Junior Environmental Scientist

Sigma Earth; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sigma Earth is seeking a Junior Environmental Scientist in Atlanta to support stormwater compliance and conduct environmental site inspections. The role involves collecting samples, preparing and preserving them, and performing various compliance activities.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and ideally have 1-2 years of experience. Strong communication and computer skills are necessary, along with the ability to work independently in various field conditions.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related work experience or appropriate degree.
• Strong skills in Microsoft applications.
• Ability to work independently in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Collect environmental samples and prepare for analysis.
• Calibrate and use technical instruments.
• Perform thorough field inspections and assessments.

Skills

Independent fieldwork

Strong written and oral communication

Computer skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or environmental science

Tools

Microsoft applications (MS Excel, MS Word)

Digital data collection tools

Job description

Job Description

APTIM seeks a Junior Environmental Scientist in Atlanta to support stormwater compliance, conduct site inspections, and assist with diverse environmental tasks. There will also be opportunities to participate in a variety of other environmental compliance support tasks, including but not limited to, solid waste, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, aboveground storage tanks, spill prevention, DOT and RCRA compliance, site assessment and remediation, and/or environmental data management. The successful candidate will be experienced in supporting an environmental team. This position will require travel to client facilities to conduct stormwater inspection/sampling activities, environmental compliance reviews and/or gather related data.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

As a Junior Environmental Scientist, you will be:

• Collecting environmental samples in the field and preparing and preserving samples for delivery to an analytical laboratory.
• Calibrating and using technical instruments.
• Gain familiarity with site specific requirements through review of permit and planning documents, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi‑Sector General Permit (MSGP) or State‑Specific General Permit, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, and any other applicable plans that have been prepared for the site.
• Demonstrate ability to efficiently plan, organize and schedule field activities within required frequencies and timeframes including adherence to required communication with client to obtain approval for site access. This includes performing compliance activities at multiple sites on the same day and monitoring forecasted weather conditions to ensure successful completion of weather dependent field activities.
• Field activities require travel to and from each site utilizing a personal vehicle and interfacing with client personnel at a facility level. Travel and flexibility of working hours is required to accommodate stormwater sampling requirements based on qualifying rain events.
• Field activities may require working in all types of field conditions/weather, overtime, and on weekends.
• Responsible for observing and complying with all safety protocols, including wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Work will consist of straightforward tasks using established procedures, with the potential for solving routine problems as encountered.
• Develop and maintain records either manually or by computer method.
• Perform field inspections, evaluate site conditions during sampling, and document results (visual and written). Provide detailed inspection reports documenting site conditions, work activities, and compliance with permit requirements.
• Make recommendations for improvements.
• Executing various work scopes, while meeting project schedules and budgets.
• Working independently, as part of a project team, be able to adjust to changing conditions, and communicate with managers frequently.
• Interfacing with client personnel at a facility level.
• Responsible for completion of assigned work activities with ability to manage his/her own time to meet deadlines set by others and ensure delivery of quality work products.
• Responsible for performing thorough field inspections and assessments through evaluation of site conditions to determine compliance with regulatory requirements, identify and report non‑compliance issues identified in the field, and make recommendations toward corrective actions.
• Following defined processes explicitly while also being able to identify and accommodate new or changing scenarios as well as developing processes for new activities.

Basic Qualifications

As a Junior Environmental Scientist, you should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a core science (such as geology, chemistry, physics, or biology), engineering, environmental science, or related area required.
• Related work experience of at least 1‑2 years but will consider entry level with appropriate degree and classroom background.
• Travel and flexibility in working hours will be required to accommodate stormwater sampling requirements based on qualifying rain events.
• Able to work independently in the field and in all types of field conditions/weather, including during rain events.
• Overtime and weekend work may be required to meet project sampling requirements.
• Detail oriented with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong computer skills required. Must have a demonstrated strength and proficiency in Microsoft applications such as MS Excel, MS Word, SharePoint Online, etc. and the ability to learn other software applications.
• Experience in stormwater compliance inspection/sampling desirable.
• Stormwater certification and/or asbestos certification a plus.
• Current Valid Driver’s License.
• Basic computer skills associated with digital data collection and reporting (i.e., autobuild, plangrid, equis collect, etc.).

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and/or Qualified Industrial Storm Water Practitioner (QiSP).
• Nationally industry standard certifications.
• Certified Professional in Industrial Stormwater Management (CPISM).
• Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) — ENVIROCERT.
• Certified Stormwater Inspector — National Stormwater Center.
• Industrial Stormwater Inspector — Stormwater Training Center.
• NPDES Permit Inspector Training — USEPA.
• Experience with reviewing and understanding federal, state, or local regulations preferred.
• 40‑hour OSHA‑HAZWOPER training.