Coal Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Staff Geologist

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for mid to senior level geologists or hydrogeologists to join a growing Solid Waste and Remediation team in Denver. You will focus on contaminated site investigations and coal ash remediation at solid waste sites, with an emphasis on data analysis and preparation of clear, well-supported client reports based on field samples. The position provides a path to move from predominantly field work into a more office-based role, with strong potential for advancement into project management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct contaminated site investigations at solid waste and remediation sites, including coal combustion residual (CCR) projects at coal-fired power plants.
• Collect and analyze soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment samples in accordance with project plans and regulatory requirements.
• Perform groundwater sampling and monitoring, including groundwater modeling and contouring when applicable.
• Analyze field and laboratory data to evaluate site conditions, identify trends, and support development of conceptual site models.
• Prepare clear, detailed technical reports for clients based on field data and analytical results, including data interpretation and conclusions.
• Support site characterization activities, including scoping and planning field investigations to address data gaps identified in conceptual site models.
• Assist with corrective measures development for CCR and other remediation projects, using site data and regulatory frameworks to recommend solutions.
• Conduct Phase I environmental site assessments and related environmental evaluations as needed.
• Apply knowledge of Colorado and federal environmental regulations (including CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, and CAA) to ensure compliance in project execution.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in Denver to deliver high-quality work on a large backlog of solid waste and remediation projects.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to internal teams and clients in a professional, concise manner.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, hydrology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience collecting soil and groundwater samples in the field and overseeing sample handling and documentation.
• Proven ability to analyze environmental samples and interpret data for contaminated site investigations.
• Experience conducting contaminated site investigations involving soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.
• Strong report writing skills, with the ability to create comprehensive client reports from field and analytical data.
• Hands-on experience with remediation projects and technologies, particularly related to solid waste and coal ash remediation.
• Knowledge of groundwater concepts, including hydrogeology and groundwater flow, with exposure to groundwater modeling and contour mapping.
• Experience performing Phase I environmental site assessments and Phase I site evaluations.
• Working knowledge of Colorado and federal environmental regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, and CAA.
• Experience working on coal combustion residual (CCR) projects involving groundwater monitoring, statistical analysis evaluations, site characterization, and corrective measures development.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply conceptual site models and to critically analyze these models to identify data gaps and inform field investigation scoping.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in geochemistry is highly desirable to support advanced data interpretation and remediation design.
• Experience with environmental science and hydrology, particularly as they relate to groundwater and surface water interactions.
• Familiarity with remediation technologies used at solid waste and coal ash sites.
• Ability to transition effectively between field and office work, with interest in growing into a more data-focused, office-based role.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for evaluating complex environmental datasets.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with project teams and preparation of client deliverables.
• Interest in professional growth with opportunities to fast track into project management roles within a large national engineering firm.

Work Environment

The role involves a mix of office and field work, with the potential for up to a 50/50 split depending on project needs. You will work as part of a Denver-based team of approximately 25 professionals within a large national engineering environment. The position offers a hybrid schedule, typically requiring three days in the office each week, with the possibility of increased flexibility after the first year. Office-based work focuses on data analysis, report writing, and project coordination, while field work includes site investigations, sample collection, and monitoring activities at solid waste and coal ash remediation sites.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Denver, CO.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $40.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Denver,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.