The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Central Region Well Construction Coordinator (Hydrogeologist 3) (In-Training) within the Water Resources Program.
Location:
- Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Assignment Pay:
- The top salary listed above includes 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.
Schedule:
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- A combination of Field work and office work is required for this position. Most office work can be telework, with a minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by June 29, 2026.
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
In the role of Regional Well Construction Coordinator, you will manage the Program’s well construction enforcement and compliance work for all seven counties within the Central region. You will operate independently and as a regional expert, addressing well construction violations through education, technical assistance, and informal or formal enforcement, as appropriate. You will also 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.
What you will do:
- 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 performs 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
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Hydrogeologist 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the HG2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an HG3 within a specified time period (license required).
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Hydrogeologist 2 level (In-Training)
Pay Range 58, $5,642 – $7,592 monthly
Note: the above salary does not include the 7.5% assignment pay due to licensure.
Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
• Communication – Ability to explain technical and regulatory information clearly to help others understand requirements, findings, and decisions.
• Problem Solving – Ability to analyze hydrogeologic information and field conditions to identify practical, defensible solutions that support public safety and compliance.
• Regulatory Application – Ability to interpret and apply water laws, well construction rules, and policies to ensure activities meet legal and program requirements.
• Investigation – Ability to gather facts, evaluate evidence, and document findings to determine what occurred and what corrective actions are needed.
• Technical Analysis – Ability to collect, interpret, and report hydrogeologic and field data to support scientific conclusions and agency decisions.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with coworkers, external partners, and the public to support shared goals and consistent program implementation.
Education involving a major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 6 years of experience.
- 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- a Master’s degree or above.
At the Hydrogeologist 3 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 62, $6,696 – $9,002 monthly
Note: the salary listed above includes the 7.5% assignment pay due to the required licensure.
Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license.
AND
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
• Communication – Ability to explain technical and regulatory information clearly to help others understand requirements, findings, and decisions.
• Problem Solving – Ability to analyze hydrogeologic information and field conditions to identify practical, defensible solutions that support public safety and compliance.
• Regulatory Application – Ability to interpret and apply water laws, well construction rules, and policies to ensure activities meet legal and program requirements.
• Investigation – Ability to gather facts, evaluate evidence, and document findings to determine what occurred and what corrective actions are needed.
• Technical Analysis – Ability to collect, interpret, and report hydrogeologic and field data to support scientific conclusions and agency decisions.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with coworkers, external partners, and the public to support shared goals and consistent program implementation.
Education: major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 7 years of experience.
- 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 1 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- At the HG3 level: Possession of a Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist specialty license.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
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.
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
• Education, training, experience, skills and abilities in 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.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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.
Application Process
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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Patrick Cabbage at Patrick.Cabbage@ecy.wa.gov
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Resources Program
The Mission of the Water Resources Program is to support sustainable water resources management to meet the present and future water needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities. This position contributes to these missions as the Central Regional Office’s hydrogeologist designated as the region’s technical expert on all well driller licensing and well construction issues, including those requiring complex hydrogeological evaluation.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
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 *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
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.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
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.
