Geologist jobs in Las Cruces, NM

Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. is recruiting for a mid-level geologist or environmental scientist in Las Cruces, NM.

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client's success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

This position will support work at the NASA White Sands Test Facility (WSTF). WSTF is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Federal Executive Orders, and NASA agency environmental policy and guidelines. WSTF is a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-permitted facility with significant environmental monitoring, remediation, and reporting obligations that require comprehensive field investigations, information/data generation and management, and regulatory compliance and reporting.

Specific job duties include:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive field investigations by leading and/or participating in scope of work development and field investigations including surface and subsurface soils and alluvial and bedrock groundwater.
• Evaluation of data and preparation of technical reports based on the results of field sampling activities.
• Ensuring field operations are performed in accordance with scope of work and site safety plans.
• Monitoring and directing Technicians and subcontractors during investigation fieldwork, such as borehole/monitoring well installations, environmental sample collection, and management of contaminated environmental media.
• Providing data interpretation and mapping of analytical results.
• Evaluating and establishing patterns and trends exhibited by such data for determination of impacts to human health and the environment.
• Preparation, collection, and retention of paper and electronic records associated with ongoing and historical environmental investigations.
• Supporting the existing staff with the preparation of project start-up documents (e.g., work plans), daily reporting of field activities, and production of technical report components (data result tables, data visualization maps in ArcGIS, and data analysis).
• Supporting regulatory interaction related to environmental investigations and subsequent reporting.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Developing statements of work and related procurement documentation for environmental restoration and monitoring projects.
• Managing NASA property and vehicles required to perform investigations and monitoring.
• Supporting the operation and maintenance of environmental remediation systems.
• Working with other WSTF contractors or off-site subcontractors to facilitate the above activities.

• Bachelor's degree in geology, environmental science, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in scientific, regulatory, environmental consulting, contracting or related industry. A master's degree from an accredited university can substitute one year of professional experience.
• Must have a current valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Required Skills

• Ability to operate effectively with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform and manage multiple tasks and organize complex datasets to meet objectives.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication.
• Ability to support preparation and review of technical deliverables.
• Experience with GIS Databases, mapping/drafting, and standard office software.
• Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidance.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong field experience with drilling, logging, and installing bedrock groundwater monitoring wells.
• Experience with multimedia sampling (groundwater, soil, and soil vapor).
• Experience with data management packages (preferably EQuIS), ArcPRO, AutoCAD/Carlson, and data analysis.
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification and current 8-hour refresher.
• Experience with NM Environment Department.
• Experience with emerging contaminants including PFAS.
• Prior experience working on DOD projects (e.g., NASA, USACE, AFCEC, NAVFAC)
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geoscientist (PG) certification.
• Experience / well versed in ArcGIS.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The duties for this position are performed primarily in an office setting and secondarily in the field. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasional shift work outside of the standard 9-hour day, and potential exposure to adverse outdoor weather conditions may be required. Occasional travel may also be required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle tools and controls; operate vehicles and equipment; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; lift moderate loads (< 50lbs); see; talk; and hear. Field work regularly requires the ability to navigate uneven ground or other obstacles found in desert terrains.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability