Environmental Scientist

Job Title: Senior Environmental Scientist / Geologist - Phase I & II ESA and RemediationJob Description

This role leads Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and supports Phase II ESAs and remediation projects from initial scoping through final reporting. You will oversee multiple concurrent projects, mentor junior staff, and serve as a key technical resource on environmental due diligence, soil characterization, and regulatory programs. The position offers a strong, family-oriented culture within an employee-owned firm, flexible scheduling, and clear professional growth opportunities, including support for licensure and continued education.

Responsibilities

• Lead Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) from start to finish, including planning, field investigations, data review, and preparation of final reports.
• Perform and oversee environmental remediation and due diligence activities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and project requirements.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, including Phase I and Phase II ESA documentation, environmental compliance reports, and related deliverables.
• Review and approve technical reports prepared by junior staff, providing detailed feedback to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with standards and regulations.
• Oversee and mentor junior staff members, providing day-to-day guidance, training, and professional development support in environmental assessment and remediation practices.
• Communicate regularly with clients and key stakeholders to provide project updates, clarify technical issues, and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with Phase II ESAs, including planning and execution of soil sampling, site characterization, and environmental monitoring activities.
• Characterize soil for disposal using LPC-663 forms or Subtitle D profiling, ensuring proper documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Utilize expertise in environmental science and geology to guide sites through the Illinois EPA Site Remediation Program (SRP) and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs.
• Coordinate and manage 4-5 or more projects at a time, balancing office-based tasks and field activities while meeting schedules and quality standards.
• Support environmental compliance efforts, including site assessments, monitoring, and documentation for residential, solar, and commercial projects.
• Apply project management skills to organize resources, track progress, and deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Ensure safe work practices on site and in the office, including adherence to OSHA HAZWOPER requirements and company safety policies.
• Collaborate closely with a team of environmental professionals to share knowledge, improve processes, and contribute to a positive, supportive team environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of environmental remediation and due diligence experience, with a strong focus on Phase I ESAs.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, including site reconnaissance, records review, and report preparation.
• Strong technical report writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-supported environmental reports.
• Experience reviewing and quality-checking environmental reports prepared by others.
• Thorough knowledge and hands-on experience with the Illinois EPA Site Remediation Program (SRP) and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs.
• Background in environmental science, geology, or related disciplines, including site assessment and environmental monitoring.
• Experience with Phase II environmental site assessments, including soil sampling, site characterization, and environmental remediation activities.
• Proficiency in soil sampling, soil characterization for disposal, and use of LPC-663 forms or Subtitle D profiling.
• Project management experience, including overseeing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering them from initiation through completion.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• 40-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification or the ability to renew or obtain this certification.
• Personable, collaborative, and eager to learn and share knowledge within a team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with environmental compliance activities across residential, solar, and commercial project types.
• Familiarity with asbestos-related considerations within environmental site assessments.
• Experience in environmental monitoring and oversight of remediation activities.
• Background in geology, including subsurface characterization and interpretation of soil and site conditions.
• Prior experience mentoring or supervising junior environmental staff.
• Interest in obtaining or maintaining a Professional Geologist (PG) license, with the opportunity for a pay increase upon licensure.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, including additional training, education, and certifications supported by tuition reimbursement.

Work Environment

This role operates within a collaborative environmental team of approximately seven professionals, where you will typically oversee 4-5 or more projects at a time. The position is approximately 85% office-based and 15% field-based, with one remote workday per week available. Fieldwork includes site visits for soil sampling, site assessments, and environmental monitoring, supported by access to a company vehicle for site days or mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle. Project work spans residential, solar, and commercial sites, offering a diverse portfolio of environmental challenges. The organization offers flexible start and end times to support work-life balance and maintains a culture that combines the stability of a corporate structure with the close-knit feel of a family business. As an employee-owned company, the work environment emphasizes long-term commitment and shared success, supported by stock incentives, a 401(k) with company match, an ESOP retirement plan, and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance. Paid time off accumulates from the start of full-time employment, with an initial equivalent of 13 days plus additional holidays, and increases with tenure. The company also offers tuition reimbursement for relevant training and education, along with a pay increase upon attaining a professional geologist license, reinforcing a culture that values professional growth and continuous learning. Dress expectations are professional yet practical, appropriate for both office work and occasional field activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carol Stream, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $53.00/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 Carol Stream,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 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.