<p>Job Title: Environmental Technician</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>The Water Asset Technician inspects and evaluates water system assets, including valves, hydrants, meters, and meter boxes, to identify and document leaks and other issues. This role uses acoustic sensors, mobile applications, and GIS tools to support non-revenue water recovery and control services. The technician works primarily in the field alongside project managers, often in varying weather conditions, and plays a key role in maintaining water distribution system integrity while supporting the growth of operations in the Midwest region.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Inspect water asset valves, hydrants, meters, and water meter boxes for signs of leakage and operational issues. </li><li>Use headphones and acoustic sensors to listen for leaks and accurately identify potential problem areas. </li><li>Notify the project manager promptly of possible leaks and provide clear, detailed information to support follow-up actions. </li><li>Work alongside a project manager and either travel from the project manager's location to the job site or meet directly at the job site. </li><li>Use smartphone applications and mapping software to log points, map assets, record field data, and document findings. </li><li>Conduct non-revenue water recovery and control services, including leak detection through sounding of fittings and leak noise correlation. </li><li>Plan and deploy acoustic noise loggers to monitor water networks and identify leak locations. </li><li>Assist with water network establishment and asset identification, ensuring accurate and complete asset records. </li><li>Plan and implement step tests and support flow and pressure data recovery to analyze system performance. </li><li>Progress in the use of all equipment and tools used or supplied by the Water Asset Management division, maintaining up-to-date technical proficiency. </li><li>Complete job forms, timesheets, and all required documentation accurately and on time. </li><li>Ensure safe working methods at all times and actively participate in weekly safety meetings. </li><li>Read, interpret, and measure Map/GIS information to support field work and project planning. </li><li>Facilitate all leak detection work requirements, including advising on and participating in night work as needed. </li><li>Use initiative in the field to find practical solutions that benefit both the customer and the Water Asset Management division. </li><li>Attend or conduct site meetings with clients as needed to discuss project status, findings, and next steps. </li><li>Maintain all project-related equipment in good working order and perform regular upkeep. </li><li>Produce quarterly stock checks for assigned equipment and materials, ensuring accurate inventory records. </li><li>Work a flexible schedule, including travel and extended work hours, to meet project needs and deadlines. </li><li>Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, and team members, providing strong customer service and clear updates on progress and findings. </li></ul> <p>Essential Skills</p> <ul> <li>Experience working outside on a regular basis, preferably in extreme weather conditions such as heat and cold. </li><li>Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day with frequent bending and to lift up to 20 pounds. </li><li>Experience with Map/GIS information reading, interpreting, and measuring (preferred). </li><li>Familiarity with water distribution systems and/or acoustic leak detection (desirable but not required). </li><li>Ability to use mapping software, meter reading software, and smartphone applications for data collection and documentation. </li><li>Basic understanding of GIS and related tools such as ArcGIS. </li><li>Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve issues in the field. </li><li>Ability to follow and apply safety procedures consistently and be safety conscious at all times. </li><li>Strong communication and customer service skills when interacting with project managers, team members, and clients. </li><li>Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with confidence and minimal instruction. </li><li>Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including travel and extended work hours. </li><li>Valid driver's license and ability to operate a company vehicle. </li><li>Ability to use a smartphone for mapping, data logging, and taking photos. </li><li>High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience in a physically demanding job (one to two years of such experience if a diploma or GED is not held). </li></ul> <p>Additional Skills & Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Degree in Environmental Science, GIS, Biology, Geology, or a related field is preferred. </li><li>MUST HAVE: Reliable Transportation, personal vehicle </li><li>Experience working with water utility or water treatment systems is beneficial. </li><li>Background in environmental services or water utility work is an advantage. </li><li>Experience with leak detection, including leak noise correlation and use of acoustic sensors, is desirable. </li><li>Familiarity with documentation practices, including job forms and timesheets. </li><li>Comfort using GIS platforms and tools such as ArcGIS for mapping and data analysis. </li><li>Ability to participate in night work when required for leak detection and step testing. </li><li>Willingness to consent to a drug screen in accordance with company policy. </li><li>Interest in progressing into more GIS-focused responsibilities and potential advancement into a project manager role over time. </li><li>Desire to contribute to the growth of operations in the Midwest and to help establish a strong local presence. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <p>This role is primarily field-based and involves working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, and other environmental elements. The technician will be based in Illinois, working from home when not on a job site, as there is not yet a local office. The position supports the growth of the Midwest presence and may require reporting to different project managers depending on the project. The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, which can be structured as five 8-hour days or four 10-hour days, with flexibility required for extended hours when needed. Travel is a significant component of the role, especially in the first year, with approximately 50% travel expected. Assignments may involve trips to various states such as Florida, Michigan, Texas, and others. Typical travel cycles involve being assigned to a site for about two weeks at a time, with roughly one of those weeks spent away overnight. Overnight travel includes a daily per diem and use of a company card for hotel and meal expenses in accordance with company policies. The company provides a smartphone for work use, which the technician will use for navigation, mapping, data logging, and communication. Work is performed using acoustic sensors, headphones, GIS and mapping software, meter reading software, and other specialized water asset management equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, with regular safety meetings and adherence to established safety procedures. The culture supports professional growth, offering opportunities to move into more GIS-focused work and eventually into project management as the team and regional operations expand.</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 $20.00 - $21.00/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 remote position.</p> <p>Application Deadline</p> <p>This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 2026.</p> <p>About Actalent</p> <p>Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.</p> <p>The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.</p> <p>If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.</p> <p>San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.</p> <p>Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.</p> <p>Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.</p>