Senior Scientist

Terracon; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a 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, IEQ, radon, and other environmental health concerns impacting buildings and facility occupants.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, mentor staff, develop client relationships, and contribute to business growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Geology, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in environmental consulting with a focus on building sciences.
• Strong project management skills with ability to lead and mentor project teams.
• Excellent technical expertise in environmental assessment, sampling, and data analysis.

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.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Client relationship building

Regulatory interpretation

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science/Geology or related field

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.