Environmental Scientist / Industrial Hygienist

About the role

J.S. Held is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Scientist to join our Industrial Hygiene & Built Environment practice in Los Angeles. This role involves performing field-based environmental testing, hazardous material assessments, and supporting remediation and compliance projects across a variety of client sites. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in asbestos, lead, and mold assessment, strong documentation skills, and a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in dynamic field environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site environmental monitoring and inspections for hazardous materials including asbestos, lead, and mold.
• Perform air sampling, bulk sampling, and surface sampling in accordance with regulatory standards and project requirements.
• Support indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments, including moisture mapping and environmental condition evaluations.
• Complete daily field documentation, including reports, photographs, and chain-of-custody forms to maintain defensible project records.
• Assist with abatement oversight, including final visual inspections and clearance air sampling.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state (e.g., CDPH, OSHA), and local regulations governing hazardous materials and worker safety.
• Maintain and calibrate field equipment and adhere to strict health and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with project managers and industrial hygienists to support project execution and client deliverables.
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and support onboarding or training initiatives when applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Kinesiology, or related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in industrial hygiene, environmental consulting, or hazardous materials fieldwork.
• Knowledge of asbestos, lead, and mold inspection and sampling techniques.
• Familiarity with air sampling methods and laboratory coordination procedures.
• Ability to work independently in the field and travel to project sites throughout the Los Angeles area.
• Strong attention to detail and clear written documentation skills.
• Certified Site Surveillance Technician (CSST).
• Valid Driver's License.

Preferred certifications

• Lead Sampling Technician certification
• NIOSH 582 (or equivalent)
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification

Physical requirements

• Sitting limited to lunch, breaks and driving; many duties performed on feet.
• Walking may be back and forth all day long over terrains that range from flat to hilly, rough and slippery.
• Able to carry equipment as much as 50 lbs unassisted.
• Must be able to use hand and fingers to pick up objects, turn on regulators, insert earplugs, use hand tools; push or pull items; reach above head; bend at the knee.
• Able to climb ladders to reach high areas or down into tanks or excavations.
• Able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Able to squat, kneel, or crouch in confined spaces when necessary.
• Must be able to hear warning signals from vehicles, radio transmissions, alarm bells, air leaks etc.
• Able to taste and smell to detect warning properties of hazardous chemicals; able to detect burning sensations on skin.
• Vision must be correctable to at least 20:40 with ability to distinguish colors with good depth perception and peripheral vision.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment allowing employees to work remotely when needed
• Flexible Time Off policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k Match
• Commuter Benefit

Pay

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $37.80 - $42.30 per hour. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.