Entry Level Environmental Specialist

Job Title: Environmental SpecialistJob Description

The Environmental Specialist works in the field handling hazardous waste and supporting environmental compliance for a wide range of clients. In this role, you work as part of a team to perform lab pack services, conduct chemical inventories, and complete audits and inspections at client facilities and laboratories. You contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, support key accounts, and demonstrate leadership through daily interactions with team members and clients.

Responsibilities

• Work in the field with hazardous waste, ensuring safe handling, packing, and disposal in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
• Perform lab pack services, including chemical segregation, labeling, packing, and preparation of materials for disposal.
• Conduct chemical inventories at client sites, accurately documenting materials, quantities, and storage conditions.
• Perform audits and inspections of facilities and laboratories to assess compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Assist leadership in developing and supporting key accounts by providing consistent, high-quality service and identifying process improvements.
• Help develop and refine standard operating procedures to improve safety, efficiency, and consistency of field operations.
• Demonstrate supervisory and leadership skills through daily interactions with team members, providing guidance, support, and positive example in the field.
• Collaborate closely with a crew of 2-5 people, including a team lead, to complete daily assignments safely and efficiently.
• Interact with clients on-site in a professional and personable manner, explaining services, answering questions, and representing the organization positively.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, moving, and packing chemical containers and equipment as part of daily field work.
• Operate and care for company vehicles and field equipment while traveling to and from various client locations.
• Adapt to changing daily assignments, client sites, and tasks, maintaining flexibility and strong attention to safety and detail.

Essential Skills

• Strong interest in working in the field with hazardous waste and environmental services.
• Experience or training in health and safety practices, including familiarity with OSHA regulations and hazardous materials handling.
• Knowledge of environmental science principles and field service operations.
• Ability to perform field surveying and site assessments in a variety of facility types.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients on a daily basis.
• Personable communication style and the ability to build rapport with clients and team members.
• Comfort with the physical aspects of the role, including packing, lifting, and disposing of chemicals and related materials.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, demonstrating leadership potential and collaborative problem-solving.
• Attention to detail in chemical segregation, labeling, documentation, and inventory management.
• Basic understanding of hazardous materials and environmental compliance requirements.
• Ability to work 8-10 hour field days starting early in the morning and adapt to varying daily tasks and locations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field.
• Environmental Science degree preferred.
• Degrees in related disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Geology, Marine Science, or similar fields are suitable.
• Prior work experience, ideally in hands-on roles or customer service; research-only experience is less preferred.
• Experience in field service or environmental field work is beneficial.
• Exposure to hazardous materials management, lab packs, or environmental compliance is an advantage.
• Familiarity with OSHA 40-hour training and OSHA health and safety standards is a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in building a career in environmental services with a willingness to grow into leadership roles.
• Motivation to participate in structured advancement programs that offer promotions and raises over a 2-2.5 year period.

Work Environment

This role is 100% field-based, working on-site at various locations throughout the Greater Boston area, including biopharmaceutical and life science companies, hospitals, and higher education institutions. There is no typical day, as assignments vary by client and project, providing exposure to diverse environments and tasks. Each day begins by reporting to the Somerville-area office, where you meet your crew and then travel together in a company vehicle to one or more client sites. You typically work on a crew of 2-5 people, including a team lead who provides guidance, direction, and support throughout the day. Standard workdays are approximately 8-10 hours, starting around 6:00 or 7:00 a.m., and involve physically active, hands-on tasks in laboratory, industrial, and institutional settings. The organization offers a strong culture of internal growth, with a structured advancement program for permanent employees that provides promotions and raises over a 2-2.5 year period. Most leadership team members have advanced from within, creating a supportive environment for professional development, field experience, and extensive client interaction.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Somerville, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

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 Somerville,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.