Senior Field Scientist - Lead / Environmental Scientist

We are seeking a Senior Field Scientist (Lead)/Environmental Scientist to lead our field team to support an EPA contract.

The Senior Field Scientist (Lead) / Environmental Scientist will be responsible for leading a team of 3-5 field scientists supporting EPA programs. Activities include transporting, operating, and maintaining mobile air sampling and analysis equipment to perform measurements of criteria air pollution parameters including Pb, PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2, and NO2 at ambient air monitoring stations, as well as participating in soil, water, air, and biota sample collection events to support Superfund, RCRA, and other EPA programs. Other related tasks include coordination with client representatives, report writing and review, scheduling, training, recruiting, and staff development, among other tasks. The position is currently located in Richmond, CA, and will move to Hayward, CA in 2024. Travel is required and includes occasional overnight travel; this includes driving a vehicle and/or air travel. Up to 25% of weeks will include travel in EPA Region 9 (California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii). 

What you will do:

• Collection of environmental samples (soil, water, air, biota) for analysis of hazardous constituents or environmentally significant parameters (e.g., water quality monitoring, chemical contaminants, etc.).
• Installation and maintenance of remote monitoring devices for water quality parameters, flow, depth, temperature, etc.
• Performance audits of state and local ambient air monitoring stations on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Scheduling tasks and communicating with clients, management, and junior staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Lead a team of 3 to 5 field scientists in support of the tasks below:
  • Coordination with state and local air monitoring agencies to schedule performance audits.
  • Coordinate travel plans for the field team (and occasionally conduct travel – sometimes overnight) within EPA Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, and NV). Travel requires prolonged periods of driving with a field vehicle (oversized cargo van or large SUV – no commercial driver’s license is required) and commercial air travel.
  • Support soil, water, air, and biota sample collection for Clean Water Act, CERCLA, and other EPA programs
  • Collect time-critical PM filter samples and ship to laboratories for PM2.5 and Lead (Pb) analysis.
  • Utilize instrumentation to provide on-site analysis of air parameters including O3, CO, NO2, SO2, and other related pollutants.
  • Use field measurement equipment such as conductivity and pH meters as well as field portable GCMS or other instruments for determination of volatile contaminants.
  • Conduct all sampling and analysis in strict accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other required protocols.
  • Maintain, repair, and operate sampling and analysis equipment.

What we need you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in scientific discipline, or equivalent
• At least 4 years of hands-on experience supporting EPA programs through sampling and analysis (laboratory analyses using EPA methodologies will be considered).
• Ability to work outdoors under a variety of environmental conditions, including wind, rain, cold, heat, and high humidity.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel are required)
• Possess a good driving record, valid driver’s license, and have the ability to drive various distances within EPA Region 9.
• Able to lift and carry 40 pounds, use ladders, and work comfortably at heights while following safety protocols
• Able to pass annual field Health and Safety training and Medical Monitoring.
• Must be authorized to work in the US
• MUST BE ABLE TO PASS an EPA background check to obtain access to US federal property.

What we would love for you to have:

• Experience with environmental data management such as Scribe, EarthSoft, EXES, or KiECO.
• Current or previous PM2.5 and/or TTP sampling certifications.
• Experience leading a team of 2 to 5 scientists/technicians.
• Possession of OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and current 8-hour refresher
• Knowledge of, or background in, EPA Superfund or RCRA sampling protocols, or similar experience
• Mechanical capabilities to operate and care for analytical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills and able to meet deadlines.
• Experience working at DoD, EPA, or other Federal facilities.

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