Chemist I

Job Title: Chemist I

Location: Reston, VA

Description/Job Summary

POSITION DESCRIPTION

HGL is seeking a Chemist I to work in our Reston, VA headquarters. The successful candidate will provide chemistry support, with a strong emphasis on environmental analytical chemistry. The Chemist I will be expected to have a “hands on” role in the day-to-day management of project tasks associated with sampling and analysis including preparation of UFP-QAPPs, coordination with field personnel preparing for and conducting multi-media sampling events, coordination with analytical laboratories to monitor sample shipments, track analytical data, review data to ensure conformance with quality standards, and serve as a backup contact for our internal project team for issues related to chemistry and data management.

Responsibilities/Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

The person hired for this role will be responsible for:

• Supporting preparation of UFP-QAPPs, data validation narratives, and data usability reports.
• Coordinating environmental laboratory services and field sampling events with HGL’s Project Teams, Project Chemists, and Project Data Managers.
• Managing and reporting environmental analytical data in coordination with HGL’s Project Teams, Project Chemists, and Project Data Managers.
• Reviewing and evaluating laboratory and field data for completeness and correctness.
• Reviewing, correcting, and uploading electronic data deliverables.
• Working with a team of data managers and other scientific/engineering professionals to implement corrective actions.
• Reviewing data for conformance with quality assurance requirements and supporting ongoing quality control activities.
• Working effectively as a team member in the development of requirements for new environmental data reporting tools and processes.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

The ideal candidate will need the following as a foundation for success in this role:

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, environmental chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Proficient working with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, verbal, and written communication skills with ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and ability to work under deadline pressure.
• Capability to assist with bottle orders and lab sample receipt tracking.
• Ability to work under the direction of different project managers, task managers, data managers, chemists, and other members of project teams.
• Ability to complete a background check to obtain credentials to access Government data systems.

Desired Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT - Preferred, not required

• Have a working knowledge of analytical instruments for the analysis of environmental sample analysis (e.g., GC/MS, ICP, GC-ECD, IC, etc.).
• Prefer familiarity with USEPA analytical methods for the preparation and analysis of samples from various media and under different environmental regulatory programs (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, DoD, DOE, USEPA, state waste disposal requirements).
• Prefer familiarity with USEPA and DoD quality programs and data validation requirements.
• Database management skills.
• Experience with laboratory analytical databases, LIMS, and/or data validation is a plus.
• Experience using a commercial-off-the-shelf environmental data management system such as Locus EIM, EarthSoft’s EQuIS, or EnviroData is a plus.
• Experience with SQL/VBA, Locus EIM, EQuIS, and GIS programs is a plus.
• Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve technical writing, data analysis, research, visualization, or project delivery efficiency.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS

• Prolonged sitting up to 70% of the time; repetitive hand motions (typing, tool use, etc.); ability to see details at close range; and viewing computer screen for extended periods.
• Analyzing and synthesizing data; complex problem solving and decision making; reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations; writing reports, proposals, or technical documentation; communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders; and managing competing deadlines and shifting priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Office work environment.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Details

Work Schedule: HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week.

Office Type: Fully in-office five days per week.

Travel: No travel anticipated.

A favorable pre-hire drug test is required. All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.

MORE ABOUT HGL AND THE OPPORTUNITY

At HGL, we share a drive and vision to restore natural resources and provide ongoing stewardship of our environment to benefit present and future generations. We believe that we can make a difference in improving the world we live in through collaboration, teamwork, and a positive work environment. This unites and empowers us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

HGL - WHO WE ARE

The exceptional quality of our people is key to our strength. We value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team. We offer a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. By cultivating a culture of innovation, we’re able to adapt and augment our services to solve complex environmental and natural resources challenges.

Projects at HGL primarily span the United States and its territories, tackling problems associated with emerging contaminants (like PFAS), radiological contamination, and military munitions, along with chemical contamination in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil.

With over 550 employees, HGL is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. By joining HGL, you will be working toward restoring the environment and protecting our future.

HGL - WE INVEST IN YOU

It’s not just a job, it’s your career. HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. Achieve your career goals and help HGL achieve its mission of restoring the environment to beneficial use for our clients and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected category. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should contact Human Resources directly at 703-478-5186.

EEO notices: US Equal Opportunity Employment Poster, US Equal Opportunity Supplemental Poster, Know Your Rights, and Pay Transparency Notice.

A full list of benefits is available at www.hgl.com/careers/.

Digital & AI Proficiency: HGL encourages the responsible use of approved AI-enabled and digital technologies to improve productivity, technical quality, decision-making, and project delivery. Candidates who demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and experience leveraging emerging technologies are highly valued.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $50,035 - $70,049. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.