Environmental Scientist I - Stormwater

Brown and Caldwell•Walnut Creek, CA

18h•$59,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Technical role supports basic evaluations, testing, and fieldwork related to toxicology, chemistry, and the physical properties of environmental media. Responsibilities include conducting field sampling, performing calculations, and assisting with technical analyses of solids, liquids, and gases. The duties may include collecting samples, performing watershed assessments, calculations, and report preparation. This role may also participate in delineations of waters of the State and US, and review of lab data from chemistry or bioassay evaluations. This position will be expected to adhere to health and safety and quality protocols of the clients and BC. The ideal candidate will have strong technical, written, and verbal skills. We are looking for someone that is highly organized and capable of working with a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and other technical staff on multiple tasks with competing priorities. The successful candidate will have a positive, can-do attitude; will be flexible and self-motivated, creative and well-organized, and quality-oriented with attention to detail.

Requirements

Foundational knowledge in one or more areas relevant to environmental or life sciences, such as aquatic and terrestrial ecology, biology, environmental science, soil science, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry or risk assessment.
Strong quantitative skills.
Ability to accurately record information.
Strong written and communications skills.
Ability to learn and apply new skills and knowledge in relevant applications of environmental science.
Typically requires a minimum of 0-2 years of environmental or life sciences experience or related experience.
Experience in learning and applying new skills.
A degree in chemistry, physics, environmental or life sciences or related field or equivalent experience is required.

Nice To Haves

Assisting field activities for stormwater, surface water, and infrastructure monitoring projects
Preparing post-storm technical memoranda describing weather, rain event hyetograph, storm flows, samples collected, monitoring issues, and unusual / unexpected circumstances.
Performing quality control (QC) reviews of laboratory reports and electronic data deliverables (EDDs)
Preparing quality assurance (QA) summary reports on EDD reviews
Developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data QC/QA reviews
Developing sampling and analysis plans (SAPs) and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs)
Preparing written technical memoranda on technical studies
Assisting with environmental studies, permitting, and compliance reviews.
Assisting with development of innovative technologies to track circulation patterns within active digesters using radionuclides
Working with continuous monitoring instruments to monitor flow, water levels, water properties (e.g., temperature, conductivity, turbidity)
Programming autosamplers and data loggers for remote operation and data download
Processing large sets of continuous data to identify and correct errors, compiling and integrating data from different continuous monitoring devices, analyzing data for trends, and performing data transformations and computations
Conducting regulatory research
Performing literature searches and archiving search results in bibliographic data
Performing data collection and documentation related to field activities, such as site investigation (soil and groundwater), and site inspections.
Performing project site visits outside the office, including commercial and industrial facilities.
Working independently and with teams to complete assignments with other team members in a hybrid / virtual office setting.
Ability and willingness to travel to support regional and national client teams.
Interacting and communicating directly with clients on behalf of Brown and Caldwell
0-3 years of experience
Proficiency in Excel, Word and basic computer skills required
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organization and communication skills with extreme attention to detail
Ability to work in a team environment and manage multiple tasks
Candidate should be a self-starter, results orientated and able to work under tight deadlines
Candidate must have current California driver's license and good driving record
Candidate must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time during the “Wet Season” to support stormwater sampling efforts.
Willing to work occasional overtime and/or off-hours as needed
Ability to work for short periods of time in extreme temperatures including heat and cold
Ability to wear required safety equipment at sites including hard hats, steel toed boots (or other approved toe protection), safety glasses, etc.
Ability to stand for several hours observing and documenting activities and conditions
Ability to operate a BC Pickup Truck to commute to jobsites and to access work areas on site
Ability to remain alert and vigilant while working around equipment and be able to walk swiftly for a short distance to clear an area where a potential hazard is identified
MS Degree in Science (Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry)

Responsibilities

Perform basic tasks in an area of specialty.
Conduct delineations of watersheds, estuaries, and other water related areas.
Document field observations and measurements and collect samples.
Assist in water quality evaluations, sediment yield evaluations, and constituent loading calculations.
Perform modeling under supervision.
Understand and follow Work Plans and established procedures.
Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.