Hydrogeologist-WR

Hydrogeologist

Water Resources

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $39.82-$44.82/Regular/Full-Time

Provides professional services in the fields of hydrogeology, geology, and related natural resources of the Yakama Nation on the Yakama Reservation and throughout the Ceded Lands and zone of influence. Research and plans projects related to ground and surface water. Provides hydrogeology expertise to Yakama Nation DNR programs. Plans, evaluates, and implements water resource studies, conservation efforts, resource enhancement, and other projects.

Examples of Work Performed:

Plan and implement water resource investigations, including hydrologic data collection and analysis, aquifer testing, and groundwater modeling.

Participate in planning, environmental review, and monitoring of water development projects on- and off-reservation in accordance with YN policies and procedures.

Collaborate with Water Resources and other DNR technical staff on planning, implementing, and monitoring managed aquifer recharge to benefit Yakama Nation water resources on reservation and off under the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and other projects.

Evaluate the effects of land use practices and water use proposals on ground and surface waters of the Yakama Reservation using field investigations, literature review, and computer modeling. Collect and oversee collection of field data for inclusion in a tribal hydrogeologic database.

Work with Yakama Nation Water Code Administration to review, investigate, and comment on pending requests for on-reservation Water Code permits and related actions for potential adverse impacts on Yakama Nation water resources.

Participates in water-related meetings in the Ceded Land and zone of influence to provide the Yakama Nation's technical point of view. Review and advise field staff on issues related to surface water, ground water and irrigation.

Assess alternatives, make recommendations, design, implement, and test current and proposed surface and groundwater supply facilities. Write reports according to the established schedule; make verbal presentation and interpretation of technical information to Tribal Members, Tribal and agency staff, and Tribal council.

As a licensed professional geologist and hydrogeologist, advise Yakama Nation government on a variety of issues involving groundwater and surface water quantity and quality, and related aquatic resources, mineral resources, geologic hazards, and others as needed.

Write grants to fund Yakama Nation Water Resources projects, including water quality and quantity, fisheries habitat, and other projects.

Interpret technical data and information for technical and non-technical personnel.

Participate in study efforts among The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Yakama tribal staff.

Assist with computer applications to store, access, analysis and retrieve hydrologic data in-house and through other agency data bases.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of computer modeling techniques in groundwater hydrology.

Knowledge of the Yakama Reservation.

Knowledge of federal and Tribal environmental regulations. Knowledge of the Wapato Irrigation Project infrastructure.

Knowledge of hydrogeology and hydrology as applied to surface and ground water flow, surface/groundwater interactions, fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems.

Skill in hydrogeologic data collection, analysis and data basing and aquifer testing, experience developing groundwater resources.

Strong map reading, mapping, and GPS skills.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to write grants to fund Yakama Nation water resources projects, including water quality and quantity, fisheries habitat, and other projects.

Desire to work with the Yakama Nation and understand their cultural values.

Expertise in the principles of hydrogeology and hydrology as applied to surface and ground water flow, surface/groundwater interactions, fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, or closely related field and three years of professional experience.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Requirements:

Current professional license in geology with hydrogeology specialization preferred or ability to obtain license within one year of hire.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $40 - $45