Environmental Health Specialist (Esam)

General Description

Under the guidance of the Environmental Operations Manager, the Environmental Health Specialists will perform duties within the Environmental Sampling, Analysis, and Monitoring (ESAM) Section of the Environmental Services Program under the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON). This position primarily supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the United States Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and Patrick Space Force Base (PSFB). This position performs environmental sampling of common media types such as groundwater, surface water, stormwater, potable water, soil, and sludge as well as a variety of process and construction wastes. Work performed by this position ensures NASA KSC, and the USSF complies with specific Federal, State, NASA, or Air Force regulations as well as programmatic and contractual requirements to preserve the environment and ultimately the health and safety of persons at KSC and CCSFS/PSFB. This position is represented by the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Interpret and follow sampling and analytical requirements defined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permits, environmental regulations or KSC specific programs.
• Understand and follow sampling protocols as defined in the FDEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to collect environmental samples from groundwater monitoring wells, permitted stormwater systems, surface water impoundments, permitted potable water systems, and soil samples as part of limited environmental contamination investigations in response to incidents or spills to determine if impacts to the environment have occurred.
• Understand, calibrate, and operate specific electronic and mechanical field sampling equipment such as dissolved oxygen meters, turbidity meters, pH meters, conductivity meters, chlorine meters, FID/PIDs, and portable well sampling pumps. Also includes the ability to clean and maintain this equipment to ensure proper operation and order parts and supplies when needed
• Support or independently conduct waste characterization sampling to determine the transportation and disposal requirements for waste generated by any organization at KSC. Typical waste characterization samples collected are drummed waste (both liquids and solids), sandblast media, oil from electrical equipment, paint sampling from construction waste debris, and wastewater samples.
• Support or independently conduct the recording of detailed field observations including site conditions, field equipment measurements, and conversations or interviews with key persons for use in technical reports. Also includes the ability to prepare comprehensive site sketches and/or maps.
• Support or independently conduct the preparation of field samples for transport to environmental laboratories for analytical testing, including preparation of chain-of-custody documentation.
• Interpret laboratory analytical or other scientific data to validate site-specific conditions, identify trends, or provide guidance to customers on future course-of-action. Includes the preparation of complex technical reports using Microsoft Office software including the ability to create data tables and spreadsheets.
• Support or independently conduct the proper management of sampling by-products resulting from workplace activities, which may include hazardous and/or regulated wastes. Specific responsibilities may include proper waste segregation, containerization, handling, and responding to emergencies in a manner consistent with company policies/procedures and site-specific workplace instructions.
• Performs a range of administrative duties required to fulfill program or contractual requirements related to a designated area of specialty, including record keeping, inventory, and supply requisitioning, database entry, vehicle upkeep, and similar duties as assigned.
• Performs or assists with any departmental operations, as required, or directed to maintain workflow, address workflow surges, or respond to emergency conditions

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a science discipline
• Basic knowledge and ability to read and interpret scientific data including laboratory analytical reports for use in the preparation of technical reports is desired.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office Programs (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, etc.).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible for clearance at a Federal Facility.
• Must be able to successfully pass an occupational health physical to obtain and maintain qualifications and certifications required to perform this work.
• Must be able to work in confined/enclosed spaces and areas and wear fully enclosed protective suits. Must be able to work at heights for an extended period of time.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability thrive in a team atmosphere including the ability to effectively communicate and work with all levels of employees.
• Current 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification preferred or the ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline preferred or a combination of an
• Knowledge of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Field Activities a plus.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds with assistance. May expose employee to industrial equipment and vehicles, facilities without climate controls, and outdoors settings in all weather conditions, possibly for extended period of times, and sometimes while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work is generally performed in the field in various weather conditions and in the following settings: construction and demolitions sites, industrial facilities, research facilities, and laboratory facilities. Some office work is also required, where the employee plans fieldwork and assembles field data and analytical results to author technical reports. Schedule is typically a 40-hour work week, Monday – Friday. May infrequently be required to work extended work schedule as necessary to fulfill job functions. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.