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Field Sampling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Strong understanding of federal environmental laws, regulations, and compliance frameworks. * 3 years of experience conducting field sampling, environmental testing, or environmental impact ...

Strong understanding of federal environmental laws, regulations, and compliance frameworks. * 3 years of experience conducting field sampling, environmental testing, or environmental impact ...

PTOC Freshwater Taxonomist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$24.35 - $26/hr

Work may also include support to field sampling and laboratory operations. What You'll Do: * Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy * Analysis of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate samples ...

During the inspection, you will perform environmental sampling to verify or dismiss the presence of ... The Environmental Field Inspector plays a pivotal role as the 'boots on the ground' and public face ...

During the inspection, you will perform environmental sampling to verify or dismiss the presence of ... The Environmental Field Inspector plays a pivotal role as the 'boots on the ground' and public face ...

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Field Sampling information

See Washington salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do field sampling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for field sampling in Washington is $25.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $29.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is field sampling?

Field sampling is the process of collecting samples, such as soil, water, air, or biological materials, directly from their natural environment for scientific analysis. Professionals in field sampling typically follow standardized procedures to ensure that the samples are representative and uncontaminated. These samples are often analyzed in laboratories to monitor environmental conditions, assess pollution levels, or support research studies. Field sampling is essential in environmental science, agriculture, geology, and other fields that require accurate, on-site data collection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Field Sampling, and why are they important?

To excel in Field Sampling, you need a solid understanding of environmental science or related fields, attention to detail, and typically a relevant degree or certification in environmental studies or laboratory sciences. Familiarity with sampling equipment, GPS devices, data logging systems, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong observational skills, adaptability to changing field conditions, and effective communication are crucial soft skills. These qualifications ensure accurate data collection, compliance with regulatory standards, and reliable reporting in diverse and sometimes challenging environments.

What is the difference between Field Sampling vs Field Inspection?

AspectField SamplingField Inspection
Primary FocusCollecting samples from sites for analysisExamining and assessing conditions on-site
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or technical certifications often neededSimilar certifications, with emphasis on inspection standards
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, variable conditions, often remoteOutdoor or indoor, focusing on site conditions
Industry UsageEnvironmental, construction, manufacturingConstruction, environmental, quality assurance

While both roles involve on-site work, Field Sampling centers on collecting samples for testing, whereas Field Inspection involves evaluating site conditions and compliance. Both require similar certifications and often operate in overlapping industries, but their core tasks differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in field sampling roles, and how can they be managed?

Field sampling professionals often encounter challenges such as variable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and strict adherence to sampling protocols. Managing these requires thorough preparation, including checking weather forecasts, using suitable equipment, and ensuring proper training in safety and sample collection procedures. Additionally, clear communication with team members and meticulous documentation help maintain data integrity and ensure samples are collected accurately and efficiently.
Junior Environmental Scientist/Geologist

Junior Environmental Scientist/Geologist

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Position Summary
Tetra Tech is looking for a full-time Junior-Level Environmental Scientist/Geologist based in our Washington, DC operations. Candidates with either environmental science or geology experience are invited to apply.
The salary range for this role is between $55,000 and $60,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
The Environmental Scientist/Geologist (Junior-Level) candidate will provide project support for environmental projects, related to federal, state, municipal, and commercial clients. They will be responsible for completion of task level work, including: field investigations (including soil, water, and air sampling; drilling and subcontractor supervision, and coordination with analytical laboratories), construction and/or remedial action oversight, health and safety air monitoring, and preparation of technical reports.
The candidate will work collaboratively with and under the supervision of a senior scientist or project manager. They will be expected to follow company safety standards, participate in safety training, and prepare as well as implement site-specific health and safety plans.
The candidate will be responsible for reviewing, understanding, and implementing site-specific work plans and scopes of work. They will prepare various technical deliverables including reports, letters, proposals, tables, and figures.
Required Qualifications
• BS/BA degree in Environmental Sciences, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning or a related discipline is required.
• 2-5 years of professional environmental consulting experience is required. Project experience to include: carrying out Phase I ESAs (ASTM-compliant), Phase II Site Investigations, UST compliance monitoring, UST closures, and vapor intrusion assessments. Previous field experience required, including sampling activities and environmental drilling operations, ability to work independently on field projects.
• Experience preparing technical reports, memos, response to comments tables, and diagrams is required. Must be a competent technical writer.
• Attention to detail is crucial. The successful candidate must be able to observe, evaluate, and document site field conditions and communicate changes in field conditions to senior staff.
• Ability to analyze chemistry and environmental data
• Ability to interface with clients, subcontractors, working groups, and internal customers.
This position requires 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.
Please note that we are unable to offer relocation for this role. Chosen candidate should be in the greater Northern Virginia/Washington DC area upon applying.
Preferred Qualifications
• Working knowledge of the conceptual site model process is preferred. Experience including CERCLA RI/FS and PA/SI.
• Project management training or experience.
• Experience with DOD, federal, state, municipal, and private sector projects.
• Ability to assist with cost estimating and obtaining bids from vendors and subcontractors.
• Ability to review and summarize agency regulations, policies, and procedures into "plain English."
• GIS experience.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER Training, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Training, and/or 8-hour OSHA Supervisors of Hazardous Waste Operations Training.
Physical Requirements
• Candidate must be able to walk large project sites and must be physically able to carry up to 35 pounds of equipment (such as sampling tools, GPS unit, field screening equipment and cameras) during field work.
• Field activities take place in a variety of weather conditions and can occur in remote locations and include areas of uneven terrain or occur during harsh weather.
• Candidate should be a strong swimmer and able to work safely and comfortably in and around boats.
• Field sampling and monitoring may include various media (soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, soil gas, and air).
• Candidate must be able to work in an office environment and complete office-based tasks.
Work Environment/Environmental Factors
The work environment will consist of a mix of office and fieldwork, with some field work requiring overnight stays.
Additional Information
While we commend hard work, we are interested in people who are effective - who get the right things done at the right time. At Tetra Tech, you will work with people who come in every morning to decide what needs to be done to accomplish the goals we have all helped define and then take ownership for the speed of the execution of those goals.
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.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. Our 25,000 employees work together to provide 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
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Please no phone calls or agencies.

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