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

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

Salary

$66,372.00 - $98,520.00 Annually

Location

Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WR3815-05048

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Resources

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 Ecologys 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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. Thats 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

01

How did you hear about this job?

• 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
• Other

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, WorkSource, or Other, 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

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this hydrogeologist position: Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven or more years
• None of the above

05

Please provide additional details 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.

06

What is your level of education in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

07

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.

08

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

10

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?

11

How would you rate your ability to clearly communicate technical and regulatory information to diverse audiences, so they understand requirements, findings, and decisions?

• None - No experience communicating technical or regulatory information.
• Foundational - Able to convey basic technical points with support; limited experience explaining regulatory concepts.
• Intermediate - Can explain technical and regulatory information with some guidance; able to clarify most questions.
• Advanced - Independently communicates complex technical and regulatory concepts clearly and consistently to varied audiences.
• Expert - Serves as a go-to resource for translating complex technical and regulatory content; mentors others in effective communication.

12

How would you assess your ability to analyze hydrogeologic data and field conditions to identify workable, defensible solutions that protect public safety and support compliance?

• None - No experience analyzing hydrogeologic information or field conditions.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with hydrogeologic concepts; limited experience applying them to solve problems.
• Intermediate - Able to analyze data and propose solutions with some guidance; developing field-based judgment.
• Advanced - Independently evaluates field and hydrogeologic information to recommend reliable, defensible solutions.
• Expert - Recognized for resolving complex hydrogeologic issues and guiding others in advanced problem-solving approaches.

13

How would you rate your ability to interpret and apply water laws, well construction rules, and related policies to ensure compliance?

• None - No exposure to water laws, well construction rules, or policy application.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of relevant regulations; can follow guidance to apply simple requirements.
• Intermediate - Can interpret and apply regulations in common scenarios with some supervisory input.
• Advanced - Independently applies laws and rules accurately across varied and complex situations.
• Expert - Considered a subject matter authority; advises others and helps shape interpretation or implementation of regulations.

14

How would you describe your ability to conduct investigations by gathering evidence, evaluating facts, and documenting findings to determine what occurred?

• None - No experience conducting investigative tasks.
• Foundational - Limited exposure to gathering facts and documenting findings; requires substantial guidance.
• Intermediate - Performs most investigative steps with some guidance; developing ability to evaluate evidence.
• Advanced - Independently conducts thorough investigations, evaluates evidence, and produces well-supported findings.
• Expert - Leads or mentors others in investigative best practices; handles complex or sensitive investigations.

15

How would you assess your ability to collect, interpret, and report hydrogeologic or field data to support scientific or regulatory decisions?

• None - No experience collecting or interpreting hydrogeologic or field data.
• Foundational - Basic exposure to data collection methods; limited experience interpreting results.
• Intermediate - Can collect and interpret data with some guidance; able to prepare basic technical summaries.
• Advanced - Independently collects, analyzes, and reports data accurately to support decisions.
• Expert - Recognized for advanced technical analysis; mentors others and ensures analytical accuracy and rigor.

16

How would you rate your ability to collaborate with coworkers, partners, and the public to support shared program goals?

• None - No experience working collaboratively in a regulatory or technical environment.
• Foundational - Able to participate in team activities with guidance; limited experience engaging external partners.
• Intermediate - Works well with others in typical scenarios; begins contributing to joint problem solving.
• Advanced - Collaborates effectively across diverse groups, managing relationships and supporting shared outcomes.
• Expert - Facilitates collaboration, resolves complex interpersonal or multi-party challenges, and mentors others in partnership building.

17

Are you a licensed Hydrogeologist in the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

18

Please list your Geologist / Hydrogeologist license(s) and the state(s) they are from. If none, put N/A.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov