Field Scientist

Job Description

General Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about protecting public health and the environment, curious about the construction of building systems, possesses the necessary certifications for asbestos and lead inspections and is familiar with a microscope. This individual will perform building inspections, conduct abatement oversight, and will assist project managers with industrial hygiene projects as part of due diligence, or in anticipation of renovation or demolition activities at a site.

The individual selected for this position will be a Certified Asbestos Building Inspector and spend the majority of their time performing asbestos, lead paint, and regulated building material inspections. Job duties necessary for this work includes collection of field documentation, collection of bulk samples, review of laboratory documents, and data reporting. As an asbestos Air Monitoring Specialist, the candidate will be responsible for oversight during asbestos abatement, which includes contractor interaction, operation of field air monitoring equipment, collection of daily field documentation, and on-site analysis of air samples by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).

Industrial hygiene inspections may include noise surveys, radon testing, mold and moisture evaluations, and/or other sampling monitoring such as silica, metals, lead, and data reporting.

Although the primary focus of this position will be to perform industrial hygiene and asbestos work, opportunities to assist with other tasks within the Environmental Department may arise, including: performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, or field work involving evaluation and sampling of environmental media which often include air, groundwater, sediment, and soil.

The candidate will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining field monitoring equipment and company vehicles. Candidate will be required to adhere to strict company health and safety standards.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible, and personable individual with an eye for detail, a willingness to learn, and a desire to be part of a growing and high-performing team. This is a project-focused position. Typically not focused on one project for too long. Terracon is an employee-owned organization that creates earth-to-sky solutions with down-to-earth people.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Ability to work independently to perform building inspections for asbestos-containing building materials in accordance with Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) guidelines and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation No. 8, Part B.
• Conduct inspection activities and oversight during soil disturbing activities which may impact regulated asbestos contaminated soil (RACS) per CDPHE Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission, Hazardous and Solid Waste Division 6 CCR 1007-2, Part 1-Regulations Pertaining to Solid Waste Sites and Facilities, Section 5.5.
• Performing field tests which often include multiple tasks and services, ranging in complexity, as directed and required.
• Independently perform air monitoring and visual inspections during asbestos abatement projects.
• Collecting samples of painted coatings (via paint chip or XRF) in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
• Operation, calibration, and maintenance of field monitoring equipment such as high- and low- volume pumps, calibration devices, and PID or combustible gas indicators.
• Collection of noise level data at industrial and/or commercial settings.
• Identification and sample collection of building materials exhibiting suspect microbial growth.
• Performing indoor air quality assessments.
• Tabulating field notes, documents, and data for written reports in a timely manner.
• Assist with report preparation by reviewing and summarizing data, and creating site maps for inclusion within reports and developing conclusions and recommendations with support from Project Managers.
• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Maintaining quality standards on all projects, using applicable platforms and systems.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related science field. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 1 year related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years’ related experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
  
  

Preferred Certification:

• Certification(s) in field of expertise. Examples include:
• CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Building Inspector (CABI)
• CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Air-Monitoring Specialist (AMS)
• Lead Paint Inspector and / or Risk Assessor
• Mold Technician
• 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate (with an up-to-date 8-hour annual refresher course certification).
• Other national, regional, state, and local environmental related certifications requiring experience and written examination will also be considered if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.

Terracon’s Total Rewards program is an important way we create an engaging workplace for you, define and acknowledge success and give you ways to explore new avenues for your career.  Our Total Rewards includes compensation, benefits (including employee ownership), recognition and training & development. Terracon considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, work location, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. Terracon anticipates paying $58,000 to $70,000 within the salary range for this position.

About Terracon

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.

EEO Statement

Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.