WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL
Specification for Class of
HYDROGEOLOGIST 3 (63600)
Definition: In the Department of Ecology, plans, serves as a project hydrogeologist independently planning, developing, directing, conducting and/or overseeing hydrogeologic analyses and technical services for ground water, unsaturated zone and/or surface water investigations.
Typical Work
Plans and conducts professional investigations and provides comprehensive hydrogeologic services to other sections, programs, or regional offices in the department;
Applies state-of-the-art theories and practices of hydrogeology in: review of major ground water and surface water development projects; hydrogeologic research; complex investigations of water right conflicts; development and use of computer models to analyze site specific concerns; water quality and contamination problems; and administration of the Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Waste Regulations, or related State and Federal laws and regulations; consults with management personnel to define project goals and objectives;
Reviews and prepares letters, memos, technical reports and bulletins;
Testifies as an expert witness in court or administrative hearings;
Trains other staff in hydrogeologic research and investigative techniques;
Attends and participates in professional or scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars;
Plans and conducts ground or surface water studies such as: regional geologic mapping of aquifers, basins, and watersheds; identifies and maps geologic formations and their hydrogeologic and hydraulic characteristics; determines rate and extent of ground water mining; investigates complaints of interference and protection of water rights; provides project leadership for collection of data on depth to ground water, well yields, and the extent of ground water contamination; designs and evaluates technical adequacy of ground water monitoring networks; determines effects of ground water withdrawals on surface water; estimates fresh water inflows, tidal effects, wind wave analysis, and long-shore drift for estuaries and coastal environments; determines hydrogeologic relationships in migration and accumulation of contaminants; conducts advanced hydrogeologic analysis including modeling flow systems, and contaminant migration; conducts surface and ground water supply studies, storage estimates, artificial recharge studies, and special studies for waste sites;
Provides professional implementation and enforcement of state laws and regulations;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: physical and natural sciences related to quantity, quality, development, management, and monitoring of ground water and surface water; the principles and practices of hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, soils, well hydraulics, geochemistry, meteorology, and related earth science and engineering subjects; waste disposal practices; computer modeling; field surveying techniques and instruments, field sampling, and mapping; Water Code, Ground Water Quality Standards, Waste Regulations, and related State and Federal laws and departmental regulations; monitoring of hydrogeologic and water quality factors.
Ability to: plan, organize, conduct, and take responsible charge of hydrogeologic investigations, draft and administer contracts for detailed hydrogeologic investigations and well construction, apply state-of-the-art theories and practices of to ground water quality and quantity problems, review and prepare and letters, memos, technical reports and bulletins.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
AND
Three years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession or one year as a Hydrogeologist 2.
A Master’s degree with major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.
A Ph.D. will substitute for three years of experience if major research was in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, or closely allied field.
NOTE: Some positions require possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license. Some positions may additionally require possession of a Washington State Engineering Geologist specialty license and/or a Washington State Hydrogeologist specialty license.
New class: 11-15-85
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-14-89
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 5-15-92
Revised minimum qualifications to reflect licensure requirements: 11-15-02