Industrial Tech-In-Training

The Field Scientist supports daily operations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Pretreatment Lagoon, and Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP). This role combines fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and treatment process monitoring to ensure environmental compliance and effective operation of the pretreatment system. The position requires an independent, highly organized individual who enjoys working outdoors, can troubleshoot complex problems, and is comfortable performing both scientific and operational duties. The Field Scientist plays a critical role in sampling, data collection, equipment maintenance, industrial wastewater monitoring, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and permits established by the City of Vancouver and other governing bodies.

Essential Responsibilities:

Field Sampling & Monitoring

• Analyze wastewater and industrial discharges for parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, sulfite, nitrogen species, and additional field metrics as required.
• Collect wastewater samples from commercial and industrial facilities throughout the Vancouver area.
• Follow proper sample preservation, handling, and chain of custody procedures.
• Conduct lagoon monitoring using a boat to obtain samples, measure dissolved oxygen, check sludge depth, and collect process data.
• Take monitoring readings and adjust lagoon treatment processes (e.g., nutrient dosing, oxygen balance) to maintain permit compliance.
• Complete two comprehensive sets of facility rounds daily—at the start and end of each shift. Laboratory & Data Duties
• Perform accurate data entry into LIMS and HachWIMS systems.
• Create representative sample fractions from parent samples.
• Use microscopes to identify wastewater microbial populations.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain required documentation.
• Deliver lagoon samples to the Westside lab daily for further testing. Industrial Pretreatment Program Responsibilities
• Schedule and plan 5-7 industrial spot check sampling events per month as designated by the City of Vancouver.
• Collect required industrial samples eight times per month at assigned sites.
• Maintain and deploy sampling equipment at industrial locations.
• Coordinate collection bottle orders and courier pickups with subcontracted laboratories. Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• Maintain field equipment (D.O. probes, pH probes, TDS sensors, autosamplers, etc.).
• Maintain and support operation of the IPP lagoon infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or process issues as they arise.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks and report equipment performance during facility rounds. Documentation & Communication
• Maintain accurate operational logs documenting notable events, equipment adjustments, process changes, alarms, and field conditions.
• Provide end of shift briefings to Westside Operations for SCADA monitoring handoff.
• Contribute positively to team culture and maintain professional communication with industrial customers and internal partners.
• Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety documents.
• Hight School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License Ideally, you'll also have
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a science field preferred OR
• Four (4) years of experience in wastewater operations or industrial pretreatment
• Strong interest in outdoor fieldwork
• Independent, organized, and capable of troubleshooting and problem solving Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.