Entry-Level Environmental Field Tech
The Entry-Level Environmental Field Technician at Confidential Client is responsible for conducting environmental sample collection and monitoring activities across various water and soil matrices, ensuring compliance with regulatory and client standards. This role involves operating field instrumentation, performing confined space entries, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining rigorous safety and data integrity protocols while supporting environmental stewardship initiatives.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
Confidential Client (Scientific & QA) is hiring an Entry-Level Environmental Field Technician based in Des Plaines, IL. This full-time, field-based role supports environmental monitoring and sample collection (wastewater, groundwater, stormwater, soil, drinking water, surface water, leachate) across client sites in the Midwest. Training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain quality and sampling standards in accordance with company SOPs, NEFAP, and applicable regulatory guidance
- Perform water quality monitoring using field instrumentation for indicator parameters
- Collect representative samples: wastewater, groundwater, leachate, stormwater, soil, surface water, and drinking water
- Install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain automated sampling equipment and flow measurement instrumentation
- Perform confined-space entries as needed for equipment installation and maintenance
- Document field activities and data so work can be reconstructed and validated
- Prepare, package, and deliver or ship samples to the laboratory per chain-of-custody procedures
- Review and interpret field data to identify trends or anomalies
- Communicate with project managers, clients, and consultants to meet project specifications
- Conduct landfill gas/flare gas sampling and surface-emission monitoring
- Travel to client facilities (including overnight stays) and work rotating weekends when required
- Follow all data integrity, ethics, and safety policies and procedures
Required Qualifications & Skills
- High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (ability to drive company and off-road vehicles)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving aptitude; self-directed and goal-oriented
- Willingness to undergo background checks required for facility on-site access
- Comfortable performing confined-space entry and working around heavy equipment
- Ability to lift/move equipment up to 50 lbs and hike over uneven terrain
Physical & Safety Requirements
- Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in industrial, solid-waste, or construction settings
- Able to wear and use required PPE (respirators, gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing, harnesses)
- Must meet visual requirements (close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision)
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, crouching or crawling
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
Compensation & Hours
- Pay: $17.25 per hour
- Employment type: Full-time
- Travel: Regional travel throughout the Midwest, including possible overnight stays
- Schedule: Field schedule with occasional weekend rotations
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (available to eligible full-time employees)
- 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short- and long-term disability
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
What We Value
Confidential Client is committed to integrity, client focus, continuous improvement, and a supportive environment where employees can learn and grow while contributing to environmental protection.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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