Environmental Scientist

Description

We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the Environmental Sampling, Analysis, and Monitoring (ESAM) Section of the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. In this role, you will support NASA's Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB) by managing and overseeing field sampling activities and report deliverables. You will also provide limited support to the United States Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and Patrick Space Force Base (PSFB). This position ensures compliance with Federal, State, NASA, and Space Force regulations, as well as program and contractual requirements.

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

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage projects related to sampling activities and reporting for environmental permits, including solid waste, industrial wastewater, stormwater, groundwater, and potable water.
• Lead investigations of environmental contamination incidents or spills to assess potential impacts.
• Supervise sampling activities for waste characterization to determine transportation and disposal requirements for waste generated by tenant organizations and construction contractors.
• Support post-emergency spill response activities, including strategy development, confirmation sampling, coordination with NASA remediation personnel, and report review.
• Serve as temporary Post-Emergency Spill Cleanup Team Lead during the primary lead's absence.
• Ensure proper collection, transport, and documentation of field samples for analytical testing.
• Validate environmental analytical reports for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Review and prepare complex technical reports and regulatory deliverables, including supplementary data tables, figures, and maps.
• Manage calibration and maintenance of field sampling equipment, ensuring operational readiness and ordering supplies as needed.
• Oversee environmental laboratory subcontracts, including invoice validation and periodic site visits to ensure compliance.
• Develop procedures, internal operating instructions, and job safety analyses to support environmental compliance objectives.
• Perform administrative duties such as record keeping, inventory management, database entry, and vehicle upkeep.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to company safety policies and procedures, and reporting potential hazards or incidents.

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline with 4 years of directly related work experience.
• Active 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification preferred or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Strong knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental regulations related to compliance sampling and reporting for permits (e.g., solid waste, industrial wastewater, stormwater, potable water).
• Familiarity with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field sampling and operation of environmental field equipment.
• Proficiency in technical writing, including creating detailed reports, data tables, and spreadsheets under supervision of a Professional Geologist or Engineer.
• Ability to analyze and interpret field instrumentation data and laboratory analytical reports to provide actionable recommendations.
• Strong mathematical skills and ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations and technical information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially Word and Excel.
• Ability to pass an occupational health physical to maintain required certifications.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to thrive in a team environment, with effective communication across all levels of employees.

• Experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to produce maps depicting sampling locations, groundwater elevations and other relative information related to field activities.

• Demands of work assignments may require periodic physical exertion such as walking on uneven terrain, stooping, and possibly lifting up to 25lbs, sometimes while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in all weather conditions and sometimes for an extended period of time.