Project Scientist

Apex Companies; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance and dental

Life and disability insurance

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Cross-training

Bonuses

Job summary

Apex Companies is seeking a Project Scientist / Sr Project Scientist to lead environmental field activities and oversee projects under the Illinois EPA LUST and Site Remediation Programs. The role includes regulatory reporting, budget management, and coordination with subcontractors, clients, and internal teams.

You will mentor junior staff, ensure safe field practices, and support emergency response efforts.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of environmental consulting or related experience with field oversight responsibilities.
• Experience with Illinois EPA LUST/SRP programs and regulatory reports.
• Experience with UST/AST systems and environmental sampling.
• Familiarity with Illinois environmental regulations and tank programs.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to mentor and train junior staff.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (current 8-hour refresher preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365; valid driver’s license and travel willingness.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical oversight and lead environmental field activities (Phase II, LUST/SRP).
• Manage projects under Illinois EPA programs, including regulatory reports and budgets.
• Oversee field subcontractors and coordinate with clients and contractors.
• Conduct soil, groundwater, and air sampling and related reporting.
• Prepare, review, and manage technical reports and field docs.
• Support emergency response projects, including after-hours work.
• Mentor and train junior staff with emphasis on safe practices.

Skills

Environmental field oversight

Regulatory reporting

Technical writing

Project management

Mentoring

Microsoft 365

Driving / travel

Education

BS in Environmental Science / Geology / Engineering

Tools

Microsoft 365

HAZWOPER

Job description

Are you driven to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact? At Apex, we’re building more than a consulting and engineering firm—we’re creating a place where your career accelerates, your contributions matter, and your potential is fully realized. We believe your growth is our growth, which is why we invest in your development at every stage of your career. Here, you’ll work on projects that shape communities, protect the environment, and create lasting impact, all while being empowered with the autonomy and flexibility to do your best work.

Fueled by high quality delivery, exceptional client retention, and strategic acquisitions, Apex Companies continues to rank among the fastest-growing firms in the AEC industry, recently recognized by the Zweig Group for our industry-leading growth. Our success is grounded in strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.

As we continue to expand, we're looking for high-performing professionals who are ready to lead, collaborate, innovate, and create impact. At Apex, you help shape what's next. When we succeed together, we share in that success. All Apex positions are eligible for annual bonus opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to recognizing and rewarding meaningful contributions that drive our collective growth.

Your Responsibilities As a Project Scientist

• Provide senior-level technical oversight and perform environmental field activities associated with Phase II site investigations; UST/AST investigations, removals, and installations; and remediation or regulatory-driven field investigations.
• Managing projects under the Illinois EPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program and Site Remediation Program (SRP), including preparation of regulatory reports, work plans, budgets, and reimbursement documentation
• Oversee subcontractors in the field and serve as a liaison between Apex, general contractors, and clients to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements.
• Conduct and support environmental sampling activities including soil, groundwater, and air monitoring, along with associated technical documentation and reporting.
• Prepare, review, and manage technical reports, proposals, and field documentation.
• Support emergency response projects as needed, including occasional after-hours or weekend response work.
• Mentor and train junior scientific staff while promoting safe work practices and technical development.

What We're Looking For

• BS degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Engineering, or related scientific field.
• 4+ years of environmental consulting or related industry experience with strong technical writing and field oversight responsibilities.
• Experience managing projects under the Illinois EPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program and Site Remediation Program (SRP), including preparation of regulatory reports, work plans, budgets, and reimbursement documentation, is highly preferred.
• Experience with UST/AST systems, environmental sampling, remediation oversight, and subcontractor coordination preferred.
• Familiarity with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency environmental regulations and tank programs is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in both field and office environments.
• Ability to mentor and train junior staff.
• Strong commitment to health and safety with a solid understanding of safe field practices.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER certification required (current 8-hour refresher preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel locally to project sites.

Why You'll Love Working For Us

• Company-subsidized medical and dental.
• Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability.
• 401k match, tuition assistance, and more.
• Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
• Performance-based bonuses or other incentives.
• Working with the best and brightest in the industry.
• 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US.

Req ID: 11916

Apex Job Title: Scientist 3 - Sr Project Scientist

Annual Expected Pay Range: $65,000 USD - $75,000 USD

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