Environmental Scientist I – Water & Wastewater Treatment Industry
Summary
An Environmental Scientist I in the water and wastewater treatment industry performs entry‑level scientific and regulatory work focused on protecting water quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting treatment plant operations. This role involves environmental monitoring, laboratory and field sampling, data analysis, and assisting in the development of environmental compliance documentation to meet state and federal water quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze, and interpret water, wastewater, biosolids, stormwater, and sludge samples to assess regulatory compliance.
- Support National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) monitoring, reporting, and documentation.
- Assist in developing and maintaining sampling plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols.
- Conduct field inspections and support industrial pretreatment, sewer use ordinance enforcement, and source control programs.
- Prepare technical and regulatory reports, including discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and compliance summaries.
- Collaborate with plant operations, laboratory staff, and regulatory agencies to resolve compliance issues and improve treatment process performance.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Water Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Geology or a related scientific field.
- Understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, environmental sampling, and laboratory techniques.
- Knowledge of state and federal water quality regulations, including NPDES, Clean Water Act, and local sewer regulations.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical writing skills.
- Valid California Driver License for fieldwork and site inspections.
Working Conditions
- Work includes both office and field environments, including treatment plants, lift stations, and outdoor sampling locations.
- May involve exposure to wastewater, chemicals, loud noise, or hazardous materials with proper PPE.
- Fieldwork may require lifting equipment up to 50 pounds and working in variable weather or terrain.