Entry-Level Environmental Field Tech

Sterling Labs; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Sterling Labs is seeking an Environmental Field Technician to perform monitoring and sampling across wastewater, groundwater, leachate, stormwater, soil, and drinking water projects in the Midwest.

Under supervision, you will follow standard procedures to ensure representative samples meet EMT, client, and regulatory specifications while maintaining safety and ethical standards. Training will be provided as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality standards per EMT SOPs and NEFAP/analytical procedures.
• Perform water quality monitoring using field instruments for indicator parameters.
• Collect wastewater, groundwater, leachate, stormwater, soil, surface water, and drinking water samples per procedures.
• Troubleshoot flow measurement, monitoring, and sampling equipment.
• Document accurate and defensible data for records and reporting.
• Install and operate automated wastewater sampling equipment.
• Install and operate automated stormwater sampling equipment.
• Install and operate flow measurement instrumentation.
• Conduct confined space entries to install/maintain monitoring equipment.
• Review data to identify trends and anomalies.

Job description

About Us

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring & Technologies, LLC) is a DoD, NELAP, ANAB, and AIHA-accredited environmental laboratory providing high-integrity analytical data through state-of-the-art technology and validated testing methodologies. For more than 40 years, our work has supported initiatives that protect human health and the environment.

Our success is built on client partnerships and scientific excellence. We collaborate with environmental consultants, engineering firms, and government agencies to deliver reliable, timely analytical results that support regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. From wastewater testing in the greater Chicago area to nationwide projects with Department of Defense partners, our commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive our growth.

When you join Sterling Labs, you become part of a team of scientists, professionals, and technical specialists who share one purpose:

WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

This purpose shapes our culture, drives our decisions, and guides how we serve our clients and support one another. We believe that meaningful progress comes from integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement-principles that are reflected in our core values.

Our Core Values

• Integrity in Everything We Do -We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.


• Customer Focused - We prioritize our clients' needs and value their feedback.


• We are never satisfied - We seek better ways to serve our clients and support our employees through innovation and growth.


• At Sterling Labs, we know our employees are the foundation of our success. We strive to provide a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace where every individual is encouraged to learn, innovate, and advance.

Employee Benefits

• Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage


• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage


• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sterling Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Recruitment Notice

Sterling Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies. Please do not forward resumes to company email addresses or employees. Sterling Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.

Position Overview

The Environmental Field Technician will engage in wastewater, groundwater, leachate, stormwater, soil, drinking water, and surface water monitoring and sample collection activities. Upon completion of the training program, the Environmental Field Technician will work on monitoring and sampling projects on a variety of matrices at facilities throughout the Midwest. Under the direction of the Groundwater and/or Wastewater Field Manager, the technician will follow standard procedures for data and sample collection to ensure representative samples are collected and meet EMT, client, and regulatory specifications. The Environmental Field Technician must follow protocols and procedures to ensure work is completed safely and ethically, exceeding our client's expectations. The groundwater and wastewater field services provided support to a variety of clientele, including consulting and engineering firms, private industry, and governmental agencies operating under various environmental rules and regulations.

Specific Duties Of The Position

• Maintains quality standards in accordance with EMT Standard Operating Procedures, NEFAP Standard, and relevant sampling and analysis standards.


• Perform water quality monitoring using field instrumentation for indicator parameters.


• Collect wastewater, groundwater, leachate, stormwater, soil, surface water, and drinking water samples in accordance with standard operating procedures. Conduct sampling and measurement activities in accordance with EMT policies and procedures.


• Troubleshoot flow measurement, monitoring, and sampling equipment.


• Collect and document accurate and defensible data.


• Install and operate automated wastewater sampling equipment


• Install and operate automated stormwater sampling equipment


• Install and operate flow measurement instrumentation.


• Perform confined space entries to install and maintain monitoring equipment.


• Review and interpret data to identify trends and anomalies.


• Documentation of all field activities is sufficient to reconstruct them.


• Communicate effecti