Junior Environmental Technician/Treatment System Operator

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Junior Environmental Technician/Treatment System Operator to support environmental remediation for an industrial client.  You will work alongside experienced supervisors and field crews to execute field tasks safely and efficiently, maintain high-quality documentation, and support operations, maintenance, and sampling activities. The site is located in Richmond, VA.  

This role emphasizes learning, hands-on fieldwork, and adherence to safety and quality protocols, with growth opportunities into advanced field and supervisory responsibilities.

Field Operations & Site Support

• Oversee pump-and-treat system operations, including monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and performance optimization.
• Sampling groundwater Influent and Effluent from groundwater treatment systems primarily for volatile organic compounds. Preparing chains-of-custody and sample cooler loading in preparation for transport to contracted analytical laboratories.
• Gathering and maintaining specified records of scientific data for the technical lead/supervisor, including environmental sampling, operations and maintenance, and inspections at client sites
• Assisting with calculations, setting up and operating equipment (sampling devices and pumps), inspecting equipment and installations for compliance with specifications and maintaining proper project documentation. 
• Driving AECOM-leased site vehicles.
• Mechanical aptitude to repair treatment equipment.

Health & Safety Participation

• Follow AECOM safety policies and Site-Specific Health and Safety Plans (SSHPs); participate in JHAs/tailgates and stop work if unsafe conditions arise.
• Use required PPE correctly, report incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA and applicable state requirements during all phases of work.

Documentation & QA/QC

• Maintain complete and accurate field logs, daily reports, equipment logs, photo documentation, and chain-of-custody records.
• Perform basic data entry and QA/QC checks for measurements and sampling results.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate day-to-day needs with the site supervisor, project manager, subcontractors, and client representatives as directed.
• Communicate field status, issues, and material/equipment needs promptly and professionally.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Due to the nature of this work US Citizenship is required.
• In order to receive a security badge at the client worksite for which you are being hired to perform services, you will be required to pass the client's background, medical and drug screening requirements, which will be done after you have commenced employment and is a condition of your continued employment.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to travel to various client sites locations using a AECOM provided Vehicle to conduct fieldwork, including but not limited to environmental sampling, operations and maintenance and inspections.
• Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security pre-employment background check; many projects/ clients are security sensitive and require periodic post-employment background checks.
• Position requires frequent (more than 50% of workday) standing/walking; often (25-50% of workday) performing power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), operation of vehicles, performing repetitive or fine hand movements, and lifting of less than 25 pounds; occasionally (10-25% of workday) performing work with arms above shoulder level, repetitive bending & stooping, working at heights, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, work in an environment of heavy, moving, dangerous equipment, work in confined spaces, keyboard/mouse operations, work alone in isolated/remote areas, and lifting of 25-50 pounds; rarely (less than 10% of workday) wearing fall protection, and lifting of 50-75 pounds.  
• Position will include wearing associated personal protective equipment, including, but not limited to gloves, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes/boots, hard hat, hearing protection, respiratory and fall protection equipment.
• Flexibility on work hours is a must.  Project consists of working a rotating shift.  One week on day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday) followed by two weeks on second shift (2:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday through Friday).  This includes periodically working weekends if there is a need.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of environmental remediation, construction, utilities, or industrial fieldwork experience.
• Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER with recent refresher; OSHA 10 or 30 Construction and CPR/First Aid certifications.
• Experience with basic sampling, meter use (e.g., PID, multi-parameter), and remediation system O&M tasks.
• Proficiency with field documentation (daily reports, chain-of-custody, photo logs); basic Excel/Word skills.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation: 25 to 30 (USD) (HOURLY)