Field Technician

Field Technician Landfill Gas (Surface Emissions Monitoring)

The Field Technician will support operations and maintenance efforts for landfill gas projects by performing Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM) at multiple landfill sites. This role involves frequent travel in a company vehicle to landfills across California and potentially surrounding states, working outdoors in uneven terrain, collecting environmental data, and contributing to projects that protect air quality and support sustainable landfill operations.

Responsibilities

• Travel regularly to various landfill sites within California and, as needed, to surrounding states to perform Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM).
• Walk a serpentine path over landfill surfaces, including uneven ground and tall grass, while conducting SEM using a handheld wand held approximately one foot above the ground to measure emissions levels.
• Perform SEM inspections at required intervals, ranging from monthly to quarterly, in accordance with project and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, record, and organize environmental data accurately during field sampling and testing activities.
• Conduct field sampling and environmental testing related to landfill gas and surface emissions, following established procedures and safety protocols.
• Perform data entry for all collected field data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission to project teams.
• Operate and care for assigned company truck and field equipment responsibly, following all safety and maintenance guidelines.
• Work safely in outdoor environments that may include uneven terrain, tall grass, and varying weather conditions, adhering to all safety policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to support landfill gas project goals and communicate field observations clearly and professionally.
• Follow all driving, travel, and site access requirements, including adherence to traffic laws and company travel policies.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in outdoor environments that involve extensive walking, such as military, landfill, or field service roles.
• Demonstrated ability to travel frequently for work, including overnight stays when required.
• Clean driving record, with the ability to pass a three-year Motor Vehicle Report review.
• Comfort working on uneven terrain, including walking over landfill surfaces with tall grass.
• Ability to perform Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM) or willingness to learn SEM procedures.
• Basic proficiency with data collection and data entry for environmental field work.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols during environmental testing and field sampling.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when recording and reporting field data.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in landfill operations, landfill gas projects, or environmental field work is a plus.
• Background in environmental engineering, environmental testing, or related disciplines is beneficial.
• Prior field sampling or environmental data collection experience is advantageous.
• Landfill gas experience is preferred but not required; training can be provided.
• Interest in working for an employee-owned organization where growth of the company can contribute to personal financial growth.
• Appreciation for a culture that prioritizes safety and puts people first.
• Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining clear communication with project teams.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based and involves frequent travel within California and occasionally to surrounding states in a company truck. Work is performed outdoors at landfill sites, often on uneven ground and in tall grass, with substantial walking required along serpentine paths for Surface Emissions Monitoring. Conditions can vary with weather and site terrain, and the position requires comfort with working outside for extended periods. The company provides a truck for work-related travel and per diem for overnight stays. The organizational culture emphasizes safety and people first, with strong support for environmental engineering projects focused on landfill gas. The company operates as an employee-owned firm with an ESOP program, offering opportunities to share in the financial growth of the organization. Appropriate field attire and safety gear are required to meet site and safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Jose, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Jose, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.