Environmental Scientist - Joplin, MO

Opportunity

Tetra Tech is looking for a full‑time Environmental Scientist based in Joplin, MO.

Entry‑level or Junior‑level Environmental Scientist to provide support on environmental projects throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, with primary focus on investigations and removal activities at former lead mining sites in southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, including Caney, KS, Iola, KS, Cherokee County, KS, Jasper County, MO and Newton County, MO. Field work may be required at additional sites in the four‑state area.

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Collect soil samples from residential properties where permission has been granted by the property owner.
• Prepare samples for analysis via an XRF spectrometer.
• Analyze soil samples for lead and other heavy metals using an XRF spectrometer.
• Prepare field sketches and other documentation related to residential soil sampling.
• Provide oversight of excavation crews contracted to remove lead‑contaminated soils from residential properties.
• Coordinate with other project team members and residents to ensure all work is completed to the satisfaction of the EPA.
• Prepare sampling plans and health and safety plans.
• Conduct field studies requiring the collection of soil, groundwater and indoor air samples.
• Interpret sample data and prepare data summary reports.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment used during field studies.
• Support other environmental studies throughout the four‑state region.
• Work extensively outdoors and may be required for occasional overnight travel.

• Passing a criminal background check.
• Driving on a regular basis; passing a motor‑vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

• Degree:
  Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering field.
• 0 to 3 years of experience with hazardous materials, sampling of environmental media (soil, groundwater, air, etc.), environmental consulting or related activities.
• Completion of 40‑Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training and current 8‑hour HAZWOPER refresher training.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Highly motivated, customer‑focused and capable of working well in a team environment.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

• Ability to lift sample coolers and other equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear a full‑face respirator and complete an annual medical monitoring program, including pulmonary function testing.
• Extensive outdoor work within all four states during all seasons, including peak summer and winter conditions.
• Most work anticipated in the eastern Missouri area; occasional overnight travel may be required for projects outside this area.

• Full‑time position requiring roughly 20% travel.
• Generally Monday – Friday, 8 hours each day.
• Occasional overtime may occur; night and weekend hours generally not required.
• Work location is 100% field office.

• Comprehensive and market‑competitive benefits.
• Merit‑based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company‑wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
• Health, dental and vision insurance; term life; disability; accidental death & dismemberment coverage;
  Flexible Spending Account (FSA);
  Health Spending Account (HSA); time off with pay; 401(k) retirement plan;
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Tetra Tech is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and requests priority referral of veterans.