Environmental Scientist/Project Manager

EnSafe is seeking a full-time Environmental Scientist/Project Manager to join our team of professionals at our San Diego, CA, office. This position requires working onsite at the office; relocation assistance may be offered to meet this expectation.

About the role

An Environmental Scientist with proven experience managing environmental due diligence projects and a strong ability to translate complex findings into clear, defensible Phase I ESA reports. You’ll work with clients across California and beyond, managing projects from site assessment through final reporting while gaining exposure to Phase II investigations, environmental sampling, and emerging areas such as PFAS risk evaluation. Joining our team means immersing yourself in an environment that nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration, fosters a supportive culture, and facilitates professional development.

Responsibilities

• Perform and manage Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct site reconnaissance, historical research, regulatory database review, interviews, and other due diligence activities.
• Prepare clear, technically sound Phase I ESA reports and recommendations.
• Manage multiple Phase I ESA projects, including scope, schedule, budget, subcontractors, client communication, and deliverables.
• Provide technical and peer review of Phase I ESA reports as experience permits.
• Support Phase II environmental site investigations and other due diligence activities when warranted.
• Plan and conduct environmental sampling activities involving soil, groundwater, soil vapor, indoor air, surface water, or other environmental media.
• Prepare work plans, technical memoranda, investigation reports, and proposals.
• Communicate findings and environmental risk considerations clearly to clients and project teams.
• Coordinate work with junior staff and provide technical guidance and mentoring.
• Support environmental compliance projects based on experience and workload, which may include hazardous materials and hazardous waste management, SPCC, stormwater, wastewater, EPCRA/Tier II, or related regulatory requirements.
• Participate in business development activities, including preparation of scopes, budgets, proposals, and support for existing client relationships.
• Travel periodically to project sites throughout California and as needed, elsewhere in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Approximately 6 or more years of relevant environmental consulting experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.
• Strong technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Ability to independently conduct site reconnaissance and evaluate environmental conditions.
• Working knowledge of environmental due diligence practices and applicable federal and state environmental regulations.
• Ability to manage schedules, budgets, client expectations, and multiple concurrent assignments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to support project work.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform field activities associated with environmental site assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing Phase I ESA programs or providing technical/peer review.
• Qualification as an Environmental Professional under ASTM/AAI requirements.
• Phase II ESA, subsurface investigation, soil, groundwater, or vapor assessment experience.
• Environmental compliance experience, including hazardous waste, hazardous materials, SPCC, stormwater, wastewater, CERS/HMBP, or EPCRA/Tier II reporting.
• Experience supporting industrial, commercial real estate, logistics/warehouse, energy, municipal, or similar clients.
• Professional Geologist (PG), Professional Engineer (PE), or other relevant professional certification.
• Building sciences or hazardous building materials experience.
• Experience with asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, mold/microbial assessments, or related building surveys.
• California asbestos or lead certifications.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

Benefits

• Employee-Owned Advantage: EnSafe is 100% employee-owned, with an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) since 1997. Company growth directly translates into shared rewards.
• Commitment to Growth and Wellness: Personalized career development, mentorship, and employee wellness initiatives such as health tracking tools.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Focus on impactful environmental, health, and safety consulting, making a real difference in communities.
• Safety as a Value: Safety is deeply embedded in our culture, prioritizing employee well-being alongside client compliance.
• A Culture of Freedom & Ownership: Encourages initiative, flexibility, and entrepreneurial growth.
• Challenging, Creative Work: Fast-paced, dynamic environment with opportunities in environmental consulting, health & safety, engineering, and technology.

Pay

The minimum salary for this position in California is $70,304 annually. Actual compensation will be based on education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. California salary range: $71,000 - $110,000 USD.

About EnSafe

EnSafe began as a two-person firm in 1980, navigating complex regulatory compliance issues on behalf of our clients. We nurture our people with growth and development opportunities and build enduring, trustful relationships with a focus on high ethical and safety standards. Our reputation is built by attracting and retaining high-quality people for the long term.