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Recent Graduate Environmental Science Jobs in Illinois

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Recent Graduate Environmental Science information

What is a recent graduate environmental scientist?

Recent graduate environmental scientists are individuals who have recently completed a degree in environmental science or a closely related field and are beginning their professional careers. They typically work in entry-level positions, assisting with environmental research, data collection, fieldwork, and reporting. Their roles may include monitoring environmental conditions, supporting sustainability initiatives, or helping with regulatory compliance. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop specialized skills in the environmental sector.

What are the typical responsibilities of a recent graduate environmental scientist?

As a recent graduate in environmental science, your daily tasks may include collecting and analyzing environmental data, conducting fieldwork and site assessments, assisting with report writing, and supporting senior scientists in research projects. You'll often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, policy experts, and laboratory technicians. Early in your career, you'll have opportunities to develop technical skills, gain exposure to regulatory compliance, and participate in community outreach or public education efforts, all of which can pave the way for advancement in specialized areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate environmental scientist?

To thrive as a recent graduate in Environmental Science, you need a solid understanding of environmental principles, research methods, and data analysis, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as GIS software, statistical analysis programs, and laboratory equipment is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help set candidates apart in this field. These skills are essential for effectively collecting and interpreting data, collaborating with diverse teams, and contributing solutions to environmental challenges.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Environmental Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectRecent Graduate Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like OSHA or EPA may be advantageous
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, fieldwork, research settingsField sites, laboratories, environmental monitoring locations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government agencies, environmental consultanciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level roles for recent graduatesEntry-level or early-career environmental monitoring roles

Overall, Recent Graduate Environmental Science roles focus on entry-level research and data analysis, while Environmental Technicians typically perform field sampling and monitoring tasks. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in Illinois?

For Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Recent Graduate Environmental Science job openings:

Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Environmental Science job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Graduate Environmental Professional - Emergency Management

Rosemont, IL • On-site

GHD Group
See more jobs at GHD Groupexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


There's no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we're committed to helping you do exactly that.
Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.
Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.
Who are we looking for?
At GHD we are looking for our next Junior Enviromental Professional to join our dynamic Emergency Management team-also known as GHD FIRST. This opportunity can be based in Chicago and involves travel across the U.S. in support of emergency incidents and environmental projects.
As a Junior team member, you will assist in the field and office with a range of environmental response and remediation activities. You'll gain exposure to environmental sampling, monitoring, air quality assessments, hazardous material response, and the Incident Command System (ICS)-all while learning from experienced professionals who will support your development every step of the way. You will be able to conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:
  • Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching. Develop and maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Health, Safety, and Environment: Follow the organization's health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions to identify and mitigate environmental risks and risks to the well-being of self and others in the workplace; instruct the team in safe working methods; identify instances of risky behaviors within the team and take appropriate action, escalating serious issues as appropriate.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Produce accurate reports for others by collecting data from a variety of standard sources and inputting it into standard formats.
  • Document Preparation: Organize and prepare complex documents using a variety of applications for technology devices, such as standard office software. Also responsible for gathering and summarizing data for special reports.
  • Community of Practice Management: Participate in a community of practice in a defined area of expertise or consulting to begin to build own expertise.
  • Client & Customer Management (External): Help senior colleagues manage client and customer relationships by using relevant sales or client systems.
  • Environmental Risk Management: Contribute to the process of environmental risk management, ensuring actions align with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.
  • Sampling and Testing: Collect a range of straightforward samples and undertake testing as directed and in accordance with defined processes and requirements to support regulatory compliance activity.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment: Conduct routine tasks related to environmental impact assessments using specified systems and protocols.
  • Bid Solicitation/Request for Proposal/Tender Preparation: Gather information and resources to assist in drafting requests for bid solicitation requests for proposal (RFP) and requests for tender (RFT) on the requester side.
  • Project Management: Support others by carrying out a range of project management activities.

What you will bring to the Team
Education
  • A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, or a related field

Experience
  • General Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience in environmental engineering, science, or geology.
  • A desire to build a long-term career in environmental emergency response and field services
  • Willingness to travel and work in dynamic, sometimes challenging field conditions
  • Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and attention to detail in the field and office
  • Flexibility to work in the field and travel for non-standard hours during emergency events (weekends and holidays)
  • Familiarity with field instrumentation, sampling techniques, or air monitoring is a plus
  • Must reside near Chicago Illinois

#LI-AL1
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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