Chemist

Halff is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Chemist or Senior Chemist to join our growing Environmental team in our San Antonio office. This role specializes in data validation, quality control oversight, and regulatory compliance for federal programs, serving as the technical authority on chemical data quality for federal projects.

About the Role

This position leads project chemistry efforts, ensuring all environmental analytical data is legally defensible and compliant with rigorous Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. Responsibilities span the full lifecycle of data management, from programmatic planning to delivery of final data validation packages. The role offers career development opportunities, including potential ownership in the firm.

Responsibilities

• Review Level II and Level IV data validation packages on diverse environmental matrices (soil, groundwater, sediment, air, and vapor intrusion) using EPA National Functional Guidelines (NFG) and federal agency criteria.
• Draft, revise, and implement Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) using the Uniform Federal Policy (UFP-QAPP) framework.
• Enforce strict compliance with the Department of Defense Quality Systems Manual (DoD QSM) requirements for laboratories and internal projects.
• Support and provide QA/QC for Stage 2A/2B and Stage 4 data validation.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and apply data qualifiers to Electronic Data Deliverables (EDDs), with proficiency in formatting packages for ERPIMS (Environmental Resources Program Information Management System) and regional databases.
• Coordinate directly with commercial laboratories to resolve discrepancies, establish reporting/detection limits, select analytical methodologies, and ensure data suitability for human health risk assessments.
• Prepare comprehensive Data Validation Reports (DVRs), Data Usability Summary Reports (DUSRs), and technical memoranda defending data usability decisions.
• Senior Mentorship (For Senior Title): Provide senior-level technical cross-review of data packages, manage junior data analysts, and lead chemistry components of proposal scoping and cost estimation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline (Chemistry preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental chemistry, laboratory testing, and/or data validation.
• For the Senior Chemist role: at least 12 years of experience, with demonstrated leadership on complex federal remediation projects (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA Corrective Action).
• Proven history of authoring UFP-QAPPs and successfully executing Stage 2A/2B and Stage 4 data validation.
• High proficiency with DoD QSM standards, EPA SW-846 analytical methods, and Emerging Contaminants (e.g., PFAS by EPA 1633, PCB congeners, dioxins/furans).
• Hands-on laboratory bench experience operating analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC/MS, ICP-MS) preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental relational database tools, specifically EQuIS and EQuIS Data Qualification Module (DQM) preferred.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to simplify complex data issues for cross-functional teams and federal clients.
• Willingness to obtain certifications and participate in training activities as needed.
• Must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test and a company physical exam (no restrictions for field activities).

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with clients, peers, management, and vendors.

About Halff

Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm with a focus on environmental services, including:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation Services
• Wetland Delineation and Section 404/10 Permitting and Mitigation
• Cultural Resources Management
• Wildlife Habitat Assessments and Threatened/Endangered Species Surveys and Relocation
• GIS Geodatabase Development and Environmental Constraints Mapping/Analysis
• Oil and Gas Pipeline Permitting
• Electric Transmission Line Routing Studies and Expert Testimony
• Environmental Due Diligence, Remediation, and Regulatory Closures
• Comprehensive Asbestos Consulting Services
• Storm Water Compliance
• Public Involvement

Founded in 1950, Halff has over 30 offices across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia. The firm is known for its collaborative culture and long-tenured team, with an average of 10 years among environmental team leaders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (plus Veteran's Day for veterans)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Plan