Senior Ecological Risk Assessor

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Senior Ecological Risk Assessor position. This is a position located in Columbus, Ohio although alternate locations can be considered. Knowledge of regulatory ecological risk assessment (ERA) frameworks necessary for developing technical approaches for ecological investigations including designing field sampling programs, analyzing chemical and ecological data, evaluating site toxicity, and characterizing risk to ecological receptors is required. Proficiency in statistics, environmental fate modeling, field sampling, human health risk assessment, and population ecology or field biology is preferred. Must possess solid technical and communication skills and be capable of designing, writing, and coordinating reports on all size projects. This position may require travel to project sites.
JOB SUMMARY
Clients choose to work with Battelle because of a proven track record for developing innovative and implementable solutions to challenging technical problems. The Environment Division within the Environment and Agriculture Business Line conducts research, characterization, and remediation of environmental contamination, and designs and implements environmentally sustainable remedial technologies. As a Senior Ecological Risk Assessor, you must have knowledge and experience providing ecological risk assessment following the USEPA framework and environmental monitoring consulting for various media, including groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment, sediment porewater, and/or tissue, and understand various federal and state environmental regulations as they relate to terrestrial and aquatic environments. You will be an integral part of our team focused on providing solutions to clients' site characterization and remediation challenges. You will work in cross-disciplinary project teams which may include multiple engineering and science disciplines, depending on the project scope. Your coworkers will range from new graduates to those with 30+ years of experience. The diversity created by the combination of the unique backgrounds and work experiences brought by each team member enhances our team's ability to solve our customers' greatest challenges through innovation.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads the development of ERAs in accordance with federal and state guidance.
- Provides technical leadership and oversight support in environmental consulting or regulatory environment with a focus on site investigation/remediation, applied toxicology, and/or ecological risk assessment.
- Provides technical leadership and guidance in development of Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) and sampling design, including utilization of software tools such as Visual Sample Plan (VSP)
- Reviews and interprets environmental and toxicological studies and reports.
- Supports remedial strategy development for contaminated sites, including evaluating environmental sensitivities and mitigation/restoration techniques for remedial actions.
- Assists in the development of sampling and analysis plans for various media, including soil, groundwater, sediment, sediment porewater, tissue, and surface water.
- Prepares written documents such as letters, memoranda, proposals, workplans and investigative reports.
- Supports business development, including bringing in new clients and obtaining repeat business from existing clients, leading proposal preparation, and developing and implementing a business development plan.
- Builds effective working relationships with internal and external clients, managing client meetings, and maintains successful business development efforts with key clients to identify, cultivate, and capture major business opportunities.
- Identifies, plans, and leads internal research and development projects focused on growing Battelle's technical capabilities and new business.
- Participates in scientific conferences, peer review panels, and increases company visibility through publications.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL DEMONSTRATE
- Experience managing tasks that are part of large projects/programs in the environmental remediation industry with DoD, USEPA, state and/or commercial clients.
- Experience with terrestrial and aquatic (both marine and freshwater) environmental characterization and monitoring and biological and habitat assessment.
- Preparation of technical documents.
- Ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness, including the development and application of innovative technical principles and concepts to solve current and future problems in the environmental remediation industry, including emerging contaminants.
- Technical thought leadership and ability to identify and resolve problems associated with the development and implementation of complex laboratory, remedial design, and/or field projects and programs.
- Proven ability to both work independently and lead tasks with minimal oversight.
- Positive attitude and eagerness to take on new and technically challenging tasks.
- Ability to provide technical expertise and mentoring to staff in the ecological practice.
THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED
- Master's and/or PhD degree in environmental science or toxicology / biology / ecology / or related field.
- 10+ years of progressive ecological services experience and client support.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to succeed in a consulting pace, handling multiple project assignments, and maintaining flexibility, while meeting strict deadlines.
- Some travel throughout the United States will be required.
- Must be US Citizen.
THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED
- Familiarity with ecological risk assessment policy and guidance documents specific to the Navy and key states with industry-leading ecological risk regulations/guidance (i.e., CA-specifically, DTSC/HERO, and CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife).
- Demonstrated expertise with innovative technologies and/or emerging contaminants.
- Assessments of condition, impact, risk, cause, vulnerability, adaptation, socioeconomic (e.g., cost-benefit) tradeoffs as they relate to global change (including climate variability and change and land-use change); chemical use and management; atmospheric deposition; nonpoint sources of pollution; energy development and transport.
- Environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA).
- Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA).
- Wildlife Hazard Assessments and Management Plans.
- Aqueous, solid, and biological sampling and monitoring.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
BENEFITS
Battelle's competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical and dental care, matching 401K, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and other benefits that help provide financial protection for you and your family.
Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers