Environmental Chemist

At APTIM, we come to work each day knowing that we are making an impact on the world. Our work spans from safeguarding and maintaining critical infrastructure to helping communities recover from natural disasters, from empowering our armed forces and first responders to reducing carbon and energy use, and from making cities more resilient against the threats of climate change to restoring contaminated ecological systems.

Job Overview

APTIM is currently seeking junior-to-mid level Environmental Chemist/Analysts to join the project support chemical staff. The first assignment will be to perform the field analysis for an insitu treatment project located in the Binghamton, NY area. The project is treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the site soil and groundwater and requires continuous, real-time, quantitative monitoring of target VOCs within the building interior on a 24/7 basis. APTIM is deploying three Selective-Ion Flow-tube mass spectrometer (SIFT-MS™) units to cover the requirements. The SIFT-MS™ units are manufactured and will be installed by Syft Technologies, Ltd. (Syft). Each SIFT-MS™ will have multiple sample lines to provide VOC monitoring at several required points within the building. Individuals hired for these positions, after being provided training by Syft during the system installation process, will be expected to independently operate, check and/or calibrate the units and to using the software tools provided create deliverables including calibration/QC summaries and time-based reports of VOC concentrations detected. Typical tasks at the project will include daily quality control and calibration checks of the SIFT-MS™ units, recalibration as needed, real-time review of instrument output during normal working hours, compilation of defined time-periods of data into monitoring reports and reporting of results to project personnel. Periodic check-in via remote links of the system operation may be required after normal working hours.

At the conclusion of the project APTIM will seek to assimilate the successful candidates into its project analytical support team performing a variety of project support tasks including sample planning, field sampling and field analysis, data review and validation, analytical reporting for project needs and scoping for and document preparation for proposals and projects. Strong interpersonal skills are a must, including the ability to communicate clearly and confidently, both written and verbally, to all project team members. This will be a full-time position based for 8-12 months at the aforementioned project site and thereafter as a work from home or hybrid office model employee at the nearest in APTIM office.

What You Can Expect From APTIM

• Work that is worthy of your time and talent
• Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
• Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
• A voice in making our company better
• Investment into your personal and professional development
• A challenge in working with relatively new instrumentation never before deployed in this manner
  
  

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Participate in assisting with the installation of the SIFT-MS™ units and the numerous sample lines planned. During this time the manufacturer (Syft Technologies) will provide training on system operation and set-up including setting up the instrument libraries and first calibrations.
• Operate the SIFT-MS™ units per the project-specific SOPs including completion of daily QC and calibration checks, recalibration as required, and compilation/reporting of data.
• Maintain the sample lines and trouble-shoot the SIFT-MS™ systems as necessary to maintain operation.
• Maintain and reorder calibration and QC check materials and standards as required.
• Collect environmental samples in the field from various media including groundwater, surface water, soil, and vapor.
• Be able to perform field work at out of town or out of state locations for extended periods of time lasting up to several weeks.
• Calibrate, maintain, and utilize various field monitoring and measuring instruments.
• Apply basic technical skills and knowledge to complete assigned tasks; expected to manage own time to meet established deadlines.
• Analyze and prepare raw data into workable form for engineering/scientific project reports, plans, specifications, permits, cost-estimates, and other project documents.
• Communication of technical concepts, evaluation results, plans, reports, etc. during work team meetings; ensures conformance to applicable technical standards as well as company policies and procedures.
• Preparation of work plans and reports under the supervision of a senior scientist/chemist
• Work collaboratively in a team environment, provide input on technical, project, and safety issues.
• Possess a "Safety First" work ethic.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry/environmental science or a related discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in instrumental analysis, preferably in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or gas-chromatography (GC) on environmental samples utilizing industry-standard data systems and quantitation software. Experience should include setup/calibration, calibration verification, and QC sample analysis as well as interpretation of instrument output.
• Knowledge and capability to perform minor troubleshooting and maintenance such as changing sample tubing, and experience in creating standards from stock solutions and maintaining compliant documentation.
• Knowledge/experience in calibration curve and QC acceptance criteria and in general reporting of data/results.
• Knowledge/experience in environmental analytical quality control requirements
• Possess good writing skills to be able to produce error free reports.
• Possess or be capable/willing to complete 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour refresher certificate.
• Ability to wear proper PPE for work on hazardous waste sites; lifting and physical work will be required.
• Must be able to work in the field in all types of field conditions/weather.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Core competency in Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong written and oral communication skills