Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist

About the Role

ERG is seeking a highly motivated Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support research and development activities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development. This position is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in air quality monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric research, environmental data analysis, laboratory operations, and field studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, laboratory research, and field data collection activities
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental sensors, air monitoring instruments, and scientific equipment
• Assist with environmental sampling, field measurements, and monitoring campaigns
• Support research involving aerosol measurements, particulate matter monitoring, air pollution, environmental sensors, and exposure assessment
• Collect, organize, manage, and review environmental and air quality data
• Perform basic data analysis using scientific, statistical, or computational methods
• Assist with laboratory testing and instrument performance evaluations
• Review data for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements
• Support implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities
• Prepare data summaries, figures, tables, presentations, and technical reports
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, field logs, and project documentation
• Follow laboratory, field, and workplace health and safety procedures
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and project managers to support project objectives
• Travel to field locations or EPA facilities as needed
• Perform other environmental research- and monitoring-related duties as assigned

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to work on-site in laboratory, office, and field environments
• R, Python, MATLAB, or Microsoft Excel for scientific or environmental data analysis is preferred
• Familiarity with EPA monitoring programs, environmental measurement methods, QAPPs, or SOPs is a plus
• Experience preparing technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, tables, or figures is a plus
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate technical records
• Experience or coursework in two or more of the following areas is preferred:
• Air quality monitoring or environmental monitoring
• Air pollution measurement or air monitoring instrumentation
• Environmental sensor or sensor evaluation
• Aerosol science or aerosol measurements
• Particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10
• Atmospheric science or environmental exposure assessment
• Scientific or environmental instrumentation
• Instrument calibration and performance testing
• Laboratory safety or environmental field studies
• Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Data Science, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
• Zero to five years of relevant experience, including internships, cooperative education programs, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, field sampling, or environmental monitoring
• Demonstrated interest in air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric science, particulate matter, exposure assessment, or environmental data analysis
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• This is an on-site position at EPA research facilities
• Field activities may account for approximately 25%–50% of work time, depending on project needs
• Work may take place in laboratories, offices, outdoor field locations, and other monitoring environments
• Occasional lifting of equipment or materials weighing up to 35 pounds may be required
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, protective footwear, and other equipment as appropriate, is required
• Some travel to field sites may be required