Job Title: Environmental ScientistJob Description The Environmental Scientist will support a diverse portfolio of environmental site assessment and remediation projects, with a focus on soil, groundwater, and soil-gas sampling, underground storage tank investigations, and Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). This role combines approximately 50% field work and 50% office work, offering strong training, long-term growth potential into project management, and the opportunity to work on interesting, repeat-client projects across the Chicagoland area. Responsibilities + Conduct soil, groundwater, and soil-gas sampling in the field in accordance with project plans and regulatory requirements. + Oversee soil excavation activities and perform confirmation sampling to verify cleanup effectiveness. + Support leaking underground storage tank (LUST) removal, investigation, and reporting activities. + Complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) reports, including site reconnaissance, records review, and due diligence documentation. + Complete Phase II ESA reports, including development of sampling plans, interpretation of field and laboratory data, and preparation of findings and recommendations. + Oversee soil boring and monitoring well installation, including coordination with drilling contractors and documentation of subsurface conditions. + Review and interpret laboratory analytical data and other technical documents, and incorporate findings into clear, concise reports. + Prepare groundwater elevation contour maps and geologic cross sections to support hydrogeologic evaluations and remediation design. + Perform environmental monitoring and site assessments related to remediation and permitting activities. + Draft, edit, and finalize technical reports, including Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments and due diligence reports. + Support environmental permitting and compliance activities as needed for various project types. + Collaborate with project managers, senior staff, and other environmental scientists to plan and execute field programs and deliverables. + Maintain accurate field notes, chain-of-custody forms, and project documentation in accordance with company and regulatory standards. + Use sound judgment in the field to identify potential environmental concerns and communicate them promptly to project leadership. + Participate in training and mentorship activities with senior staff, with a path to grow into a project management role and eventually mentor others. Essential Skills + Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field. + At least 2 years of field sampling experience, including soil and groundwater sampling. + Demonstrated experience in technical report writing, including environmental reports and site assessments. + Experience with Phase I or Phase II ESA reporting (Phase I or Phase II ESA reporting preferred). + Strong report writing skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. + Hands-on experience with soil sampling and groundwater sampling in the field. + Understanding of environmental monitoring, remediation, and site assessment practices. + Knowledge of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, including due diligence processes. + Valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation for local field work. + Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. + Ability to interpret laboratory data and perform basic data analysis for environmental projects. + Ability to prepare or support preparation of groundwater elevation contour maps and geologic cross sections. + Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation in both field and office settings. + Ability to work safely in the field and follow health and safety protocols. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with LUST (Leaking Underground Storage Tank) investigations, removal oversight, and reporting. + Experience supporting remediation projects and on-going site redevelopment for environmental cleanup. + Familiarity with environmental permitting processes and regulatory requirements. + Experience conducting due diligence for property transactions and redevelopment projects. + Exposure to working on gas station, municipal, university, and railroad-related environmental projects. + Experience with Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESA) and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (Phase II ESA), including data collection, interpretation, and report preparation. + Familiarity with environmental monitoring and remediation technologies. + Ability to work effectively within a project team that includes senior project managers, project managers, project-level environmental scientists, and technical drafters (e.g., AutoCAD). + Interest in professional growth into a Project Manager role, including managing projects and mentoring junior staff over time. Work Environment This role is based out of a downtown Chicago office and follows a hybrid work model. Most team members work a combination of in-office and remote days, with an expectation of being in the office approximately 2-3 days per week, particularly during the training period. The position involves roughly 50% field work and 50% office work. During the first few months, you will accompany experienced staff in the field for hands-on training. Field work is primarily local to the Chicagoland area, and overnight travel is very rare. For nearby project sites, you will typically use your own vehicle and receive mileage reimbursement. For many field assignments, rental cars are budgeted and recommended; vehicles are generally rented for the day and returned at the end of the day. You will work with a collaborative team that includes senior project managers, a project manager, several project-level environmental scientists, and an AutoCAD drafter. The organization offers an attractive benefits package, opportunities for employee ownership for long-term employees, and a stable environment with consistent growth and low turnover. The work involves a variety of projects, including gas stations, municipal facilities, university campuses, Class A railroads, and ongoing redevelopment and site remediation efforts, providing a dynamic and engaging project mix. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $32.69 - $36.06/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.