The Level I Project Scientist uses technical and scientific knowledge along with effective critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills to ensure that assessment, field work and documentation effectively support project requirements. Level I duties entail approximately 75% field work and 25% office work, and field work will support projects in Central/So. New Jersey, Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

Responsibilities include:

1. Conducts site reconnaissance to identify contaminants and other environmental risks in support of due diligence reports.
2. Collects and compiles all documents including municipal, state, and federal file review, insurance documents, etc. to support documentation of site history and ensure complete understanding of property use and contaminant exposure.
3. Coordinates field activities, including site access, subcontractors, laboratory bottle ware, sample pickups, and field equipment. Ensures the site is prepared for sampling, including marking the site and checking for utilities before initiating drilling and sampling.
4. Oversees subcontractors on site (drillers, excavation crews, etc.) to ensure that work is completed timely and in accordance with the scope of work (SOW). Provides direction to site personnel as needed in interpreting SOW and seeks guidance from assigned APM/PM/SPM when SOW issues/questions arise.
5. Directs the installation of wells and the advancement of borings to support soil, groundwater, sediment, air and concrete sampling.
6. Follows Ransom procedures to document site conditions at the time of sampling for reference in project reporting and project review. Ensures appropriate sample preparation for submission to lab for analysis and follows chain of custody procedures.
7. Takes responsibility for safety of self and others on the site. Follows Corporate Health and Safety Plan (HASP) for incident reporting and follow up.
8. Documents findings and ensures that data is presented in appropriate Ransom formats/templates, to include field notes, well/boring logs.
9. Develops draft reports, letters, work plans etc. as directed by the Project Manager. Presents conclusions and recommendations for evaluation and validation before finalizing. Develops summary tables, project logs, and other site data documentation using appropriate templates for data presentation. Coordinates and prepares figure requests for submittal to drafting company/personnel.

Qualified candidates will have:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in environmentally oriented field (geology, environmental science, hydrology, engineering, etc.)
2. 0-3 years of experience (This can include internships or entry level positions that provide exposure to general environmental science concepts and methodologies; Master’s degree is considered the equivalent of 1 year of experience.)
3. Demonstrates understanding of environmental and geologic principles to assess environmental contamination scenarios and perform sampling.
4. Familiarity and proficiency with field sampling equipment operation including operation of peristaltic pumps, bladder pumps, water level meters, water quality meters, photoionization detector (PID), sight level; field screening procedures including headspace screening, oleophilic dye tests, and ambient air screening; sample collection procedures for soil, groundwater, porewater, soil vapor, and indoor air in proper containers; and subsurface investigation methods (test pits, direct push drilling, hollow stem auger, etc.).
5. Proficient in identification and logging of soil types.
6. Ability to collect and interpret data. Confidence in drawing preliminary conclusions and making recommendations. Ability to make good decisions based on understanding of project and client requirements.
7. Ability to present complex technical information in audience appropriate language and format to ensure clarity. Ability to customize information and data findings based on client’s needs.
8. Strong technical writing skills and communicates clearly and effectively, adjusting as appropriate for the audience
9. Ability to lead site events and demonstrate confidence in directing staff and contractors.
10. Ability to independently organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines as assigned by Project Manager and optimize availability to assist with last minute requests or change of direction.
11. Fundamental knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
12. Understanding of safety regulations related to assigned projects.
13. Produces quality work that meets client, team, co-worker expectations. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
14. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite of programs (Word, Excel, Power Point) and Adobe Acrobat (or similar)
15. Collaborates and cooperates with team to contribute expertise and ideas for the benefit of shared goals and objectives.
16. Strong interpersonal skills to develop long-term relationships and trust.
    

Physical Demands and Work Environment Requirements:

1. Able to lift standard field equipment and supplies alone or collaboratively.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
3. For field work, employees must be able to stand, walk, and use arms and hands to operate equipment.
4. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust and focus vision.
5. Employee must be able to work in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions (e.g., cold, heat, rain, snow)
6. Noise protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE), including protective clothing or a respirator, may be required on job sites.
7. The employee is required to drive to job sites and must have the ability to travel on short notice as well as the ability to travel to locations that may be 2-3 hours from the home office on a regular basis. There may be occasional overnight travel.
8. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. (A driver’s license check will be conducted upon hire and annually thereafter)