Assistant Scientist

About the Role

The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about protecting public health and the environment, curious about the construction of building systems, and eager to acquire the necessary certifications for asbestos and lead inspections. This individual will perform building inspections, conduct abatement oversight, and assist staff and project managers with industrial hygiene projects as part of due diligence or in anticipation of renovation or demolition activities at a site.

This is a project-focused position, typically not centered on one project for too long.

Responsibilities

• Perform building inspections for asbestos-containing building materials in accordance with Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) guidelines and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation No. 8, Part B.
• Perform field tests, including multiple tasks and services of varying complexity as directed.
• Conduct air monitoring and visual inspections during asbestos abatement projects.
• Collect samples of painted coatings (via paint chip or XRF) in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field monitoring equipment such as high- and low-volume pumps, calibration devices, PID, or combustible gas indicators.
• Collect noise level data at industrial and/or commercial settings.
• Identify and collect samples of building materials exhibiting suspect microbial growth.
• Perform indoor air quality assessments.
• Tabulate field notes, documents, and data for written reports in a timely manner; may assist with report preparation by reviewing and summarizing data.
• Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects; participate in pre-task planning and report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Maintain quality standards on all projects using applicable platforms and systems.
• Clean and maintain field monitoring equipment and company vehicles.
• Spend the majority of time performing asbestos, lead paint, and regulated building material inspections, including collection of field documentation, bulk samples, review of laboratory documents, and data reporting.
• Provide oversight during asbestos abatement, including contractor interaction, operation of field air monitoring equipment, collection of daily field documentation, and on-site analysis of air samples by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).
• Conduct industrial hygiene inspections, which may include noise surveys, radon testing, mold and moisture evaluations, and other sampling such as silica, metals, lead, and data reporting.
• Assist with other tasks within the Environmental Department, including performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments or field work involving evaluation and sampling of environmental media such as air, groundwater, sediment, and soil.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 0-3 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills allowing for positive internal, client, and contractor relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification(s) in field of expertise, such as:
  • CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Building Inspector (CABI)
  • CDPHE-Certified Asbestos Air-Monitoring Specialist (AMS)
  • Lead Paint Inspector and/or Risk Assessor
  • Mold Technician
  • 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate (with an up-to-date 8-hour annual refresher course certification).
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, or related scientific field.
• Other national, regional, state, and local environmental-related certifications requiring experience and written examination, if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.