Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Missouri

The Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a full-time Environmental Scientist based in Joplin, MO. 

Position Summary
We are seeking an Entry-level or Junior-level Environmental Scientist to provide support on various environmental projects throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.  This position will primarily support investigations and removal activities at former lead mining areas in southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri.  Site locations include, Caney, KS, Iola, KS, Cherokee County, KS, Jasper County, MO and Newton County, MO.  However, work at other sites throughout the four-state area may also be required.   

In this position you will be part of a project team, gaining valuable data collection experience in the field and preparing detailed analysis of field data and project reports.  Tetra Tech provides mentoring and training opportunities to help junior staff hone their areas of expertise and diversify their interests.  Tetra Tech also provides tuition assistance and supports other professional development opportunities for its employees.  

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Collect soil samples from residential properties where permission has been granted by the property owner.
• Prepare samples for analysis via an x-ray florescence (XRF) spectrometer.
• Analyze soil samples for lead and other heavy metals using an XRF spectrometer.
• Prepare field sketches and other documentation related to residential soil sampling.
• Provide oversight of excavation crews contracted to remove lead-contaminated soils from residential properties.
• Coordination with other project team members and residents to ensure all work is completed to the satisfaction of EPA.
• Preparation of sampling plans and health and safety plans.
• Field studies requiring the collection of soil, groundwater and indoor air samples.
• Interpretation of sample data and preparation of data summary reports.
• Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment used during field studies.
• Support other environmental studies throughout the four-state region.  
• This position will require extensive outdoor work and may occasionally require overnight travel. 

In addition, the following is required: 

• Passing a criminal background check. 
• Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required. 

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 60 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor's degree in scientific or engineering field is required.

• 0 to 3 years of experience with hazardous materials, sampling of environmental media (soil, groundwater, air, etc.), environmental consulting or related activities. 

• Certifications: Completion of 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training and current 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher training are required to perform this work.  If the successful candidate does not already possess this training, Tetra Tech will provide training prior to initiating regular work duties in the field.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills (both written and verbal).

• Highly motivated, customer-focused and work well in a team environment.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.
• Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made. 

• Ability to lift sample coolers and other equipment up to 50 pounds.  

• Ability to wear a full-face respirator and complete annual medical monitoring program, including pulmonary function testing.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors

• This position will require extensive outdoor work within the four-state area of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska during all seasons, including peak summer and winter conditions.  
• Most work is anticipated to occur in the eastern Missouri area; however occasional overnight travel may be required for projects located outside this area.

Additional Information (REQUIRED)

• This full-time position requires roughly 20% travel.

• This position is generally Monday - Friday, 8 hours each day.

• This position may require occasional overtime and does not generally require night/weekend hours.

• The work location is 100% field office. 
   

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.  

Tetra Tech offers comprehensive benefit options that allow employees to design a plan based on individual needs and assists in planning for long-term financial security.  Available benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, term life, disability, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), time off with pay, 401k retirement plan, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.