About this role
Job Title: Senior Environmental ScientistJob DescriptionThe Senior Environmental Scientist leads Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and remediation projects from initial due diligence through final reporting, while mentoring junior staff and serving as a key technical resource on Illinois EPA SRP and LUST programs. This role combines advanced field and office-based environmental work with client communication and project oversight across residential, solar, and commercial sites.
Responsibilities
- Lead Phase I ESA projects from start to finish, including planning, site reconnaissance, data collection, analysis, and preparation of final reports.
- Oversee and review technical reports prepared by junior staff, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and day-to-day training to 13 junior team members to support their professional development and project performance.
- Communicate proactively with clients throughout the project lifecycle, providing updates, explaining findings, and addressing questions or concerns.
- Assist with Phase II ESAs, including soil sampling, data interpretation, and preparation of characterization documentation for disposal using LPC-663 forms or Subtitle D profiling.
- Support and guide remediation activities, including construction oversight, coordination with contractors, and verification of remediation effectiveness.
- Utilize extensive knowledge of Illinois EPA Site Remediation Program (SRP) and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs to guide sites through regulatory processes and requirements.
- Keep key stakeholders engaged and informed on project status, findings, risks, and recommended actions.
- Manage and oversee 45+ concurrent projects, balancing schedules, resources, and deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Prepare clear, comprehensive technical reports and due diligence documentation for a variety of project types, including residential, solar, and commercial properties.
- Review and critique environmental reports prepared by others, providing constructive feedback and ensuring consistency with internal quality standards.
- Coordinate office-based work and site visits, including scheduling, logistics, and use of company or personal vehicles as appropriate.
- Apply environmental science and geology principles to evaluate site conditions, identify potential environmental concerns, and recommend appropriate next steps.
- Maintain compliance with health and safety requirements, including adherence to 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER standards when on site.
- Contribute to a collaborative team environment of approximately seven environmental professionals, sharing knowledge and supporting team goals.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 10+ years of environmental remediation and due diligence experience, with a strong focus on Phase I ESAs.
- Deep, practical experience conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, including fieldwork and report preparation.
- Experience supporting Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, including soil sampling and data evaluation.
- Strong technical report writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, detailed, and accurate environmental reports.
- Proven experience reviewing and quality-checking environmental reports prepared by others.
- Thorough knowledge and hands-on experience with Illinois EPA Site Remediation Program (SRP) and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carol Stream, IL.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $43.26 - $55.28/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Carol Stream,IL.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.