Entry Level Computer Scientist Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding an Environmental Scientist Chemist to our team based in Pittsburgh.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Responsibilities:
This is a full time entry level position. Primary duty will be to act as data validation chemist, specializing in organic and/or inorganic analytical chemistry theory and methods, for CERCLA/RCRA type of environmental investigations. This position is in-office and local candidates will be given priority. US citizenship is required for this position due to the clients we serve.
This specialist will prepare validation reports, review analytical laboratory data packages, and apply data qualifications in an analytical database. Assist the validation manager and project managers on all aspects of environmental chemistry needed to support an environmental investigation (including data validation, analytical database tracking and support, data interpretation, laboratory and field analytical methods evaluation and selection, preparation of quality assurance project plans [data quality objectives], and data quality assessment). Responsibilities include data validation/data evaluation per EPA National Functional Guidelines and other EPA regional, state and client-specific data validation protocol.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Act as project chemist for environmental investigations (i.e., assist/advise project managers on all aspects of environmental chemistry needed to support environmental studies).
• Advise project managers and other technical experts regarding chemistry theory and methods.
• Perform data validation/data evaluation per EPA National Functional Guidelines, Department of Defense (DoD) modules, and other EPA regional, state and client-specific data validation protocol.
• Prepare quality assurance project plans and data quality assessment reports, and assist in the identification of project data quality objectives.
• Assist the Data Validation Group Manager in tracking/managing data validation deliverables.
• Input analytical and field data and qualifiers, format database files received on diskette, print out data summary files. Assist with the organization of incoming data and electronic files.
• Assist in the organization, management, and manipulation of project specific databases for purposes of conducting statistical analysis, conducting risk and nature and extent of contamination evaluations, and other types of evaluation.
• Assist in the preparation and QA of chemicals of potential concern selection tables under the direction of risk assessment personnel. Assist in the update and maintenance of toxicity criteria and ARARs databases.
• Assist in the preparation/QA of nature and extent of contamination tables/text and risk assessment spreadsheet deliverables/text under the direction of risk assessment and other technical personnel.
• The position requires an individual to work well both independently and as part of a team and be detail oriented.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline, knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in Chemistry (or related science) required.
• One year experience in an analytical laboratory (commercial or research) performing inorganic/organic analyses highly preferred.
• Familiarity with computer systems and databases required (i.e., experienced in Windows applications [e.g., Word, Excel, Access]).
• Knowledge of EPA Functional guidelines for data validation a plus. Knowledge of EPA guidelines for preparation of quality assurance project plans, for identification of project data quality objectives, and for data quality assessment a plus.
• Basic comprehension of EPA RI/FS and RFI/CMS processes a plus.
This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on.
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to translate chemistry principles and language to convey an understanding of same to other technical and non-technical personnel.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as stoichiometry, solubilities, equilibrium constants, standard deviations, electrode potentials, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and chemistry.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Indicate any special physical requirements and lifting requirements. Physical demands are consistent with an office environment setting and are limited to moving paper, reports, and lifting boxes and items under 25 pounds occasionally.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to apply chemical principles to derive practical solutions to environmental problems.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is consistent with an office setting. Travel on occasion is possible and the destination setting would also be an office environment.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong organizational and administrative skills a must. Ability to work under pressure and within tight schedules. Ability to coordinate prioritization of work.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
Twitter: @TetraTechJobs
Facebook: @TetraTechCareers
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.