Senior Scientist

Terracon; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead Building Environmental Sciences (BES) projects, including asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, IEQ, and radon concerns in buildings. You will guide teams, build client relationships, and contribute to growth while ensuring safety, timeliness, and budget adherence.

You will mentor staff, interpret regulations, and collaborate across disciplines to improve building performance and occupant health. Travel for field work is required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or related field.
• 8+ years in environmental consulting with building sciences focus.
• Strong project management skills and ability to lead teams.
• Excellent technical expertise in assessment, sampling, and data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for client interaction and reports.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field work.

Responsibilities

• Interpret federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Manage projects from proposal through completion, including scope, budget, schedule, quality control, and client communications.
• Serve as a senior technical reviewer, ensuring deliverables meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Terracon quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and support BES practice growth.
• Mentor and train scientists and technical staff, promoting professional development, technical excellence, and safety culture.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions improving building performance and occupant health.

Skills

Project management

Mentoring

Client relationships

Environmental assessment

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science or Geology

Job description

General Responsibilities

Terracon is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist to support and expand our Building Environmental Sciences (BES) practice. This role serves as a senior technical resource and project leader responsible for managing complex projects involving asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), radon, and other environmental health concerns impacting buildings and facility occupants. Terracon's BES team focuses on improving building performance, occupant health, and regulatory compliance through science-based consulting and practical solutions.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, mentor staff, develop client relationships, and contribute to business growth while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Interpret federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Manage projects from proposal development through completion, including scope, budget, schedule, quality control, and client communications.
• Serve as a senior technical reviewer, ensuring deliverables meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Terracon quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and support growth of the BES practice.
• Mentor and train scientists and technical staff, promoting professional development, technical excellence, and a strong safety culture.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that improve building performance, occupant health, regulatory compliance, and risk management outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in environmental consulting, with a focus on building sciences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead and mentor project teams.
• Excellent technical expertise in environmental assessment, sampling, and data analysis.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for client interaction and report preparation.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required for field work.