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Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Assistant Scientist - Soil Scientist

  • Remote
  • Part Time, Less than 30 hrs/wk
  • Job ID 30477BR
  • United States
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Job Description
Terracon offers an exciting opportunity for a part-time soil scientist to work with environmental and cultural resources teams on projects including highway and utility corridors, bridge replacements, municipal water and sewer lines, commercial projects, and private developmentsthroughout the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Midwest regions. Duties will include wetlands identification and delineation, the interpretation of soils and sediments to assist with archaeological investigations, accurate data collection, and report preparation. This person will work alongside a Senior Scientist/Soil Scientist.

Essential roles and responsibilities:
  • Examining and accurately evaluating soils and sediments from hand auger borings, split spoon probes, excavation units, or backhoe trenches
  • Describing soil profiles using USDA NRCS methods and nomenclature
  • Interpreting landforms and soils for archaeologists by identifying areas within a project area that have the potential to contain intact archaeological deposits, and by identifying areas with no archaeological potential
  • Recommending the depth to which archaeologists should excavate to sample all strata that possess archaeological potential.
  • Assisting archaeologists in planning for Phase I, II, and III investigations
  • Assisting wetland delineation teams in identifying and delineating wetlands within a defined project area, and recommending impact mitigation
  • Collecting data and preparing reports with background overview, methodology, and results and conclusions sections for inclusion in technical reports
Applicant must be capable of working in all types of weather, in a wide variety of environments such as steep terrain, wooded land, poorly drained areas, agricultural fields, subdivisions, and urban centers, in deep Holocene alluvial contexts, Pleistocene alluvium and uplands situations, disturbed environments, and areas covered with fill. Traveling with paid lodging and per diem should be anticipated. Applicant is expected to complete time and expense reports using online applications; follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects; participate in pre-task planning; and report any safety issues or concerns to management. The person in this position must obey all company safety procedures and be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects. This is a part-time as-needed position without benefits, based out of our Pittsburgh office.

Requirements:
  • Graduate course work in Soil Science or Geology in anticipation of an MS or Ph.D.
  • Experience describing soil profiles using USDA NRCS methods and terminology
  • Understanding of the relationship between landforms and soils
  • Accurate and detailed logging of data in the field and generating a soil profile description
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely using both written and verbal skills
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting and walking on uneven surfaces carrying at least 20 lbs. of equipment, and working in extreme (heat/cold) weather conditions
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship
  • Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history
  • Possession of a means of transportation (i.e., vehicle)
  • Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening

About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
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