Entry Level Environmental Scientist Jobs in Columbus, OH

Apex is seeking entry-level Environmental Field Scientists that will be responsible for conducting comprehensive on-site environmental assessments at various operational sites to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal corporate environmental protocols. This role, utilizing an established checklist, will evaluate facility operations; identify risks; ensure environmental programs are properly implemented; and provide correct actions as needed to support environmental regulatory programs.  

This posting is for Columbus, OH but we are hiring nationwide across these locations: Boston, Newark, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Jackson, Atlanta, Tampa, Nashville, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Louisville, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Kansas City, Denver, Pocatello, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Bay Area, and Sacramento. 

The anticipated start date is mid-March.

Travel: Role requires 80% travel to operational sites and must be able to drive to client sites within an approximate 300-mile radius of Denver.

Your Responsibilities as an Environmental Field Scientist:

• Conduct scheduled and on-call environmental inspections at operational sites to evaluate:
  • Hazardous waste handling, labeling, and storage
  • Universal waste and e-waste management 
  • Stormwater and wastewater systems 
  • Spill prevention and control measures 
  • Air emissions, refrigerant management, and equipment compliance 
  • Solid waste management and recycling streams 
  • Chemical storage  
  • Material storage and management 
• Inspect areas such as loading docks, fuel systems, waste storage areas, material handling areas, and mechanical rooms, etc. for environmental risks. 
• Review facility documentation including:  
• Hazardous waste manifests 
• Emergency response plans 
• Spill logs and incident reports 
• Inspection checklists 
• Training records 
• Environmental permits 
• Environmental records 
• Equipment records 
• Environmental performance data 
• Prepare detailed inspection reports using standardized online reporting platforms 
• Propose corrective actions to address compliance gaps 
• Perform field work including collecting and processing environmental samples (stormwater, wastewater, air, etc.)

This position is primarily scheduled during standard business hours; however, periodic on-call coverage and off-hours work may be required. The employee must be willing and able to travel to client sites, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs dictate.

Education 

BA/BS degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Biology, Geology, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related discipline.  

Experience 

• 0-3 years of experience conducting environmental inspections, audits, or regulatory compliance assessments. 
• Experience in distribution, logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing environments strongly preferred. 

Skills/Competencies 

• Knowledge of key environmental regulations (RCRA, EPCRA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, DOT hazardous materials). 
• Ability to interpret environmental records, manifests, and regulatory documentation. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, audit tools, and reporting platforms. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Comfortable working independently in field settings. 
• This position is based in Tampa and requires frequent travel within a 300mile radius. Candidates must be able to reliably travel throughout this region.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• This position requires successful completion of medical screening and pre-employment drug testing. 
• Sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Why you'll love working with us:

• Medical, dental and vision plan options.
• Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401k plan.
• Paid time-off and holidays.
• Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
• Other perks and incentives.
• Working with the best and brightest in the industry.
• 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US.