Geologist/Hydrogeologist - Environmental Consultant

Position Overview

Meridian Energy & Environment, LLC is seeking an experienced Geologist/Hydrogeologist to support a diverse and growing portfolio of environmental investigation, remediation, due diligence, Brownfields, and industrial consulting projects.

Meridian's projects and clients vary considerably. The successful candidate should be comfortable adapting technical approaches to site-specific conditions, regulatory requirements, client objectives, schedules, and budgets. The responsibilities listed below represent the general range of work that may be assigned; individual projects may involve only a portion of these activities.

This role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating with Meridian’s group of experienced environmental professionals on multidisciplinary and complex projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in geology and hydrogeology, experience managing environmental investigations, a practical understanding of contaminant fate and transport, and the ability to develop technically sound, practical, and cost-effective solutions for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with current ASTM standards and the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage Phase II environmental investigations involving soil, groundwater, soil vapor, surface water, and other environmental media, as appropriate.
• Develop site-specific investigation strategies and sampling plans based on geology, hydrogeology, historical operations, potential contaminant sources, regulatory requirements, and client objectives.
• Oversee drilling, soil boring installation, monitoring well installation, well development, groundwater sampling, and related field activities.
• Evaluate site geology and hydrogeologic conditions, including groundwater flow direction, hydraulic gradients, aquifer characteristics, and contaminant migration pathways.
• Interpret analytical data and evaluate the nature and extent of contamination, contaminant fate and transport, and potential environmental risks.
• Prepare potentiometric surface maps, geologic cross sections, conceptual site models, and other technical evaluations.
• Prepare technical reports, investigation work plans, regulatory submittals, and recommendations for additional investigation, remediation, monitoring, or site closure.
• Support Brownfields, Voluntary Cleanup, underground storage tank, and other state and federal regulatory cleanup programs.
• Evaluate environmental risks associated with property acquisition, redevelopment, financing, and industrial operations.
• Coordinate drilling contractors, laboratories, surveyors, and other environmental subcontractors and specialty consultants.
• Communicate directly with clients, property owners, regulatory agencies, attorneys, engineers, and other project stakeholders.
• Conduct site inspections and environmental field activities at commercial and industrial properties.
• Provide technical support to Meridian's industrial environmental compliance practice, including stormwater, wastewater, waste management, and other regulatory programs, as needed.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, subcontractors, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with Meridian's experienced professionals to develop practical, technically defensible, and client-focused solutions.
• Initially support business development through preparation of proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates. As familiarity with Meridian's clients and services develops, progressively contribute to client relationship management, identification of project opportunities, and development of new work.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or a closely related field.
• At least five years of environmental consulting experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
• Experience conducting and managing soil and groundwater investigations.
• Working knowledge of groundwater hydrology, contaminant fate and transport, environmental sampling techniques, and interpretation of laboratory analytical data.
• Experience with drilling, monitoring well installation, groundwater sampling, and environmental field investigations.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state environmental regulations, including CERCLA and RCRA.
• Strong technical writing, analytical data interpretation, report preparation, proposal development, cost-estimating, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently plan and manage field investigations and projects, including scope, schedules, budgets, subcontractors, deadlines, and communication with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Valid driver's license and ability to perform periodic fieldwork and travel to project sites.
• Eligibility and willingness to obtain Professional Geologist registration within two years of employment. Current PG registration is preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex environmental and analytical data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and technical judgment.
• Ability to balance technical requirements, regulatory expectations, client objectives, risk, schedule, and cost.
• Client-focused approach and interest in developing long-term client relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and environmental data management tools.
• Willingness and ability to progressively assume greater responsibility for client relationships, identifying project opportunities, and securing new work.

Preferred

• Master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with South Carolina and North Carolina Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup, Underground Storage Tank, and contaminated-site regulatory programs.
• Experience developing conceptual site models and evaluating contaminant fate and transport.
• Experience with groundwater modeling, aquifer testing, slug testing, or other hydrogeologic characterization techniques.
• Experience with remediation systems, monitored natural attenuation, risk-based corrective action, and regulatory site closure.
• Experience with industrial facilities and environmental compliance programs.
• Current 40-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
• Experience with GIS, groundwater contouring, geologic cross sections, or environmental visualization software is beneficial.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory programs in South Carolina, North Carolina, and other southeastern states is a plus.

Work Environment

This position includes a combination of work performed in Meridian's office, at client and project locations, and remotely from home when appropriate for the assignment. The amount of field, office, client-site, and remote work will vary based on project requirements, schedules, and client needs.

Periodic travel to commercial and industrial project sites is required. Field assignments may involve outdoor work in varying weather conditions and oversight of drilling, sampling, monitoring, and other environmental investigation activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Meridian offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance-based bonuses, health benefits, paid time off, retirement plan options, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Meridian Energy & Environment, LLC is a full service environmental engineering firm with expertise and focus on the energy sector as well as other industrial sectors. Our goal is to provide added value to our clients through creative strategies, designs, and approaches to complex environmental issues.