Early Career Chemical Scientist

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking an Early Career Chemical Scientist to join our Portland, Maine office.

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to support a variety of environmental consulting projects involving environmental data collection, chemical analysis, site investigation, technical documentation, and environmental compliance activities.

The selected candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary project teams to collect, compile, evaluate, validate and document environmental and chemical data from air, soil, water, sediment, waste, and other environmental media. The position offers hands-on experience supporting environmental investigations, remediation projects, permitting efforts, and sustainability initiatives throughout New England and beyond. Based on WSP's P1 Chemical Science career path, this is an early professional position intended for individuals with 0-1 years of experience.

Your Impact

• Assist with environmental site investigations and field sampling programs.
• Collect environmental samples including soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, soil gas, and air samples.
• Support environmental data review, validation, interpretation, and management activities.
• Maintain accurate field notes, chain-of-custody records, and quality assurance documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, memoranda, data summaries, and project deliverables.
• Support laboratory coordination and review of analytical results.
• Assist project managers and senior scientists with project planning and execution.
• Follow established health and safety procedures and participate in project-specific safety planning.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, environmental professionals, and technicians in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Participate in professional development, training, and mentoring opportunities.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology, or a related physical or natural science discipline.
• 0-1 years of relevant professional experience.
• Understanding of scientific principles, environmental sampling methods, and technical documentation practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within project teams.
• Ability to perform field work in varying environmental conditions and lift up to 40 pounds when required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for project assignments.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, laboratory, or environmental field experience.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and compliance programs.
• Experience managing datasets and preparing technical summaries.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience working with laboratory analytical data, environmental databases, or GIS platforms.
• Participation in professional or academic scientific organizations.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Career Growth

This position is aligned with WSP's P1 Early Professional, Chemical Science career framework. Successful candidates will receive mentorship, technical training, and opportunities to develop expertise in environmental investigation, remediation, environmental data management, chemical sciences, and consulting practice development.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $52,500 - $72,200

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

#LI-JA1