Environmental Scientist Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: Environmental Scientist Department: Environmental Services / Science & Research / Compliance Location: [City, State] — On-site / Hybrid / Field-Based Reports To: Senior Environmental Scientist / Environmental Manager / Principal Consultant Employment Type: Full-Time About [Company Name] [Company Name] is a [consulting / energy / government / manufacturing] organization committed to responsible environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and science-based decision-making. Our environmental science team manages [site assessments / ecological monitoring / permitting / remediation oversight] projects across [geographic region], partnering with regulatory agencies and clients to achieve measurable environmental outcomes. About the Role We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to conduct field investigations, analyze environmental data, prepare regulatory submissions, and support compliance programs across air, water, and soil media. In this role, you will design and execute sampling programs, interpret laboratory analytical results, apply GIS tools for spatial analysis, and author technical reports that meet EPA and state agency standards. You will collaborate with project managers, regulatory agencies, and clients to navigate complex permitting and compliance requirements and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Key Responsibilities • Design and implement field sampling programs for soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and air quality investigations using EPA-approved methods • Collect, log, and document environmental samples following chain-of-custody protocols; coordinate sample submission to certified analytical laboratories • Review and interpret laboratory analytical data against applicable regulatory standards (MCLs, RSLs, RCRA standards, state cleanup criteria) • Prepare Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment reports in accordance with ASTM E1527 and E1903 standards • Develop and maintain NPDES stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs), spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plans, and Title V air permit compliance documentation • Apply ArcGIS and QGIS to create environmental maps, spatial datasets, and GIS deliverables for regulatory submissions and client reports • Conduct ecological field surveys including wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species assessments, and habitat evaluations under USFWS guidelines • Prepare NEPA documents (environmental assessments, environmental impact statements) including alternatives analyses and cumulative impact evaluations • Support remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) work at contaminated sites including data gap analysis, risk assessments, and cleanup goal development • Maintain environmental compliance calendars, permit condition tracking, and regulatory correspondence files for assigned client accounts Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or closely related field • 2+ years of experience in environmental consulting, government environmental programs, or a corporate environmental compliance role • 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification (current within last 3 years) or willingness to obtain prior to fieldwork • Proficiency with ArcGIS or QGIS for spatial data analysis and map production • Experience with EPA analytical methods, data validation, laboratory data interpretation, and comparison to applicable regulatory standards • Strong technical writing skills with demonstrated ability to produce clear, defensible environmental reports and regulatory correspondence • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites; willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions Nice to Have • Professional Geologist (P.G.) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) licensure or active pursuit thereof • Wetland Delineation certification or demonstrated experience with Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional determination processes • Experience with CERCLA remedial investigation process, RCRA corrective action, or Brownfields assessment programs • Proficiency in R or Python for environmental data analysis, statistical modeling, or automated reporting workflows What We Offer • Base salary: $55,000–$95,000 depending on experience, certifications, and licensure • Professional licensure sponsorship (P.G., P.E., CEP) with exam fee reimbursement • Full medical, dental, and vision coverage • 401(k) with [X]% employer match • Paid time off: [X] days vacation + [X] holidays • Field safety gear and equipment allowances • Conference attendance and professional development budget • Hybrid schedule options for non-field project weeks