Kuna is looking for an Environmental Scientist to lead our water sampling, soil sampling, and remediation work for clients in Alaska. This person will lead multimedia sampling and data reporting/analyses efforts for rural Alaskan mines. The primary duties will include planning and logistics, sample collection, overseeing field personnel, travel and field work, reporting and/or data assessment. This person both implements the fieldwork and leads a team of field technicians who help to execute the fieldwork.

Additional consideration will be given to someone who can lead projects through the remediation lifecycle. In this role, the person would prepare site characterization, site assessment, site cleanup, and corrective action plans.

This person may also assist with additional studies, including:

• Supporting preparation of environmental permit applications with various federal, state, and local agencies for a variety of project types/sizes.
• Supporting the preparation of environmental compliance documents in accordance with permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies.
• Assisting with various environmental surveys and reporting.

• Technical planning and execution of environmental projects, including document authoring and completion.
• Leadership of field sampling and data collection projects including leadership of other employees and/or subcontractor(s).
• Effective client interaction with emphasis on permitting and environmental programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, private industry and government officials, and support staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including writing documents and data analysis.
• Capability to research and explain regulations, policies, or procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, natural resource management, or related field.
• This position must be a “Qualified Environmental Professional” under State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation regulations, as defined by 18 Alaska Administrative Code 75.333; https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/qualified-professionals/
• Minimum five (5) years directly related experience.  
• Travel at least 50% of the time to remote Alaska during the field sampling season (May – October).
• Experience sampling surface water, groundwater, soil, and/or other media at a variety of sites and experience conducting fieldwork in Alaska.
• This person must be comfortable leading and mentoring a team of technicians who help implement sampling programs.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under company vehicle insurance policy.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Weather: Indoors/outdoors

Noise level: The noise level in the office work environment is usually that of a standard office atmosphere. Fieldwork will include activities around heavy industrial activity.

Description of environment: Office work is in a building with standard office environment. Fieldwork will be performed on project sites outdoors and exposed to the elements and inclement weather conditions. Fieldwork will include activities around heavy industrial activity and strict mine safety requirements. Lodging at field sites may include shared rooms/bathrooms.

Physical requirements:  Employee is required to:

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Pass a respirator fit test.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Wade in streams, climb embankments, and walk on unstable terrain.
• Sit, stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear, see, taste/smell, and carry weight/lift.
• Work 12+ hours per day while in the field.

Travel: May travel at least 50 percent of the time during field season and be away on field trips for multiple days. Employee may travel to remote areas and may be required to use alternative modes of transportation, including but not limited to snow machines, boats, small airplanes, helicopters and ATVs.

Travel may require an employee or contractor to pass a TSA security checkpoint. If the employee or contractor does not have valid identification, they will not be able to travel until valid identification is obtained and verified. For this reason all employees and contractors must have valid identification when traveling to and from the work site destination, for a list of TSA approved valid identification visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification . 

Competencies

• Professional, highly self-motivated, passionate, energetic, creative, and strategic thinker.
• Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external clients.
• Mines first-hand client information, using it to determine how to best maximize the opportunity for Kuna and its clients.
• Always acts with customers in mind, knows how to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers/prospects and gains their trust and respect.