Environmental Associate

True Pani Inc., an environmental consulting and communications firm, is seeking an environmental associate to join a passionate team tackling water quality projects focused on drinking water.

The position is full-time. Candidates must be based in Richmond, VA or willing to immediately relocate (a $2,000 relocation stipend will be provided) and be available to start work as soon as possible no later than April 25, 2025.

The position will include traveling to client sites and collecting water samples. This may include frequent travel, fieldwork, and staying on-site for projects (overnight) for weeks at a time. During days when travel is not required, work will be completed remotely from a home office. Travel to client sites and traveling typically happens early in the mornings, so some days may be a schedule of 7 to 4, with an hour lunch break.

The interview process will consist of three rounds of interviews
, the third interview is technical in nature.

• Coordinate and schedule sampling visits. Sampling visits may include traveling to public water systems across Virginia to collect drinking water samples at Entry Points to the Distribution System (EPTDS), including wells, treatment plants, and storage facilities. Sampling visits may also include collecting point of use stagnant samples for lead at schools and child care facilities or other types of drinking water sampling visits.
• Create sampling plans.
• Maintain sampling supplies, equipment inventory, and vehicle readiness.
• Accurately complete chain of custody documentation, sample labeling, and sample shipping within required time frames. Support quality assurance/quality control activities, including field blanks, duplicates, and documentation review.
• Conduct outreach (phone calls and emails) to clients; coordinate with water operators and personnel to schedule sampling visits, ensure site access, or confirm appointments.
• Manage and analyze project data as directed.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors regarding schedule changes, access issues, or unusual field conditions.
• Write technical reports as directed.
• Travel to sample sites and collect water samples adhering to sample collection and safety protocols.
• Follow state and federal sampling protocols (e.g., EPA and Virginia Department of Health requirements) to ensure regulatory compliance and data integrity. Field samplers must follow a strict protocol to minimize the potential for sample contamination when sampling for PFAS including but not limited to:
  • No clothing or boots that contain Gore‑Tex™
  • Safety boots must be made from polyurethane or PVC
  • Rainwear must be made from polyurethane or PVC only
  • Water‑, oil‑, and stain‑resistant materials must not be handled prior to sample collection (i.e. Food packaging and wrappers, Tyvek clothing, plastic clipboards, face masks, etc.)
  • Clothing worn during sampling should not be washed with fabric softener
  • No cosmetics, moisturizers, hand cream, sunscreen, insect repellent, or other related products can be used prior to sampling
• Collect information on a digital device while in the field.
• Travel to client meetings and review existing water infrastructure plan documents.
• Represent the organization professionally when interacting with utility staff, local officials, and community members.

The majority of work for this role will be on projects within True Pani’s drinking water project portfolio (e.g., lead, PFAS). The Environmental Associate will work to complete tasks (e.g., sample collection, coordinating travel, reporting, data management, project outreach) as delegated. Environmental Associates will have the opportunity to interface with clients, and travel to site visits, client meetings, and conferences.

Successful individuals in this role are highly motivated and able to work both within teams and independently. Candidates should be able to anticipate work that needs to be completed and be able to “wear many hats” by assisting with various duties across several projects.

The position may require walking around client sites, may include climbing stairs, and may require lifting up to 50 pounds. We will train the right person to collect building water samples…