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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Field Scientist

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

ScienceResearchEnvironmentalAgricultureField Operations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Field Scientist, you will be the cornerstone of our field research operations. You will independently and collaboratively design, execute, and manage field studies across various locations. This involves everything from site selection and preparation to the deployment of advanced instrumentation, collection of high-quality samples (soil, water, air, biological), and meticulous data management. Your work will directly inform environmental assessments, agricultural product development, or ecological restoration projects, making a tangible impact on our objectives and client success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Environmental Technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Lab Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Field Scientist
  • Project Manager
  • Research Program Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Analyst
  • Data Scientist / Analyst
  • Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design and implement comprehensive field research protocols and experimental designs to meet specific project objectives, ensuring scientific validity and statistical power.
  • Conduct on-site environmental investigations, including the systematic collection of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and air samples according to established SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain a wide array of sophisticated scientific field equipment, such as multi-parameter water quality sondes, GPS/GNSS units, photoionization detectors (PIDs), and automated data loggers.
  • Manage and ensure the integrity of all field-generated data, meticulously recording observations, measurements, and site conditions in field notebooks and digital data collection systems.
  • Author detailed and accurate technical reports, field summary reports, and data packages that clearly communicate methodologies, results, and conclusions to project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies.
  • Perform data analysis and interpretation of complex scientific datasets, utilizing statistical methods to identify trends, draw conclusions, and support project recommendations.
  • Coordinate and oversee the logistics of field sampling events, including scheduling, equipment mobilization, site access, and subcontractor management.
  • Adhere to and enforce strict health and safety protocols (HSE) during all field activities to ensure a safe working environment for the entire team and the public.
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact in the field, effectively communicating with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory personnel to provide project updates and address inquiries.
  • Utilize GPS and GIS technologies for site mapping, sample location tracking, and spatial data analysis to visualize and interpret site characteristics.
  • Conduct site reconnaissance and characterization to evaluate suitability for research, monitoring, or remediation activities, documenting geological and ecological conditions.
  • Provide on-site technical support, product demonstration, and training to customers or collaborators, ensuring proper use and application of scientific products or methodologies.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with field instrumentation and data collection processes in real-time to minimize downtime and maintain data quality.
  • Manage sample custody and coordinate with analytical laboratories to ensure proper sample handling, preservation, and timely analysis.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed documentation for all project phases, including work plans, sampling and analysis plans (SAPs), and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs).
  • Stay current with emerging scientific literature, field technologies, and regulatory changes relevant to the area of practice.
  • Evaluate agricultural test plots or environmental monitoring sites for efficacy, crop safety, or environmental impact, collecting observational and quantitative data.
  • Install, monitor, and decommission environmental monitoring systems, including groundwater monitoring wells and sensor networks.
  • Lead field teams, providing clear direction and supervision to junior staff and technicians to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and correctly.
  • Travel frequently to diverse, sometimes remote or physically demanding, project locations in various weather conditions to execute fieldwork.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development of project proposals, work plans, and cost estimates for new business opportunities.
  • Contribute to the writing and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals or for presentation at industry conferences.
  • Provide mentorship and on-the-job training to junior scientists, technicians, and field staff.
  • Participate in client meetings and stakeholder presentations to communicate project progress and technical results.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Field Data Collection Methodologies: Expertise in collecting soil, water, air, and/or biological samples according to standard scientific and regulatory protocols.
  • Scientific Instrumentation: Proficiency in operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting field equipment such as GPS units, water quality meters, PID/FIDs, and data loggers.
  • GIS Software: Competency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization.
  • Technical & Scientific Report Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and accurate technical reports for internal, client, and regulatory audiences.
  • Statistical Analysis: Experience using statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, JMP) or tools like Excel for data analysis and interpretation.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant environmental regulations and guidelines (e.g., EPA, OSHA, state-specific requirements).
  • Data Management: Strong skills in organizing, managing, and assuring the quality of large datasets from field collection activities.
  • Experimental Design: Ability to design and lay out scientifically sound field trials and research studies.

Soft Skills

  • Strong Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and creatively to overcome logistical and technical challenges in the field.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and can work effectively in challenging weather and terrain.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Commitment to precision and accuracy in data collection, note-taking, and reporting.
  • Independence & Autonomy: Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in remote settings.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with team members, clients, and subcontractors.
  • Project Coordination: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and coordinate logistics for field operations.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A deep and proactive commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and the team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree or Ph.D. with a focus on field-based research.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Geology / Hydrogeology
  • Biology / Ecology
  • Agronomy / Soil Science
  • Chemistry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-7 years of professional experience directly involving field-based research, data collection, and environmental monitoring.

Preferred:

Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., environmental consulting, agricultural research, pharmaceuticals) and possession of relevant certifications (e.g., 40-hr HAZWOPER) are highly desirable.

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