Environmental Scientist, Environmental Point

General Description

Under the guidance of the Environmental Operations Manager, the EPOC Environmental Scientist will ensure that environmental compliance is achieved during all phases of a project under the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) in support of the Environmental Management Branch (EMB) and Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB) at the Kennedy Space Center. The primary function of an EPOC is to provide environmental compliance guidance and consultation to the various construction projects implemented by several NASA KSC organizations. This position requires a general understanding and ability to interpret environmental regulations related to stormwater, hazardous and controlled wastes, PCBs, registered storage tanks, and natural resources.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Provide technical direction to NASA-KSC construction projects through all phases of project construction (e.g., project concept, preliminary engineering report, engineering design, contract preparation, and project construction).
• Provide comprehensive monthly status report to EMB and EAB for assigned projects.
• Review Excavation Permit requests and Site Plans for construction projects supported.
• Assist the project manager and key stakeholders involved with construction activities, with preparing a KSC Environmental Checklist which helps identify potential environmental compliance requirements related to the project.
• Perform a site walk-down of a facility prior to its demolition or deconstruction to identify hazardous materials, minimize waste generation, and maximize recycling.
• Provide information on Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) from the Government-provided Asbestos Management Information System (AMIS) database when applicable to the construction project.
• Participate in design review and pre-work meetings to ensure environmental requirements provided in the KSC Record of Environmental Consideration (REC), are communicated to the architect, engineer, and construction contractors.
• Review construction contract design packages for the applicability of KSC environmental clauses and specifications.
• Perform site inspections during construction activities to monitor compliance with environmental requirements defined in the REC and partner with the NASA project manager to mitigate potential or existing noncompliance issues.
• Provide field consultation and awareness to construction personnel regarding multimedia environmental requirements (i.e., waste management, stormwater, regulated tanks, diversion and recycling, etc.)
• Request and coordinate delivery of waste containers to the construction project sites and collaborate with the contractor’s hazardous and controlled waste management staff to recommend suitable containers and maintain adequate inventory levels, based on current and future projects.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position in no way state or imply these are the only duties performed. This position may require additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of directly related experience providing environmental compliance guidance to an organization, facility, construction project or contractor personnel. General experience in environmental health, safety and/or worker protection is preferred.
• Extensive technical knowledge and is considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one or more areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or other advanced degree in a relevant field

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed primarily in a field setting, sometime while wearing personal protective equipment in all weather conditions, sometimes for an extended period. occasionally with irregular hours.
• Travel: A low amount of travel away from the office may be required.