Senior Hydrogeologist; Hydro DOH

Overview

This remote position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the /WA and OR/WA borders. Requires field work across Washington State, about 10–16 hours per month.

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 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.

• Review and approve Large On‑Site Sewage Systems (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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Choose one of the following options and meet any additional criteria listed. Multiple pathways to qualify may be available.

• 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…