Geologist/Environmental Engineer, Entry Level
Barr Engineering Co.
About the Role
Barr is seeking a geologist or environmental engineer for our Seattle, Washington office. This is a hybrid role supporting the Assessment and Remediation business unit. You will work on projects involving the investigation, evaluation, and remediation of contaminated sites for public sector and mining clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection using foundational geology and engineering principles.
- Assist with the analysis of environmental data and contribute to the development of remediation and reclamation approaches.
- Help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation.
- Assist in tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
- Contribute to the evaluation of site conditions and identification of potential solutions to environmental challenges.
- Apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
- Produce clear field notes, chain-of-custodies, internal and external client emails, data summaries, figures, and draft report sections.
- Provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
Assignments may include:
- Assisting with environmental site assessments.
- On-site investigations of contaminated sediment, soil, groundwater, surface water, and vapor.
- Aquifer test performance and analysis.
- Construction observation.
- Development of site conceptual models.
- Preparation of drilling logs, geologic maps, cross-sections, and technical reports.
- Assisting with the preparation of technical work plans, cost estimates, and contracts.
- Helping to develop remediation and reclamation strategies and designs.
- Completing feasibility studies.
- Preparing plans and specifications.
- Observing sediment coring, drilling and monitoring well installation.
- Classifying sediment, soil and bedrock samples.
- Collecting and processing sediment, surface water and tissue samples for field screening and laboratory analysis.
About The Opportunity
- Hybrid: A hybrid work arrangement may be considered, splitting time between a Barr office and a home office.
- Travel: Willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs. Up to 50% travel and 75% fieldwork expected.
- Work environment: Ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain, limited accessibility, moving machinery, and conditions typical of industrial facilities. Work may involve water, waste disposal sites, and hazardous material cleanup sites. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Drug screening may be required by specific clients.
Physical Requirements For The Role Will Include
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain).
- Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work individually in remote locations and on locations on or near water.
- Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
- Ability to safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Microsoft Office Suite: Strong computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Driver's license: Possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geological engineering, environmental engineering, or a related degree.
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Legal Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
- Core Competencies: Adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn, comfortable asking thoughtful questions, high level of attention to detail, ownership of assigned tasks, reliability, safety awareness, growth mindset, teamwork, quality, and integrity.
Helpful Additional Experience (not Required)
- Education: Master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geological, or environmental engineering or a related degree.
- Experience: 1–3 years of experience working on environmental sites.
- Training: 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
- Licenses/certifications: Fundamentals of Geology (FG) certified and/or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certified or ability to obtain certification within one year.
- Environmental Regulations: Familiarity with environmental regulations.
Compensation
- Anticipated range: $68,000–$76,000 annually.
- Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors.
- May be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus.
- Classified as exempt (salaried).