Hydrology Technologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen Streamflow Hydrologist (Hydrogeologist 2) Location:

Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. This position requires field work. Mondays and Wednesdays are in office days; other days that do not involve field work can be teleworked. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 30 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

In this role, you will collect and process credible stream hydrology information for river systems or basins that are reliable, accurate and timely. You will possess and demonstrate the skills required to install and operate stream gages in the assigned geographical area. You will also evaluate and develop rating curves, reviewing data for completeness and overall quality and providing field support to keep stations on-line and reporting accurate information.

What you will do:

• Using sound scientific principles, select measurement points that are representative of the measurement of stream discharge.
• Develop individual state discharge rating curves for each measurement site by taking flow measurements that define this relationship over the entire flow regime.
• Carry out cross section measurements at individual measurement sites so that accurate calculations can confirm the stage discharge rating curves developed.
• Track the change in channel cross-section over time and adjust the stage-discharge rating table.
• Install, operate and maintain water stage height telemetry systems.
• Download data loggers and service telemetry systems and/or make upgrades as necessary.
• Act as a resource to other agencies and groups that require technical assistance in regards to stream discharge measurement.

Required Qualifications:

• Six years of experience and/or education as described below.
• Experience in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied profession.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Teamwork & Collaboration – Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with others to support shared goals and maintain productive working relationships.
• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changing field conditions, project demands, and new technologies to remain effective in varied situations.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Ability to interpret information, troubleshoot issues, and make sound decisions to resolve problems and support program objectives.
• Field Operations – Ability to plan, prepare for, and conduct fieldwork safely and effectively to collect accurate environmental data.
• Hydrologic Measurement & Analysis – Ability to measure stream flow and channel characteristics to develop and update accurate stage-discharge rating curves.
• Data Quality & Management – Ability to record, review, and maintain accurate data and notes to ensure data integrity and support scientific analyses; ability to enter, validate, and analyze data using databases and standard office software to support accurate reporting.
• Equipment & Vehicle Operation – Ability to safely operate field equipment, tools, vehicles, and/or boats to access sites and maintain monitoring stations.

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 higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Communication – Ability to clearly share information verbally and in writing to support accurate, effective, and professional interactions.
• Workload & Time Management – Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and maintain steady workflow.
• Professional Conduct – Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor to support a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Project Coordination – Ability to organize field logistics, equipment, and schedules to support efficient and successful project execution.
• Scientific Judgment – Ability to interpret environmental data and apply scientific principles to provide objective recommendations.
• Hydrologic Monitoring – Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot stream gages and related equipment to collect reliable hydrologic data.
• Telemetry & Data Systems – Ability to install, operate, and maintain telemetry and data logger systems to support continuous data collection.
• Environmental Sampling – Ability to use scientific instruments and sampling methods to collect water quality or biological data that support environmental assessments.

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.

DEIR Statement

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.