<p>Job Title: Environmental Scientist</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>The Environmental Scientist will support a growing Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) team by conducting property investigations, preparing high-quality reports, and ensuring compliance with ASTM standards and environmental regulations. This role combines office-based analysis and report writing with field-based site inspections, and offers clear opportunities for professional growth into project management and leadership of the Phase I team.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Perform Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with ASTM standards and applicable environmental guidelines. </li><li>Conduct thorough site inspections, including visual assessments of properties and surrounding areas, to identify potential environmental concerns. </li><li>Complete detailed QA/QC reviews of Phase I ESA reports to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to internal quality standards. </li><li>Conduct file reviews and desktop research to compile historical, regulatory, and environmental data for property investigations. </li><li>Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound Phase I ESA reports and related environmental documentation. </li><li>Interact professionally with clients and their representatives to gather information, clarify project requirements, and communicate findings. </li><li>Ensure adherence to all administrative policies and procedures, including documentation, recordkeeping, and internal reporting requirements. </li><li>Understand and apply safety requirements during fieldwork and site inspections to maintain a safe working environment. </li><li>Utilize desktop and industry-specific software, including MS Office and AutoCAD, to analyze data, prepare figures, and develop project deliverables. </li><li>Collaborate with supervisors and project managers to meet project schedules, budgets, and quality expectations. </li><li>Communicate clearly with on-site contacts, supervisors, and project managers regarding site conditions, project progress, and any issues encountered. </li><li>Support environmental compliance and remediation-related tasks as needed, drawing on knowledge of hydrogeology, environmental remediation, and related disciplines. </li><li>Contribute to a strong team culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and participating in performance review and feedback processes. </li><li>Develop skills and experience to grow into a project management role and potentially oversee the Phase I team over time. </li></ul> <p>Essential Skills</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Hydrogeology, or a closely related field. </li><li>At least 2 years of prior experience performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. </li><li>Strong working knowledge of ASTM standards related to Phase I ESAs. </li><li>Hands-on experience with Phase I environmental site assessments, including site inspections and report writing. </li><li>Proficiency in environmental science concepts, including environmental compliance, hydrogeology, and environmental remediation fundamentals. </li><li>Experience using desktop and industry-specific software such as MS Office and AutoCAD. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to write clear, detailed, and technically accurate environmental reports. </li><li>Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, on-site contacts, supervisors, and project managers. </li><li>High attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines. </li><li>Valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation for travel to project sites. </li><li>Ability to understand and apply safety requirements in both office and field environments. </li></ul> <p>Additional Skills & Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Experience with QA/QC processes for environmental reports and technical documentation. </li><li>Familiarity with lender-driven environmental due diligence, including work related to banks and refinancing. </li><li>Knowledge of leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) and related environmental issues. </li><li>Experience with environmental compliance assessments and environmental remediation projects. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply hydrogeologic data in the context of environmental site assessments. </li><li>Interest in professional growth into a Project Manager role and eventual oversight of a Phase I ESA team. </li><li>Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working within a small, tight-knit team. </li><li>Self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently in the field and proactively manage tasks in the office. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <p>This role supports a growing Phase I Environmental team within a small, full-service environmental consulting firm that has been established since 1992. The team has a strong culture, high tenure, and a focus on promoting from within. The company has approximately 14 employees, including a dedicated Phase I team of about six professionals. You will work on-site in the office five days per week in accordance with company policy, with flexibility provided as needed. The position typically involves spending about two-thirds of the time in the office performing research, data analysis, and report writing, and about one-third of the time in the field conducting site inspections and property investigations. The office provides on-site parking for employees. For field days, the company provides a vehicle for travel to project sites; if you use your own vehicle, mileage reimbursement is available. Company vehicles are returned at the end of each workday. The workload is largely lender-driven, with many projects originating from banks and refinancing activities, which provides a steady and varied project pipeline. The organization emphasizes professional development through annual performance reviews and offers performance-based bonuses tied to both company and individual results. The benefits package is competitive and includes a 401(k) plan with a company match, paid time off, standard holidays, and full coverage of dental and medical premiums for individual employees. The work environment is professional, collaborative, and growth-oriented, offering a clear path to project management responsibilities and potential leadership of the Phase I team.</p> <p>Job Type & Location</p> <p>This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.</p> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr.</p> <p>Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:</p> <ul> <li>Medical, dental & vision </li><li>Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital </li><li>401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available </li><li>Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) </li><li>Short and long-term disability </li><li>Health Spending Account (HSA) </li><li>Transportation benefits </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) </li></ul> <p>Workplace Type</p> <p>This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.</p> <p>Application Deadline</p> <p>This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.</p> <p>Diversity, Equity & Inclusion</p> <p>At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:</p> <ul> <li>Hiring diverse talent </li><li>Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection </li><li>Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes </li><li>Ensuring growth opportunities for our people </li></ul> <p>Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.</p> <p>About Actalent</p> <p>Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.</p> <p>Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.</p>