Early Career Chemical Scientist

WSP • Portland, ME

21h • Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking an Early Career Chemical Scientist to report to our Portland, ME office. This position will be a part of the evolving project site located in the Grafton County/Lebanon, New Hampshire area and Windsor/Orange County, Vermont area. The position requires residing within the Grafton County/Lebanon, NH area or Windsor/Orange County, VT area, or commutable distance from Hanover, NH. Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the identification, collection, and compiling of environmental and chemical data from samples of air, soil, water, and other materials as needed. Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology or a closely related physical or natural sciences discipline.
• 0-1 year environmental consulting experience.
• High level of comfort working independently.
• Experience in hazardous waste site investigations.
• Ability to move and lift equipment that weighs 40 lbs. daily.
• Knowledge of the principles and standards of scientific study, field investigation and sampling, experimentation, research, and documentation.
• Familiarity with the concepts of reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances, processes, or products.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with team members as well as independently.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills are critical.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Flexibility to work schedules to meet project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Travel is required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Must pass drug test, entrance physical, background check and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company's driving policy.

Nice To Haves

• A member of and/or actively participates in local professional practice organizations.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of gas chromatographs and/or gas chromatography/mass spectrometers (GC/MS).
• Experience with the collection and analysis of soil vapor and ambient air samples.
• Previous field experience and OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certified preferred.
• A demonstrated background of successfully working independently.
• Demonstratable troubleshooting skills and navigating unexpected circumstances a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct daily (Monday-Friday) field work under the direction of a senior scientist to investigate and monitor the nature and extent of soil vapor and indoor air contamination.
• Daily field work includes collection and analysis of soil vapor and indoor air using an Inficon Hapsite ER portable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS).
• Maintain the onsite quality control (QC) program and Excel results database, issue daily analytical reports, and perform routine site and instrument maintenance.
• Maintain the site field office including updating and advising on supply inventory and ensuring a safe, organized, and tidy workspace.
• Interface daily with on-site personnel.
• Coordinate daily with the Project Chemist.
• Conduct other field sampling on an as needed basis.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• life
• retirement savings
• paid sick leave
• paid vacation (or other personal time)
• paid parental leave
• paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level