Entry Level Field Scientist

About the Role

August Mack Environmental, Inc. is seeking an Entry Level Field Scientist. This role supports environmental field operations and requires a hands-on, safety-conscious professional eager to learn and adapt in dynamic field environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform task-oriented work with instruction.
• Act as Site Supervisor/H&S Officer on most project work.
• Understand and apply safety considerations for projects.
• Develop competency in core tasks:
• Groundwater Sampling (Low-Flow, Grab, Peristaltic, & Bailer Techniques)
• Monitoring Well Installation (Direct-Push, Hollow Stem Auger, etc.)
• Vapor Intrusion Studies (Leak Testing, Equipment Construction, etc.)
• Sample collection for soil, groundwater, vapor, etc.
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Develop competency in two or more additional tasks based on project needs:
• Stormwater Sampling
• Asbestos, lead, mold, radon, indoor air quality (IAQ), and industrial hygiene inspections and sampling
• Provide manual labor support to Operations & Maintenance (O&M).
• Provide manual labor support to Remedial Construction as needed.
• Oversight and sampling related to excavations.
• Oversight of construction/redevelopment projects.
• Renewable energy reconnaissance.
• Verify public and private utility locates have been completed and are appropriately marked before performing any work.
• Setup job sites, complete load lists, and perform on-site work.
• Assist with subcontractor management, health & safety oversight, and paperwork.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment for safe operation.
• Identify potential sources of contamination when working on a job site.
• Accurately prepare field documentation based on project-specific requirements.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); some activities performed in Level C PPE with respirator(s).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Strong computer and verbal/written communication skills are a must.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously for extended periods (up to 10–12 hours/day) and work in a construction environment around heavy equipment.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling in varied terrain and confined spaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally moving heavier loads with assistance or equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, access elevated or below-grade work areas, and work on uneven surfaces.
• Perform repetitive physical tasks such as assembling equipment, collecting samples, and setting up job sites.
• Operate hand and power tools.
• Operate and calibrate a variety of sampling equipment.
• Learn how to operate machinery, such as a scissor or boom lift, skid steer, etc., with precision and control.
• Willingness to consistently work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, ice, rain, snow, wind).
• Willingness to work in environments with possible exposure to hazardous materials/waste and conditions/worksites.
• Ability to wear and work in Level C PPE in order to complete tasks, including respirators, Tychem/Tyvek suits, gloves, and safety boots, for extended durations when required by project conditions.
• Willingness and ability to travel to job sites, sometimes on short notice.
• Comfortable working in remote or undeveloped locations with limited amenities.
• Strong visual acuity for reading instruments, maps, and documentation.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions and safety signals in noisy environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form, including reading and interpreting safety instructions and technical documents.
• Mental alertness to follow safety protocols, operate vehicles/equipment, and respond to changing field conditions.
• Maintain situational awareness and apply safety protocols in dynamic field environments.
• Use visual and auditory senses to monitor equipment, detect hazards, and communicate effectively with team members.
• 90% field/site visit travel, 10% office.
• Travel may involve day trips or extended trips with overnights.
• Positions average 4 hours of paid overtime per week, with potential for more.
• Some assignments require intermittent 24-hour on-call duty and/or shift work.
• Must be able to complete a successful background check, motor vehicle review, and pre-employment drug screen.
• Requires the use of a personal or company vehicle on company business. A current, valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable driving record are required. Must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA HAZWOPER standards, including completion of annual medical evaluations.
• Employees operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are subject to regular, random drug testing in compliance with DOT requirements.
• Employees must maintain an active cell phone for work-related coordination.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or a related science field OR a high school diploma or equivalency and some construction or labor experience.
• Introductory understanding of environmental sampling (soil, water, vapor, stormwater, etc.).
• Understanding of building construction and materials.
• General knowledge of safety practices, regulatory compliance, and utility locate procedures.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for maintaining tools and vehicles.
• Familiar with PPE use, including respirators when required.

Beneficial Certifications

• 40-hour Hazardous Waste Site Operation (HAZWOPER)
• First Aid (FA)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• RCRA Certification
• USDOT HAZMAT Certification
• Asbestos Building Inspector
• Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor