Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist II is an entry level position and participates as a member of an emergency response team to conduct environmental sampling and data collection. In performing such duties, an Environmental Scientist II will conduct research or perform investigations for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing his/her knowledge of various scientific disciplines, he/she may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. The successful candidate will apply scientific methodology for analysis of risk assessments and industrial hygiene applications to ensure client's expectations are met. Every Environmental Scientist II shall maintain a response bag with required PPE and appropriate clothing and be subject to on-call rotation 24/7 for emergency response and frequent, extended travel.
Activities/Tasks/Scope
- Immediate availability for extended travel and emergency response at client’s request;
- Maintain, calibrate and mobilize equipment appropriate for an emergency response;
- Gather and analyze samples from various sources of potential contamination;
- Perform monitoring and sampling activities with minimal supervision;
- Compile, review and summarize scientific/technical data and literature; and,
- Perform such other duties as assigned.
Other Desired Competencies
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision;
- Ability to respond in a timely manner to all communications from his/her supervisor;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a matrix reporting structure;
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions; and,
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
Education/Experience
- Bachelors in Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology or other related fields required
- Advanced computer skills in a Windows-based environment required
- 3-5 years of experience in a related field may be substituted in lieu of a degree
Other Requirements
- Must possess a current, valid, unrestricted drivers license;
- Ability to pass a post offer physical exam including an illicit drug screen;
- Ability to complete HAZWOPER certification;
- Ability to obtain DISA and TWIC clearances;
- Ability to obtain a passport;
- Completion of all job specific OSHA and CTEH safety training; and,
- Ability to comply with all job specific OSHA requirements, including wear of a respirator.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Sitting, standing, and walking
- Lifting up to 50 pounds several times a day;
- Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds;
- Bending, stooping, climbing ladders and crawling;
- Long hours involving overtime and weekends as necessary;
- Keyboarding/typing;
- Ability to read effectively from a computer screen, sampling device and/or a paper copy;
- Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
- Frequent, unscheduled travel for extended periods of time;
- Ability to drive noncommercial vehicles;
- Rarely may work shifts of up to 24 hours in duration;
- Dress out in physically demanding personal protective equipment (PPE) for site entry at HAZWOPER sites as required under 29CFR 1910.120;
- Wear half-face and full-face air purifying respirator (APR) as well as supplied air respirators in the form of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and hose supplied respirator with medical clearance as required under 29CFR 1910.134;and,
- Wear partially or totally encapsulating personal protective equipment.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Works in an office environment when not deployed on an emergency response;
- Often works outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions, including sunlit, rainy and windy conditions;
- May occasionally work shifts up to 24 hours in duration;
- Encounter environments presenting physical hazards of uneven ground, standing water, ditches, dusty conditions, rapidly moving transportation and remediation equipment, and physical stress associated with the wear of personal protective equipment;
- May work at altitudes greater than 5000 feet above sea level;
- May work on land, sea or air;
- May work in a setting with potential physical and chemical hazards; and
- Frequent, extended travel.