Environmental Chemist
Posted
Job Title: Environmental Scientist II
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Job Type: Full-Time
Founded in 1976, LATA brings nearly 50 years of trusted expertise delivering complex technical solutions for government and commercial clients. From nuclear operations and engineering to environmental restoration, defense, intelligence, and IT services, LATA supports missioncritical work that protects people, infrastructure, and the environment. Our success is driven by skilled professionals who value teamwork, integrity, and making a meaningful impact.
Position Summary
LATA is seeking a detail-oriented, mid-level Environmental Scientist II with a background in Chemistry to support environmental consulting projects for Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and commercial clients. This role is primarily focused on analytical program management, quality planning, laboratory coordination, and environmental data validation and reporting, with limited fieldwork responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Work Plans (WPs), field standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory coordination, environmental data management systems, and regulatory compliance, and will serve as a key liaison between project teams and analytical laboratories to ensure data quality and defensibility.
Develop and maintain Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and Work Plans (WPs) in accordance with project objectives and regulatory requirements
Develop, update, and standardize field Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for environmental sampling, handling, and documentation
Coordinate with analytical laboratories to establish sampling protocols, analytical methods, and detection limits
Prepare and manage bottle orders, including proper preservatives, containers, and hold times
Generate sample labels and documentation, ensuring compliance with project-specific and regulatory requirements
Prepare, review, and manage Chain-of-Custody (COC) documentation
Track samples from collection through laboratory analysis and data deliverables
Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory coordination and issue resolution
Perform data validation and verification in accordance with EPA, DOE, and DOD guidance (e.g., Stage 2/3 validation as applicable)
Conduct QA/QC reviews of laboratory data packages, including qualifiers, blanks, spikes, and duplicates
Manage and analyze environmental datasets using systems such as EQuIS, ACCESS, ERPIMS, FUDSChem, and NIRIS
Support data uploads, organization, and retrieval for client-specific data systems and regulatory databases
Support preparation of technical reports, including data summaries, tables, figures, and appendices
Provide technical input on data usability, quality, and interpretation for project teams
Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards
Follow all health, safety, and environmental protocols
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field
37 years of experience in environmental consulting, analytical laboratory coordination, or environmental data management
Strong knowledge of QAPP development, SOP development, data validation, and QA/QC procedures
Experience with environmental data management systems (e.g., ACCESS, ERPIMS, FUDSChem, NIRIS, EQuIS, or similar)
Experience with analytical laboratory methods (EPA methods, detection limits, QA/QC criteria)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate across teams
Valid drivers license (minimal travel and fieldwork may be required)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DOE or DOD projects and familiarity with CERCLA/RCRA frameworks
Advanced experience with EQuIS and data validation tools/macros
Familiarity with emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS)
Experience with GIS tools (ArcGIS) for data visualization (a plus)
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (or willingness to obtain)
Masters degree in Chemistry or related field (preferred but not required)
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 4050 pounds (infrequent)
Occasional ability to work outdoors or at project sites as needed
What We Offer
Opportunity to support high-profile federal and commercial environmental programs
Key role in ensuring data quality and defensibility for regulatory decision-making
Collaboration with multidisciplinary technical teams
Professional development and career growth opportunities
Competitive salary and benefits package
