Chemist/Scientist

This Opportunity

WSP’s Federal Environment Team is seeking a Chemist or Scientist to work out of our Valhalla, NY; Troy, NY; Buffalo, NY; Morristown, NJ; or Lawrenceville, NJ office. 

The successful candidate will assist Lead Chemists in preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans, performing data management, conducting data analyses (basic statistics), and acting as a liaison between EPA laboratories/subcontracted laboratories and data validation providers. They are expected to have strong data management skills, be able to master data management and analysis software used in the execution of project work including MS Excel®, MS Access®, EQuIS®, EPA’s Scribe®, R, and others.  

This position will involve report writing, strong communication skills, and collaboration with other technical professionals regarding data interpretation and technical analyses. 

Your Impact

• Assist lead chemists in determining analytical and quality assurance requirements
• Write Universal Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plans (UFP QAPPs) for projects conducted pursuant to CERCLA, FUSRAP, DoD, and other hazardous waste, radiological or petroleum release response programs
• Serve as sample management officer during environmental field investigations
• Serve as liaison between EPA regional laboratories/subcontracted laboratories and data validation providers
• Review analytical data and write data usability reports using regional and national validation guidelines
• Perform data compilation, management, and statistical analysis under the direction of a senior geochemist
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures; and
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong chemistry component in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post-education experience (academic research may count in lieu of consulting or industry experience).
• Significant experience with UFP QAPP format and experience preparing QAPP documents. 
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel® and Access®.
• Aptitude in analytical chemistry fundamentals, such as:
  • Classes of compounds and analytes (e.g., trace metals, PCBs, PAHs)
  • Analytical instruments, methods and sources of interferences
  • Significance of method detection and reporting limits
  • Laboratory electronic data deliverables – format for data entry
  • Treatment of validation qualifiers (including non-detect) in data evaluation
• Accustomed to managing large data sets, including metadata.
• Facility in learning new data manipulation and visualization software.
• Attentive to detail with an emphasis on quality work products in a collaborative environment of technical accountability and tolerant of repetition in comprehensive review and organization of data.
• Ability to work with analytical laboratory staff and data validators in addressing technical questions.
• Familiarity with USEPA Regional EDD format (for example: EPA Region 2 EDD, Scribe, and EQuIS).
• Previous experience with environmental site investigations at hazardous waste sites, specifically with contaminated sediments or contaminated groundwater.
• Strong mathematical / analytical / reasoning skills and demonstrable attention to detail.
• Must be able to pass an OSHA-mandated/HAZWOPER physical for work on hazardous waste sites and medically able to wear a tight-fitting respirator.
• Willing to perform field work associated with site investigations and assessments in all seasons, and willing to travel occasionally depending on project-specific requirements.
• Able to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Experience with applications in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
• Strong technical writing, analytical and communication skills.
• Availability to travel up to 15%, including the potential for overnight trips.
• Proven track record