Environmental Scientist

General Description

Under general direction, the ESAM (Environmental Sampling, Analysis, and Monitoring) Environmental Scientist is responsible for project management and oversight of various field sampling and reporting performed by the ESAM team. This position will require a strong understanding of environmental regulatory programs and sampling techniques for common media types such as groundwater, surface water, storm water, potable water, soil, sludge and construction waste.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Manage projects and provide oversight of sampling activities and reporting requirements associated with environmental permits including but not limited to; solid waste, industrial wastewater, stormwater and potable water.
• Manage projects and provide oversight of sampling activities and reporting requirements related to environmental contamination investigations related to incidents or spills to determine if impacts to the environment have occurred.
• Manage projects and provide oversight of sampling activities in support of the waste characterization process which helps determine the transportation and disposal requirements for waste generated by tenant organizations and construction contractors 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.
• In conjunction with the primary post-emergency spill Response Coordinator, collaborate on strategy for spill response activity, plan and direct the execution of confirmation sampling, coordinate with Remediation project personnel, and author spill response reports for review and approval by the Environmental Operations Manager.
• Manage the ESAM calibration and maintenance program which includes a variety of 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 to ensure proper operation; including ordering of equipment and supplies when needed.
• Supports, assists, and/or conducts the preparation of field samples for transport to environmental laboratories for analytical testing, including preparation of chain-of-custody documentation.

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.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline with eight years of directly related work experience.
• Active 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification preferred or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Possess a strong understanding of a variety of environmental programs regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field sampling activities.
• Possess the ability to analyze and interpret data collected by field instrumentation and laboratory analytical reports to provide recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to produce maps depicting sampling locations, groundwater elevations and other relative information related to field activities.

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 accommodation 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 or more with assistance. 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 will mainly be performed in an office setting and occasionally with irregular hours.

Travel: A low amount of travel away from office may be required.