Entry Level Field Scientist

August Mack Environmental, Inc. • Conshohocken, PA

16h

About The Position

The Entry Level Field Scientist supports environmental field operations across a variety of project types. Under guidance from senior staff, the position performs task-oriented work such as groundwater and soil sampling, vapor intrusion studies, and monitoring well installations. The scientist also assists with Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments and develops competency in additional areas, including stormwater sampling, industrial hygiene inspections, and remedial construction support. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols, accurate field documentation, and coordination with subcontractors and internal teams. Fieldwork may involve Level C PPE and respirators, as well as work in diverse outdoor conditions.

The position is primarily field-based, with approximately 90% of time spent traveling to field sites and 10% in an office. Travel may include day trips within the state or neighboring states, extended trips involving overnight stays, and long-term remote assignments as needed. Workdays may be longer due to travel. Positions average four hours of paid overtime per week, with early start times that vary by location; additional overtime, weekend work, intermittent 24-hour on-call duty, or shift work may be required based on project needs.

The role requires travel to job sites, sometimes on short notice, and may involve working in remote or undeveloped locations. Employees must comply with OSHA HAZWOPER standards, including annual medical evaluations, maintain an active cell phone for work coordination, and meet applicable driving and screening requirements. The position involves substantial physical activity, outdoor work in all weather, possible exposure to hazardous materials and other job-site hazards, and daily use of appropriate PPE.

Requirements

• An associate or bachelor's degree in geology, environmental science, construction management, or a related science field; alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalency plus some construction or labor experience.
• Recommended experience: 0–1 year in environmental consulting.
• Strong computer skills and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel to job sites, sometimes on short notice, and work in remote or undeveloped locations.
• Ability to use a personal or company vehicle for work; driving positions require a current, valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to maintain an active cell phone for work-related coordination.
• Compliance with OSHA HAZWOPER requirements, including annual medical evaluations.
• Successful background check, motor vehicle review, and pre-employment drug screen.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and in environments with potential exposure to hazardous materials and other listed job-site hazards.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators and Level C PPE for extended periods when project conditions require it.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods, up to 10–12 hours per day; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb ladders, and work on uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally move heavier loads with assistance or equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, operate hand and power tools, and operate and calibrate sampling equipment.
• Ability to learn to operate machinery such as scissor or boom lifts and skid steers.
• Visual acuity to read instruments, maps, and documentation, and ability to hear and respond to instructions and safety signals in noisy environments.
• Mental alertness and situational awareness to follow safety protocols, operate vehicles and equipment, and respond to changing field conditions.

Nice To Haves

• 40-hour Hazardous Waste Site Operation (HAZWOPER) certification.
• First Aid (FA) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• RCRA certification.
• USDOT HAZMAT certification.
• Asbestos Building Inspector certification, Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor certification, or similar certifications required for some positions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for maintaining tools and vehicles.
• Introductory understanding of environmental sampling, building construction and materials, safety practices, regulatory compliance, and utility locate procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform task-oriented fieldwork under instruction and serve as Site Supervisor/Health and Safety Officer on most project work.
• Understand and apply project-specific safety considerations.
• Develop competency in groundwater sampling, monitoring well installation, vapor intrusion studies, sample collection, and Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
• Develop competency in at least two additional tasks based on project needs, such as stormwater sampling, industrial hygiene inspections and sampling, manual labor support, excavation oversight and sampling, construction/redevelopment oversight, or renewable energy reconnaissance.
• Verify public and private utility locates are complete and appropriately marked before beginning work.
• Set up jobs, complete load lists, and perform on-site work.
• Assist with subcontractor management, health and safety oversight, and paperwork.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment for safe operation.
• Identify potential contamination sources at job sites.
• Accurately prepare field documentation according to project-specific requirements.
• Wear appropriate PPE, including Level C PPE and respirators when required.
• Travel to project sites, including remote locations and assignments requiring overnight stays, as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits effective on the first day of employment.
• Generous paid time off, including community service time off.
• Eight paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Annual company reimbursement for one professional organization membership, one job-related external training, and one professional license or certification.
• Team-building activities and social events.
• Company donation of time, service, and resources to local organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree