Environmental Geologist

EKI Environment & Water•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Environmental Geologist supports environmental site characterization, investigation, remediation, construction, and operations projects for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. The role involves planning and conducting field activities, collecting and evaluating data and environmental samples, overseeing subcontractors, and preparing technical reports and other project documents. The position requires frequent outdoor fieldwork in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions. Travel may be up to 50% of the time, predominantly within Southern California and occasionally elsewhere in California. Workdays of 10 to 12 hours may be needed. The role includes working around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, industrial facilities, hazardous substances, and active remediation systems, while following applicable health and safety protocols. EKI is an employee-owned company that emphasizes collaboration, shared ownership, environmental impact, career advancement, and a positive work/life experience. It offers compensation and benefits including training and career advancement opportunities, incentive compensation, retirement benefits, and group medical, vision, and dental coverage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, or a related field.
One to three years of experience supporting environmental investigation, remediation, and construction projects.
Strong technical and mechanical aptitude.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions.
Ability to calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and perform minor repairs on field equipment and instruments.
Ability to work safely around construction equipment, drilling operations, utilities, and industrial facilities.
Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality.
Adaptability to changing field conditions and priorities.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Positive attitude, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.
Commitment to personal and professional growth.
Current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Ability to obtain medical clearance to work on hazardous waste sites.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds; carry, load, and unload equipment; dig; operate tools; handle chemicals and hazardous substances; and use personal protective equipment.
Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, traffic, moving vehicles, excavations, construction sites, industrial operations, and active remediation systems.
Ability to stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods during fieldwork.
Ability to work outdoors on uneven terrain and in conditions involving heat, noise, and chemicals, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work 10- to 12-hour days as needed.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hat, boots, respirator, and hearing protection.
Ability to use hand and power tools to install field sampling devices, collect well and probe samples, and access well and probe vaults.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time for client meetings, site visits, and fieldwork.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Ability to pursue applicable state licensure preferred.
Geologist-in-Training (GIT) certification preferred.
Current 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and prepare for fieldwork, including participating in project meetings, assisting with planning documents, and coordinating equipment, supplies, and subcontractors.
Collect soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air samples.
Perform site inspections and observe and document third-party work.
Support remedial system construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance.
Oversee drilling, geophysical, waste disposal, and other subcontractors.
Support construction management activities.
Ensure fieldwork, including sample collection and data measurement, follows approved project work plans and standard procedures.
Document field activities through detailed notes, boring logs, field forms, and photo logs.
Compile, tabulate, and interpret data to help identify contaminant sources and exposure pathways.
Assist senior staff with work plans, reports, and cost estimates for investigation, remediation, and brownfield projects.
Follow all health and safety protocols.
Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER and other applicable certifications, including ladder safety and fall protection training.
Travel for client meetings, site visits, and fieldwork, predominantly within Southern California and occasionally other parts of California.
Perform other duties as required.