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training) within the Water Resources Program. The position is located in the Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Program’s well construction enforcement and compliance work for all seven counties within the Central region.
• Operate independently and as a regional expert, addressing well construction violations through education, technical assistance, and informal or formal enforcement, as appropriate.
• Respond to complaints of well construction violations, illegal drilling, well construction provision violations, and other highly complex well compliance issues with conflicting interests among the parties and broad public impacts.
• Provide technical assistance to well drillers, well owners, government agencies, governments, the general public, and Ecology staff.
• Conduct hydrogeologic and other technical analysis of well construction problems and issues, and education with respect to the correct understanding and application of well construction laws and regulations.
• Administer licensing tests for well contractors as needed and manages the regional maintenance and organization of regional well reports and video scan data.
• Independently conduct well construction violation investigations arising from both external and internal sources and perform any compliance and enforcement action that may be needed to provide remedy.
• Prepare formal enforcement documents to ensure compliance with state statutes.
• Testify as an Expert Witness in Pollution Control Hearings Board or Superior Court hearings on water well construction laws, violations, and enforcement issues.

Qualifications

• At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (In-Training): Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes communication, problem solving, regulatory application, investigation, technical analysis, and collaboration. Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license.
• At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class): Seven (7) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes communication, problem solving, regulatory application, investigation, technical analysis, collaboration, and education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field. Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license.

Benefits

The position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. The top salary listed above includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure. The position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A combination of field work and office work is required for this position, with most office work being telework, and a minimum of one day per week required in the office. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Pay

The top salary listed above includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure. The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Schedule

This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A combination of field work and office work is required for this position, with most office work being telework, and a minimum of one day per week required in the office. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

Applications submitted after June 29, 2026, may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• At the Hydrogeologist 3 level: Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist specialty license. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of geology and hydrogeologic issues associated with central Washington.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems software.
• Education, training, experience, skills, and abilities in well construction techniques, problems, and construction methods and alternatives.
• Experience using downhole video, geophysical, or other downhole investigations and equipment.
• Experience working around drilling rigs and in the drilling industry, including logging and oversight of well drilling operations.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).