Environmental Scientist; Construction

Overview

Description We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. This position supports NASA's Environmental Management Branch (EMB) and Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB)  Environmental Scientist serves as an Environmental Point of Contact (EPOC) to ensure environmental compliance during all phases of construction projects, from concept and design through construction and closeout.

The EPOC provides environmental compliance guidance and consultation to construction projects conducted by NASA KSC organizations including NASA Construction of Facilities (CoF), NASA Local Authority Institutional Projects, and the NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program. You will work closely with the contractors awarded these projects. The role requires a general understanding of environmental regulations related to stormwater, hazardous and controlled wastes, PCBs, registered storage tanks, air emissions, and natural resources.

Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation
; U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanency is required due to the length of investigation for non-U.S. persons.

• Provide technical direction to NASA-KSC construction projects through all phases of project construction, including review of construction deliverables such as shop drawings and transmittals.
• Assist the NASA Project Manager and key stakeholders with preparing a KSC Environmental Checklist to identify potential environmental compliance requirements related to the project.
• Perform site walks to identify potential environmental hazards and waste generation, permit awareness, and opportunities to maximize recycling.
• Participate in design reviews and pre-work meetings to ensure environmental requirements provided in the KSC Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) are communicated to Project Managers and construction contractors.
• Review construction contract design packages for applicability of KSC environmental clauses and specifications.
• Conduct site inspections during construction to monitor compliance with environmental requirements defined in the REC and work with the Project Manager to mitigate noncompliance.
• Provide field consultation on multimedia environmental requirements (e.g., waste management, stormwater, regulated tanks) and collaborate with NEMCON subject matter experts.
• Coordinate waste containers for use by construction projects and determine appropriate containers for project needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, biology, or related discipline with at least 8 years of directly related work experience.
• General understanding of environmental regulations related to stormwater, hazardous and controlled wastes, PCBs, registered storage tanks, and natural resources.
• Knowledge of labeling, storage, handling, and disposal requirements for managing hazardous wastes under the large quantity generator designation.
• Understanding of operational practices on construction sites ranging from small remodeling to large-scale building construction and/or demolition.
• Ability to read, analyze and understand engineering designs, documents, and contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey precise data and terminology, potentially of a confidential nature.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Valid driver's license and eligibility for clearance at a federal facility.
• Ability to successfully pass an occupational health physical to obtain and maintain qualifications and certifications required for this work.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment with all levels of staff.

• RCRA training/experience
• FDEP Qualified Stormwater Inspector certification
• Extensive technical knowledge and SME-level expertise in one or more environmental media areas

• Demands may require periodic physical exertion such as walking on uneven terrain, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds, sometimes while wearing PPE, outdoors in all weather conditions and for extended periods.