Environmental Geologist

EKI Environment & Water, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

ESOP

401(k)

Job summary

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. is seeking a field-oriented environmental professional to support site investigations, remediation, and field operations in Southern California. You will collect samples, coordinate field teams, and help ensure safety and compliance across projects.

The role requires 1–3 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions. GIT certification is a plus, and OSHA HAZWOPER training is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience supporting environmental investigation, remediation, and construction projects.
• GIT certification preferred.
• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions.
• Ability to calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and perform minor repairs on field equipment.
• Current 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare for fieldwork, coordinating equipment, supplies, and subcontractors.
• Conduct fieldwork: collect soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air samples.
• Perform site inspections and document field activities.
• Support remedial system construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Oversee drilling, geophysical, waste disposal, and other subcontractors.
• Ensure field work follows approved project work plans and standard procedures.
• Document field activities through notes, logs, forms, and photo logs.
• Assist senior staff with work plans, reports, and cost estimates.

Skills

Fieldwork coordination

Data collection

Safety compliance

Written & verbal communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology or environmental science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS

GPS equipment

CAD

Job description

Company Overview

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned company that has delivered comprehensive environmental, engineering, and water resources services to public and private sector clients for over 35 years. Our staff includes professional engineers, professional geologists, certified hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, data engineers and scientists, computer-aided designers, geographic information system (GIS) specialists, and relational database specialists.

As an employee-owned firm, EKI fosters a unique company culture built on collaboration, shared ownership, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on the environment and the communities we serve. Our continued growth across offices nationwide reflects the strength of our team and the trust our clients place in us — and that growth creates real opportunities for our employees to advance their careers, take on leadership roles, and build lasting professional legacies. If you are passionate about improving the environment, advancing your career, and having a direct stake in the success of the company you work for, then EKI is the place for you.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Plan and prepare for fieldwork, including participating in project meetings, assisting with planning documents, and coordinating equipment, supplies, and subcontractors
• Conduct fieldwork, including:
  • Collect soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air samples
  • Perform site inspections
  • Observe and document third-party work
  • Support remedial system construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance
  • Oversee drilling, geophysical, waste disposal, and other subcontractors
  • Support construction management activities
• Ensure that field work, including sample collection and data measurement, follows approved project work plans and standard procedures
• Document field activities through detailed notes, boring logs, field forms, and photo logs
• Compile, tabulate, and interpret data to help identify contaminant sources and exposure pathways
• Assist senior staff with work plans, reports, and cost estimates for investigation, remediation, and brownfield projects
• Follow all health and safety protocols
• Other duties as required

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. Ability to pursue applicable state licensure preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• One to three (1-3) years of experience supporting environmental investigation, remediation, and construction projects
• Geologist-in-Training (GIT) certification preferred
• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions
• Ability to calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and perform minor repairs on field equipment and instruments
• Ability to work safely around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, and industrial facilities
• Current 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred

Competencies

• Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality
• Adaptability to changing field conditions and priorities
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Positive attitude, curiosity, and eagerness to learn
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with frequent tight deadlines
• Ability to obtain medical clearance to work on hazardous waste site(s)
• Perform physically active work, including lifting up to 35 pounds; carrying, loading, and unloading equipment; digging; operating tools; handling chemicals and hazardous substances; and using personal protective equipment
• Work safely around heavy equipment, traffic, moving vehicles, excavations, construction sites, industrial operations, and active remediation systems
• Stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods during fieldwork
• With or without reasonable accommodation, work outdoors on uneven terrain and in conditions involving heat, noise, and chemicals
• Work 10- to 12-hour days as needed
• Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER and other applicable certifications, including ladder safety and fall protection training
• Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hard hat, boots, respirator, and hearing protection
• Use hand and power tools to install field sampling devices, collect well and probe samples, and access well and probe vaults

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time for client meetings, site visits, and field work, predominantly within Southern California and occasionally other parts of California.

As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.

EKI Environment & Water, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, marital status, political affiliation, or military service.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Notice To Third Party Agencies

EKI Environment & Water, Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.