Environmental Scientist (Construction)

Leidos•Merritt Island, FL

About The Position

We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. As a key member of the NEMCON, you will play a valuable part in supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Management Branch (EMB) and Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB) at KSC. This position will function as an Environmental Point of Contact (EPOC) to ensure that environmental compliance is achieved during all phases of a construction project (i.e., concept and design through construction and closeout). The primary function of an EPOC is to provide environmental compliance guidance and consultation to the various construction projects implemented by several NASA KSC organizations including NASA Construction of Facilities (CoF), NASA Local Authority Institutional Projects, and the NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program. You will work closely with the contractors who are awarded these projects for construction. An effective EPOC demonstrates a general understanding and ability to interpret environmental regulations related to various environmental media but not limited to stormwater, hazardous and controlled wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), registered storage tanks, air emission sources, and natural resources. Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation; U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanency is required due to length of investigation for non-U.S. persons.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline with at least 8 years of directly related work experience.
General understanding and ability to interpret environmental regulations related to stormwater, hazardous and controlled wastes, PCBs, registered storage tanks, and natural resources.
Knowledge of labeling, storage, handling and disposal requirements for managing hazardous wastes under the large quantity generator designation.
Understanding of general operational and work practices commonly utilized at construction sites. Varying from small remodeling/refurbishment projects to large-scale building construction and/or demolition projects.
Ability to read, analyze and understand engineering designs, documents, and contracts.
Mathematical skills and the ability to read, analyze and understand written information including regulations, and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, where the information being communicated includes precise data and terminology, possibly of a confidential nature.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Possess valid driver’s license and be eligible for clearance at a federal facility.
Successfully pass an occupational health physical to obtain and maintain qualifications and certifications required to perform this work.
Must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a team atmosphere including the ability to effectively communicate and work with all levels of employees.

Nice To Haves

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Training/Experience
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Qualified Stormwater Inspector certification
Extensive technical knowledge and is considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one or more areas of environmental media.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction to NASA-KSC construction projects through all phases of project construction (e.g., project conception, preliminary engineering report, engineering design, contract preparation, and project construction) including review of construction deliverables such as shop drawings and transmittals.
Assist the NASA Project Manager and key stakeholders involved with construction activities with preparing a KSC Environmental Checklist, which helps identify potential environmental compliance requirements related to the project.
Perform a site walk-down of a facility/area as projects are being planned to assist in identifying potential environmental hazardous material/waste generation, potential environmental permit requirement awareness and other concerns related to environmental impacts and maximize recycling opportunities.
Participate in design review and pre-work meetings to ensure environmental requirements provided in the KSC Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) are communicated to the NASA Project Managers and construction contractors.
Review construction contract design packages for the applicability of KSC environmental clauses and specifications.
Perform site inspections during construction activities to monitor compliance with environmental requirements defined in the REC and partner with the NASA Project Manager to mitigate potential or existing noncompliance issues.
Provide field consultation and awareness to construction personnel regarding multimedia environmental requirements (i.e., waste management, stormwater, regulated tanks, etc.) and work with NEMCON subject matter experts for these areas.
Coordinate waste containers for use by construction projects.
Use the waste determination to select the proper, compatible container for construction project use.