Principal Hydrogeologist

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Profit sharing

Performance bonus

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Principal Hydrogeologist for our Knoxville office. This role involves overseeing groundwater compliance and mentoring project teams while managing client relationships. You will lead technical evaluations, develop compliance monitoring programs, and ensure adherence to applicable regulations.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Geology and strong experience in managing compliance monitoring projects. Employment benefits include a matching 401(k), medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or related field required.
• PG/PE licensure in TN; ability to obtain AL and GA licensure.
• Extensive experience with groundwater compliance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Oversee field efforts and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Mentor early career staff regarding project performance.
• Manage budgets and schedules for compliance monitoring programs.

Skills

Leadership and mentoring

Project management

Groundwater compliance

Data analysis

Knowledge of geochemistry

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geology or related field

PG/PE licensure in TN

Tools

Sanitas

DumpStat

Job description

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is growing and we have an excellent opportunity for a Principal Hydrogeologist in our Knoxville office. As a Principal with CEC, you will lead teams focused on groundwater and surface water compliance and permitting for solid waste, industrial waste, and coal combustion residual (CCR) landfills. You will be responsible for managing and mentoring project teams, developing new business, managing existing client relationships, and providing senior technical guidance for a variety of detection, assessment, and corrective measures programs consistent with local, state and federal requirements.

Our Knoxville office, located in the heart of East Tennessee, is home to a dynamic and collaborative team of professionals. Nestled near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. The city boasts excellent schools and a thriving downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re exploring the nearby national park, enjoying a University of Tennessee game, or connecting with a supportive professional network, Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee teams to ensure field efforts, data analysis, and reporting activities are consistent with the site‑specific plans and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Mentor, guide, and motivate early career staff assigned in the areas of project performance, cost, schedule management, client expectations and career development.
• Task and project management, including developing, planning, and implementing compliance monitoring programs, budget development and management, adherence to schedule, quality, safety, client satisfaction, and profitability.
• Direct geochemical evaluations of groundwater and surface water quality data, including interpretation of analytical data and contaminant fate and transport. Candidate shall be competent in establishing Water Quality Protection Standards and background limits.
• Oversee groundwater compliance evaluations, including Alternate Source Demonstrations and statistical analyses, to confirm compliance with applicable regulations. Successful candidate should be experienced in identifying statistically significant increases/trends using industry‑standard tools such as Sanitas and DumpStat.
• Lead meetings with clients, regulatory personnel, and other parties.
• Lead proposal efforts and other business development activities.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field (Masters preferred).
• PG/PE licensure in TN required, with the ability to obtain licensure in AL and GA.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of field and administrative personnel, technical staff, project managers focused on groundwater compliance monitoring programs, hydrogeologic investigations, and permitting, with annual revenue of $2M+.
• Knowledge of general and organic chemistry and geochemistry with the ability to interpret groundwater analytical data (e.g., major ions, trace metals, dissolved gases, and organic constituents) to accurately delineate geochemical conditions, redox zonation, and biodegradation pathways.
• Proficiency in integrating geochemical data with hydrogeologic data to support remedial decision‑making.
• Candidate should have competence and aptitude for sound data management practices related to long‑term compliance monitoring programs.
• Working knowledge of the applicable groundwater compliance program regulations (TN, AL, GA preferred) as well as the USEPA guidance Statistical Analysis of Groundwater Quality Data (Unified Guidance) and groundwater compliance methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and cost control.
• Extensive experience preparing and submitting regulatory documentation and technical reports.
• Established relationships with the applicable state (TN, AL, GA preferred) and federal regulatory agencies.
• Current OSHA 40‑hour HAZWOPER training a plus.
• A valid driver’s license with a driving record in good standing required.

Employment Benefits: Matching 401(k), profit sharing, performance bonus, company stock, medical, dental, vision insurance, short- and long‑term disability, tuition assistance, professional development, and work‑life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law.