Environmental Scientist/Water Quality Specialist - Junior Level

CK Associates; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

CK Associates in Baton Rouge is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to join our local office. You will work on water quality permitting, compliance, monitoring, and field investigation projects for industrial and commercial clients in the region.

The role combines fieldwork with office tasks, offers growth toward project management, and requires traveling about 25% with a focus on delivering accurate data and technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% for project work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site reconnaissance, water quality sampling, and field investigations.
• Assist with water quality permitting and compliance projects, including LPDES/NPDES permits, stormwater compliance, SPCC Plans, and related regulatory programs.
• Prepare Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), permit applications, compliance reports, and other technical documents.
• Analyze environmental data and prepare spreadsheets, tables, and technical reports.
• Support groundwater and surface water monitoring projects.
• Coordinate field activities and maintain accurate project documentation.
• Work collaboratively with project managers and technical staff to deliver high-quality work products.
• Manage multiple assignments while meeting project schedules and client expectations.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering/Biology/Chemistry/Physics or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

CK Associates is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to join our Baton Rouge office. This position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of water quality permitting, compliance, monitoring, and field investigation projects for industrial and commercial clients throughout the region.

The successful candidate will balance field and office responsibilities while working alongside experienced environmental professionals. As experience grows, there are opportunities to take on increased project responsibility, manage client relationships, and advance into project management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site reconnaissance, water quality sampling, and field investigations.
• Assist with water quality permitting and compliance projects, including LPDES/NPDES permits, stormwater compliance, SPCC Plans, and related regulatory programs.
• Prepare Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), permit applications, compliance reports, and other technical documents.
• Analyze environmental data and prepare spreadsheets, tables, and technical reports.
• Support groundwater and surface water monitoring projects.
• Coordinate field activities and maintain accurate project documentation.
• Work collaboratively with project managers and technical staff to deliver high-quality work products.
• Manage multiple assignments while meeting project schedules and client expectations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% for project work.

Preferred

• Experience in environmental consulting.
• Experience with water quality sampling and field investigations.
• Experience with Clean Water Act permitting and compliance.
• Experience preparing technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Familiarity with LPDES/NPDES permitting, stormwater compliance, SPCC Plans, groundwater monitoring, or industrial wastewater compliance.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel and work occasional overtime or outside normal business hours as project needs require.
• Ability to meet Drug & Alcohol, Health &Safety, and Security Program requirements, including obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a clean driving record, and be able to safely operate a company vehicle, including a full-size pickup truck.

Why CK Associates?

CK Associates offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of environmental projects while building technical expertise alongside experienced professionals. We are committed to developing our employees through mentoring, hands-on project experience, and opportunities for career advancement.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, professional development opportunities, and an employee-owned culture that values collaboration, technical excellence, and long-term success.