Hydrogeologist - Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Toppenish, WA
About the Job
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnnouncement # | 2024-320 | Issue Date: | 10-16-24 | Closing Date: | 10-29-24 |
Hydrogeologist
Fisheries Resource Management (FRM)
Department of Natural Resources
Hourly Wage: $43.90/Regular/Full-Time
Location: Toppenish
Provides professional services in the fields of hydrogeology, geology, and related natural resources to the Yakama Nation associated with fisheries and water resources of the Yakama Nation on the Yakama Reservation and throughout the Ceded Lands and zone of influence. Work involves research and planning of projects for fisheries resources and surface and groundwater of the Yakama Nation. Provides hydrogeology expertise to Fisheries and DNR programs in planning, evaluating, permitting, and implementing fisheries habitat, propagation, passage, instream flow, and other projects.
Examples of Work Performed:
- Plan and implement fisheries and water resource investigations, including hydrologic data collection and analysis, aquifer testing, and groundwater modeling.
- Travel for multiple days to participate in meetings and field reviews in the Ceded Area and zone of influence.
- Participate in planning, environmental review, and monitoring of water development projects on and off reservation in accordance with YN policies and procedures and as a member of the Energy Development Response Team (EDRT).
- Managed Aquifer Recharge: Collaborate with Water Resources and other DNR technical staff on planning, implementing, and monitoring managed aquifer recharge to benefit Yakama Nation water and fisheries resources on reservation and off under the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and other projects.
- Evaluates the effects of land use practices and water use proposals on fisheries resources and ground and surface waters of the Yakama Reservation using field investigations, literature review, and computer modeling. Collects and oversees collection of field data for inclusion in a tribal hydrogeologic database.
- Works with Yakama Nation Water Code Administration to review and investigate pending requests for on-reservation water code groundwater and surface water permits for potential adverse impacts on Yakama Nation aquatic and water resources when requested. Work with Water Code on applications for Fisheries Program and other DNR projects requiring permitting.
- Assists Fisheries Program Manager, other tribal programs, and Superintendent of Natural Resources on a variety of technical and legal matters to protect and enhance Yakama Nation Treaty Resources throughout the Ceded Lands and zone of influence. Works closely in support of Office of Legal Counsel and outside counsel on matters related to Treaty Water Rights and YN Natural Resources. Works with YN legislative staff on reviewing and drafting federal and state legislation. Testifies as needed before legislative and legal forums. Participates in legal review of all state water right and water transfer decisions in the region as needed.
- Participate in Yakima Basin Integrated Plan activities including the Groundwater Subcommittee and other relevant committees.
- Participates in water and groundwater related meetings in the Ceded Land and zone of influence in order to provide the YN's technical point of view. Reviews and advises Fisheries field staff on issues related to surface water, ground water and irrigation.
- Assesses alternatives, makes recommendations, and designs, implements and tests current and proposed surface and groundwater supply facilities for fisheries and other projects. Writes reports according to established schedule; makes verbal presentation and interpretation of technical information to Tribal Members, Tribal and agency staff, and Tribal council.
- Advises YN 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.
- As a licensed professional geologist and hydrogeologist, advises YN 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 fisheries and water resources projects, including water quality and quantity, fisheries habitat, and other projects.
- Interpret technical data and information for technical and nontechnical personnel.
- Participates 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 fisheries and 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:
- Masters of Science in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, hydrology, or closely related field and two 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.