Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist

ERG; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

ERG seeks a Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support EPA research and development activities in Durham, NC. The role offers exposure to air quality monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, data analysis, and laboratory operations in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams on field studies, sampling campaigns, and data collection, while following established procedures and safety protocols on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• 0–5 years of relevant experience, including internships or lab work.
• Interest in air quality monitoring and data analysis.
• Able to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• On-site work in labs, offices, and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Support air quality monitoring, laboratory research, and field data collection.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental sensors and instruments.
• Assist with environmental sampling and monitoring campaigns.
• Analyze data using scientific, statistical, or computational methods.
• Prepare data summaries, figures, and technical reports.
• Follow QA/QC procedures and SOPs.

Skills

Air quality monitoring

Environmental monitoring

Data analysis

Laboratory skills

Team collaboration

Python/R

Field sampling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

Excel

Lab instrumentation

Job description

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG is seeking a highly motivated Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support research and development activities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development. This position is an excellent opportunity for a early-career professional interested in air quality monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric research, environmental data analysis, laboratory operations, and field studies.

The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams on projects involving air quality monitoring, particulate matter measurements, aerosol characterization, environmental sensor evaluations, exposure assessment, environmental sampling, and data collection. The qualified individual must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow established procedures while working effectively in laboratory, field, and team environments.

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG is seeking a highly motivated Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support research and development activities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development. This position is an excellent opportunity for a early-career professional interested in air quality monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric research, environmental data analysis, laboratory operations, and field studies.

The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams on projects involving air quality monitoring, particulate matter measurements, aerosol characterization, environmental sensor evaluations, exposure assessment, environmental sampling, and data collection. The qualified individual must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow established procedures while working effectively in laboratory, field, and team environments.

Job Description:

• Support air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, laboratory research, and field data collection activities
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental sensors, air monitoring instruments, and scientific equipment
• Assist with environmental sampling, field measurements, and monitoring campaigns
• Support research involving aerosol measurements, particulate matter monitoring, air pollution, environmental sensors, and exposure assessment
• Collect, organize, manage, and review environmental and air quality data
• Perform basic data analysis using scientific, statistical, or computational methods
• Assist with laboratory testing and instrument performance evaluations
• Review data for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements
• Support implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities
• Prepare data summaries, figures, tables, presentations, and technical reports
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, field logs, and project documentation
• Follow laboratory, field, and workplace health and safety procedures
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and project managers to support project objectives
• Travel to field locations or EPA facilities as needed
• Perform other environmental research- and monitoring-related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Data Science, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
• Zero to five years of relevant experience, including internships, cooperative education programs, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, field sampling, or environmental monitoring
• Demonstrated interest in air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric science, particulate matter, exposure assessment, or environmental data analysis
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on-site in laboratory, office, and field environments
• Experience using R, Python, MATLAB, or Microsoft Excel for scientific or environmental data analysis is preferred
• Familiarity with EPA monitoring programs, environmental measurement methods, QAPPs, or SOPs is a plus
• Experience preparing technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, tables, or figures is a plus
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate technical records
• Experience or coursework in two or more of the following areas is preferred:
  • Air quality monitoring or environmental monitoring
  • Air pollution measurement or air monitoring instrumentation
  • Environmental sensor or sensor evaluation
  • Aerosol science or aerosol measurements
  • Particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10
  • Atmospheric science or environmental exposure assessment
  • Scientific or environmental instrumentation
  • Instrument calibration and performance testing
  • Laboratory safety or environmental field studies
  • Quality assurance and quality control

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

• This is an on-site position at EPA research facilities
• Field activities may account for approximately 25%–50% of work time, depending on project needs
• Work may take place in laboratories, offices, outdoor field locations, and other monitoring environments
• Occasional lifting of equipment or materials weighing up to 35 pounds may be required
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, protective footwear, and other equipment as appropriate, is required
• Some travel to field sites may be required

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro-rated for part-time) and more. The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com. ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

If you’re a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG’s online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at [e-mail] or call [phone].

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.