What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemist position at LATA?
Job Title Environmental Scientist II
Location Columbus, Ohio
Job Type Full-Time
About LATA
Founded in 1976, LATA brings nearly 50 years of trusted expertise delivering complex technical solutions for government and commercial clients. From nuclear operations and engineering to environmental restoration, defense, intelligence, and IT services, LATA supports mission‑critical work that protects people, infrastructure, and the environment. Our success is driven by skilled professionals who value teamwork, integrity, and making a meaningful impact.
Position Summary
LATA is seeking a detail-oriented Environmental Scientist II with a background in Chemistry to support environmental consulting projects for Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and commercial clients. This role is primarily focused on analytical program management, quality planning, laboratory coordination, and environmental data validation and reporting, with limited fieldwork responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Work Plans (WPs), field standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory coordination, environmental data management systems, and regulatory compliance, and will serve as a key liaison between project teams and analytical laboratories to ensure data quality and defensibility.
Location Columbus, Ohio
Job Type Full-Time
About LATA
Founded in 1976, LATA brings nearly 50 years of trusted expertise delivering complex technical solutions for government and commercial clients. From nuclear operations and engineering to environmental restoration, defense, intelligence, and IT services, LATA supports mission‑critical work that protects people, infrastructure, and the environment. Our success is driven by skilled professionals who value teamwork, integrity, and making a meaningful impact.
Position Summary
LATA is seeking a detail-oriented Environmental Scientist II with a background in Chemistry to support environmental consulting projects for Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and commercial clients. This role is primarily focused on analytical program management, quality planning, laboratory coordination, and environmental data validation and reporting, with limited fieldwork responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Work Plans (WPs), field standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory coordination, environmental data management systems, and regulatory compliance, and will serve as a key liaison between project teams and analytical laboratories to ensure data quality and defensibility.
- Develop and maintain Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and Work Plans (WPs) in accordance with project objectives and regulatory requirements
- Develop, update, and standardize field Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for environmental sampling, handling, and documentation
- Coordinate with analytical laboratories to establish sampling protocols, analytical methods, and detection limits
- Prepare and manage bottle orders, including proper preservatives, containers, and hold times
- Generate sample labels and documentation, ensuring compliance with project-specific and regulatory requirements
- Prepare, review, and manage Chain-of-Custody (COC) documentation
- Track samples from collection through laboratory analysis and data deliverables
- Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory coordination and issue resolution
- Perform data validation and verification in accordance with EPA, DOE, and DOD guidance (e.g., Stage 2/3 validation as applicable)
- Conduct QA/QC reviews of laboratory data packages, including qualifiers, blanks, spikes, and duplicates
- Manage and analyze environmental datasets using systems such as EQuIS, ACCESS, ERPIMS, FUDSChem, and NIRIS
- Support data uploads, organization, and retrieval for client-specific data systems and regulatory databases
- Support preparation of technical reports, including data summaries, tables, figures, and appendices
- Provide technical input on data usability, quality, and interpretation for project teams
- Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards
- Follow all health, safety, and environmental protocols
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field
- 3-7 years of experience in environmental consulting, analytical laboratory coordination, or environmental data management
- Strong knowledge of QAPP development, SOP development, data validation, and QA/QC procedures
- Experience with environmental data management systems (e.g., ACCESS, ERPIMS, FUDSChem, NIRIS, EQuIS, or similar)
- Experience with analytical laboratory methods (EPA methods, detection limits, QA/QC criteria)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate across teams
- Valid driver’s license (minimal travel and fieldwork may be required)
- Experience supporting DOE or DOD projects and familiarity with CERCLA/RCRA frameworks
- Advanced experience with EQuIS and data validation tools/macros
- Familiarity with emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS)
- Experience with GIS tools (ArcGIS) for data visualization (a plus)
- OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field (preferred but not required)
- Ability to lift up to 40-50 pounds (infrequent)
- Occasional ability to work outdoors or at project sites as needed
- Opportunity to support high-profile federal and commercial environmental programs
- Key role in ensuring data quality and defensibility for regulatory decision-making
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary technical teams
- Professional development and career growth opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Salary : $103,997