Environmental Chemist

Environmental Chemist

GSI is seeking an Environmental Chemist to support our growing environmental remediation team that is executing technical consulting work, primarily for government clients. The Environmental Chemist will be based in Boulder, Colorado but will support projects throughout the country. Remote/telework will be considered for the right candidate depending on experience (DOE). The Environmental Chemist will understand remedial process chemistry, contaminant fate and transport in environmental matrices, and field sampling and analytical laboratory methods. The Chemist will be required to have expertise in chemical data quality management of environmental analytical data. The ideal candidate will work closely with management and senior staff and work efficiently as part of the project team. The Environmental Chemist will be capable of determining appropriate analytical methodologies, screening levels, project data needs, and the scope of testing such as matrices, methods, target analytes and measurement objectives.

Primary duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Assists in preparing work plans (e.g. Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plans [UFP-QAPP]) and other technical reports
• Develops data quality objectives (DQOs), measurement performance criteria (MPCs), and measurement quality objectives (MQOs) to meet the project-specific performance standards
• Determines appropriateness of sampling and analytical methods and laboratory quality systems
• Coordinates with the laboratory and data validator during contract execution
  • Verifies laboratory qualifications, makes recommendations for laboratory selection,
• Prepares requests for quotes from laboratories
• Prepares data validation reports or reviews subcontractor data validation reports
• Conducts or oversees all on-site analytical testing including field-screening tests; including training personnel on sample collection, labeling, packaging, and shipping techniques and preparation of labels/chains of custody.
• Collects, evaluates, compiles, and analyzes project-specific data
• Performs data review and ensures accuracy and quality of internal and external work products per contract, regulatory, and work plan specifications
• Manages analytical laboratory data, including tabulation of results and submission into various databases (e.g. EPA SEDD)
• Oversees chemistry related QA/QC activities
• Notifies the management team of any chemistry related problems or nonconformance issues and monitors corrective action, as required
• Supports the preparation of proposals for Chemistry related tasks
• Participates in client meetings
• Addresses technical comments from clients, customers, and regulators

Minimum qualifications, skills, and educational requirements include:

• Minimum 5 years of directly related environmental chemistry experience
• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, engineering, environmental, biological, physical sciences or similar related field
• An advanced degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for equivalent experience
• Knowledge of environmental analytical chemistry methodologies, chemistry of remedial treatment technology, chemical fate and transport, and experience in the sampling and analysis of toxic/hazardous chemicals in environmental matrices.
• Familiarity with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Familiarity with DoD QSM and DoD ELAP
• Good working knowledge of word-processing and integrated software applications including MS Office and MS Excel
• Ability to work on multiple projects of various size and scope
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a project team
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Ability to pass a background check (as required for project work)

Desirable skills and experience include:

• Experience with Department of Defense projects and supporting the USACE, US Army, USAF, and/or NAVFAC clients and customers
• Experience with the National Environmental Policy Act
• Experience with federal analytical databases, such as FUDSChem, ERPIMS, HQAES, and NIRIS.
• Experience with emerging contaminants (e.g. PFAS compounds)
• Familiarity with the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP)

Travel requirements include minimal travel expected about 0-5% of the year; overnight travel is required. Travel is anticipated to consist primarily of client visits, conferences, and work at partner offices across the United States.