Local recruitment: Senior Hydrogeologist

Washington State Department of Health

Washington, USA

  • Salary: $6,735.00 – $9,065.00 Monthly
  • Location: Multiple Locations – Eastern Washington, WA
  • Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
  • Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  • Job Number: DOH8676
  • Department: Dept. of Health
  • Division: Environmental Public Health (EPH)
  • Opening Date: 07/30/2025
  • Closing Date: 8/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
  • Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Senior Hydrogeologist (HG4)

Permanent · Full-time · Hybrid/Homebased

We’re seeking a Senior Hydrogeologist to lead investigations, regulatory efforts, and environmental justice work within the Office of Radiation Protection, part of the Division of Environmental Public Health at the Washington State Department of Health.

This position leads technical staff working to reduce radiation exposures from uranium ore processing and radioactive waste disposal. You’ll provide independent hydrogeologic analysis of groundwater, surface water, and the unsaturated zone, with a primary focus on the reclamation and long-term cleanup of the historic Dawn Mining Company uranium millsite.

You’ll also support the implementation of the Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Act—engaging with Tribes, assessing impacts on overburdened communities, and helping shape more equitable environmental health outcomes.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead hydrogeologic investigations to assess and prevent radionuclide contamination
  • Guide the cleanup and closure of uranium mill and waste processing sites
  • Coordinate with federal and state agencies, Tribes, and licensees
  • Develop technical guidance, rules, and training related to groundwater protection
  • Serve as a scientific advisor to leadership on hydrogeological issues
  • Support emergency preparedness and response efforts

This is an exciting opportunity to shape science-informed policies that protect people and the planet.

Location and Flexibility

This position offers flexible work options. The official duty station is your home-based office, with the flexibility to work from home, a DOH facility, or another approved remote location. On-site visits will be required periodically and will typically be scheduled in advance through your supervisor.

Due to the nature of the occasional field work, which is primarily located in Ford, WA, this position is best suited for candidates living in the Greater Spokane area. It is anticipated that you’ll be expected to conduct field activities within the region approximately 2-4 days/month.

Required Qualifications (you must meet ONE of the provided options and any additional criteria listed)

Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Nine (9) years of experience as a licensed hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied field.

Option 2: A bachelor’s degree involving major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field. AND

Five (5) years of experience as a licensed hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied field. 

Option 3: A master’s degree with major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field AND

Three (3) years of experience as a licensed hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist, or closely allied field. 

Computer Skills: Use of computer word processing, input data into databases related to work activities, and communicate with others verbally and in writing, including utilizing email systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in evaluating groundwater, vadose zone, and surface water quality from mining facilities.
  • Experience in groundwater contaminant fate and transport models.
  • Experience in building and maintaining databases.
  • Experience in the cleanup of Superfund or Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) facilities.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about “Why DOH” by visiting Work@Health.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We’re driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.

Conditions of Employment:

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. 

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:

  • Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek schedule (flexible work schedule requests must be approved supervisor).
  • Communicate through applications such as MS Teams and MS Outlook, and by phone while working remotely.
  • Adjust my work schedule occasionally to align with business needs, which may entail working evenings and weekends.
  • This position is eligible for teleworking 
  • Some positions may require working in an environment where exposure to radiation is likely and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and determined by the level of hazard.
  • Work in areas where exposure to radiation is likely.
  • Relocate or transfer objects and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without accommodation.
  • Perform my job duties either remotely from home or in-person at the designated DOH site location.
  • Occasional travel may be necessary, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You must be able to legally drive a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation for state business.
  • Engage in emergency response exercises and high-priority assignments as assigned during emergency events. 
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APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, click “Apply” and complete the application. Attach your resume, and cover letter. 

In your Applicant Profile, include at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Please do not include private information such as social security number or year of birth.

Do attach the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • DD-214 (if applicable)

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Do not include or attach the following – these documents or details will not be reviewed:

  • REMOVE personal photos – do not submit any documents containing personal photos. 
  • Transcripts (unless specifically requested in the Application Directions)
  • Certifications or Diplomas
  • Projects or Portfolios
  • Letters of Recommendation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  

DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the recruitment number (DOH8676).

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. 




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Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. 

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. 

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

Employer: State of Washington

Address: View Job Posting for Agency Information, View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

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

0 days remaining

Apply by 6 August, 2025

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development