Project Scientist

JOB TITLE: Project Scientist 

EMPLOYER: Peak Environmental - A Nova Group, GBC Company

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Scientist is responsible for supporting environmental due diligence, site investigation, and remediation projects by performing technical, regulatory, field, administrative, and financial tasks appropriate to the experience level for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Work and Technical Execution

A Project Scientist supports the Company work product by demonstrating proficiency with field procedures, actively participating in project teams, generating data of known quality to support remedial decisions and regulatory filings, coordinating field events, following technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), generating and uploading field documentation, and preparing data summary tables and drawings that meet Company standards.

• Coordinate field events with team members, laboratories, contractors, and equipment providers; lead field teams as assigned.
• Execute project team field plans, including site safety, third-party communication, contractor coordination, sample location selection, sample handling, field notes, waste management, quality assurance, and project file uploads.
  • Oversee drilling for soil sampling and monitoring well installation, including drilling location selection, lithologic logging, sample interval selection, sample collection and handling, and final well construction specifications.
  • Conduct groundwater and surface water sampling in accordance with work plans, including field measurements, intake depth selection, sample collection and handling, waste management, data sheets, quality assurance, and certified field-parameter instrument operation.
  • Conduct vapor and indoor air sampling in accordance with work plans, including field measurements, sample location selection, sample collection and handling, vapor sample data sheets, field notes, and quality assurance.

Data, Reporting, and Regulatory Support

• Manage and interpret field measurements, readings, and laboratory data; summarize results in appropriate forms, tables, and drawings; prepare and submit NJDEP EDD files. 
• Perform well searches, receptor evaluations, public notification, and biennial certification tasks in accordance with Company SOPs and regulations.
• Research, summarize, and compile historical and database reviews for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments under ASTM 1527 and NJDEP Preliminary Assessments under NJDEP Technical Requirements.
• Complete regulatory forms to accompany report submittals to NJDEP and other regulatory authorities.
• Draft technical reports and memos based on field sampling results; populate report templates, insert appropriate boilerplate text, and explain data interpretation and regulatory applicability.
• Manage technical, communication, and management files associated with the project to ensure efficient preparation of deliverables.
• Oversee subcontractors performing drilling, excavation, and other remediation-related work.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities

A Project Scientist supports Company financials and administrative processes by accurately entering information into the appropriate Company systems and completing required records in a timely manner.

• Complete timesheets daily.
• Meet a minimum utilization goal of 85%.
• Complete expense reports daily.
• Enter field equipment and material usage into Company financial software.
• Communicate discrepancies between planned and actual costs or expenses.
• Request and review proposals from vendors and contractors.
• Independently seek new assignments from PMs and SPMs.

Operations, Safety, and Training

A Project Scientist supports Company operations by efficiently following, supporting, and implementing procedures and programs that create consistency across project work.

• Follow administrative SOPs.
• Understand and use applicable technical references, especially the NJDEP Field Sampling Procedures Manual.
• Manage project files.
• Support the Company Health & Safety Program.
• Actively participate in technical and regulatory training sessions.
• Participate in project or task closeout meetings and communications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum two years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Required certificates, licenses, and registrations include OSHA 40-hour Certification, OSHA 8-hour Refresher Course, and OSHA Respirator Fit Test under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120; training provided if needed.
• Required computer skills: internet software and Microsoft Office 365.
• Other skills required:

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively with customers or employees.
• Environmental sampling experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives on time for meetings and appointments.
• Communications - Shares required and relevant information promptly with supervisors, Peak team members, and project team members using Company communication tools.
• Analytical - Collects representative soil, groundwater, air, and other media samples; produces quality data; and presents data in tables and figures.
• Design - Demonstrates attention to detail in sampling programs and ensures table and figure accuracy.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly and contributes effectively to project team problem solving.
• Project Management - Communicates changes and progress; completes work on time and on budget; and supports PMs and SPMs with planning, scheduling, and routine task delegation.
• Organization Skills – Identifies, prioritizes, tracks, and completes tasks on time and on budget.
• Technical Skills - Builds technical knowledge through training and development; works independently and collaboratively; and communicates technical methods, concepts, and results verbally and in writing.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs and service requests; meets commitments set by senior team members; builds effective relationships with clients, vendors, and external representatives; and elevates potential opportunities.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget.
• Safety and Security – Complies with the Company Health and Safety Program at project sites, follows office safety and security procedures, and reports potentially unsafe conditions to management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
• Work may include outdoor fieldwork in all seasons, physical hazards, and potential chemical exposure.

Apply Here!

WORKING FOR NOVA GROUP, GBC

Nova Group, GBC (Nova) is a privately held environmental and structural engineering consulting firm based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Founded in 1987, Nova provides commercial real estate debt and equity due diligence, construction, sustainability, energy, environmental compliance, remediation, and related advisory services to our international client base.

Our diverse service portfolio creates many career paths, and we look for people who want to learn, grow, and build skills across multiple areas of the business.

As a General Benefit Corporation, Nova aligns its corporate values with its business practices and recognizes that its role extends beyond profitability. We are committed to measuring our impact across four key areas: the environment, our communities, our clients, and our employees.

Nova offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible paid time off; paid volunteer time; a 401(k) plan; and other employee benefits. We also support flexible and remote work arrangements because we understand that personal demands do not only happen after 5 p.m.

Our culture is successful because we trust our teams to be accountable to one another and to our clients.

Nova supports professional development through career ladders, training programs, continuing education, and support for certifications and licenses. We also create opportunities for employees to build skills on the job through mentorship, shadowing, and exposure to senior staff.

We want employees to feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to continue developing their skills and careers.

Apply Here!