Environmental Project Scientist

About the Role

Trileaf Corporation is seeking a full-time Environmental Project Scientist II to conduct environmental due diligence work on telecommunications and commercial real estate projects, including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs) and Phase II ESAs and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Reports. This position is based in our Schaumburg, Illinois office. Candidates will work on-site.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site visits of wireless communications facilities and commercial properties for Phase I ESA responsibilities, including taking detailed field notes, photographs, and conducting interviews.
• Perform regulatory agency file reviews, review historic data (including but not limited to topographic maps, Sanborn fire insurance maps, city directories, and aerial photographs), review title/lien search reports, and environmental databases.
• Interpret compiled information and draft standardized reports in accordance with ASTM E-1527-13 (AAI).
• Perform QA/QC to the satisfaction of both management and clients within established timelines.
• For NEPA responsibilities, conduct site visits of proposed wireless communications facilities.
• Prior to site visits, perform preliminary screening of listed and/or proposed threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, National Wetland Inventory Maps (NWI), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), etc.
• Handle correspondence with Tribal, federal, state, and local agencies in accordance with FCC Rules Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1, Subpart I, rule sections 1.1301 to 1.1319.
• Interpret compiled information and prepare template NEPA reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or related fields.
• 0 to 2 years of experience.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic.
• Valid Driver License.
• Capable of fieldwork.
• Ability and willingness to travel (travel not expected to exceed 2-3 days at a time).
• Good computer skills.
• Be an independent worker.
• Dedicated to excellence.

Preferred Experience

• Experience conducting one or more of the following assessments is welcomed but not mandatory:
  • Phase I ESAs
  • NEPA assessments
  • Property Condition Assessments (PCAs)
  • Asbestos/lead based paint inspections
  • Previous HAZPOWER and/or ACM/LBP licensing

Travel and Work Environment

This is a field-based role combining site visits, vehicle travel, and home-/office-based report writing. Expect regular travel to project sites approximately 3–4 days per week, with occasional overnight or multi-day trips (generally 2–3 consecutive days). Work is sometimes performed at active construction sites, industrial facilities, or properties with known environmental contamination; appropriate PPE is provided and required.

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular outdoor fieldwork on uneven terrain, active construction sites, and industrial/commercial properties, along with extended periods of driving, drafting reports, and reviewing records. Candidates should be able to lift/move up to 25 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. occasionally, and to wear required PPE (respirators, safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed boots) in outdoor weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401k with company match
• Short-term disability, Long-term disability & Life Insurance – 100% Employer paid
• 3 weeks of PTO per year
• 8 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday