Project Scientist

Terracon; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon's Harrisburg office is seeking a talented Project Scientist for Site Investigation and Environmental Due Diligence projects. The role involves interacting with clients, managing project activities, and overseeing junior staff for data collection on various environmental and geologic projects.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Geology or Hydrogeology, with at least 7 years of experience, and will need to obtain a Professional Geologist (PG) license. Responsibilities include environmental analysis, report writing, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years' related experience in environmental/engineering field.
• Ability to obtain registration as a Professional Geologist (PG).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients and manage day-to-day activities of projects.
• Oversee junior staff members in data collection.
• Review and evaluate geologic and hydrogeologic data.

Skills

Excellent writing and verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to learn and apply environmental regulations

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments

Photoionization (PID) instruments

Combustible gas indicators (CGI)

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Terracon's Harrisburg’s office is looking for a talented and experienced addition to our Environmental Department! We are looking for a Project Scientist for Site Investigation and Environmental Due Diligence projects. As a Project Scientist in the Site Investigation and Environmental Due Diligence Group, you will be responsible for interacting with clients and managing the day-to-day activities of a wide variety of environmental and geologic investigation projects. You will work in a team environment (with Professional Geologists, Geologists In Training, and environmental scientists) participating in a wide variety of projects involving multiple environmental subject areas. The position will entail working with junior staff members for the collection of environmental data (global position system [GPS] instruments, photoionization [PID], combustible gas indicators [CGI], and data loggers), the gathering of environmental samples (soil, water, groundwater, and waste materials), periodically assisting with the setup of field instruments and equipment, and participating in the performance of elements associated with Phase II and III environmental site assessments (ESAs). Additional responsibilities will include planning/overseeing and/or performing pumping tests; analysis of aquifer test data; performing groundwater investigations; managing and overseeing Act 2 cleanups; and performing solute transport modeling. The Project Scientist will be responsible for the review and evaluation of geologic and hydrogeologic data, and the development of reports (some requiring a PG seal). This position will require individuals to interface with clients and regulatory agencies. The person is expected to exhibit independent judgement to plan, prioritize and organize a diversified workload.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in/ lead pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management and take measures to mitigate issues.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills and attention to detail in all aspects of work assignments.
• Oversee junior staff members for the collection of field data to support project assignments. Implement technical requirements to complete client approved projects by directing field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
• Outline required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies.
• Manage and develop plans for drilling of soil borings/wells and the collection of environmental samples.
• Assist with and perform various aspects of Phase II and Phase III environmental site assessments and technical writing of reports.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate data from environmental laboratories (sampling results), reports, maps, drawings, and testing results for projects.
• Ability to learn and apply, and help clients comply with environmental laws and regulations.
• Manage all aspects of a small to medium sized project.
• Identify, develop, and gather the resources to complete the project. This may include preparing proposals and calculations, designs, reports and work specifications; developing project schedules, budgets and forecasts; and selecting materials, equipment, project staff, and external contractors.
• Conduct meetings and prepare reports to communicate the status of projects.
• Set priorities, assign tasks, and coordinate project staff to meet project targets and milestones.
• Coordinate with accounting staff for financial management of business intelligence, invoicing and collections. Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company, coworkers, and clients. Be familiar with company risk policies.
• Responsible for continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor and promote quality standards and practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience.
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Ability to obtain registration as a Professional Geologist (PG).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Certification:

• 40-hour HAZWOPER
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Professional Geologist license
• Experience working in the environmental/engineering field.
• Experience in the private consulting industry.