Environmental Technician (Field Based)

ERM is hiring anEnvironmental TechnicianinSparwood BC Canadato carry out routine surface water monitoring across the Elk Valley.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) limited-term role with a duration of 3 months extendable.

Responsibilities:

• Execute scheduled sampling rounds at established monitoring locations streams tributaries discharge points and receiving environment stations following site-specific sampling plans
• Collect samples in accordance with theBC Field Sampling Manualand project SOPs: correct bottle sets and order of collection field filtration for dissolved fractions correct preservation and appropriate fill and headspace
• Record in-situ field parameters (pH conductivity temperature dissolved oxygen turbidity) using calibrated field meters
• Decontaminate sampling equipment between stations and follow clean-hands protocols to prevent cross-contamination
• Observe and document field conditions: flow character weather ice conditions visual water quality access constraints and anything anomalous
• Maintain complete legible defensible field notes and photo documentation for every station every visit
• Collect the full suite of quality control samples on schedule field duplicates field and trip blanks equipment rinsate blanks and splits at the frequencies set out in the sampling plan
• Verify bottle labelling station IDs and sample dates and times against the plan before samples leave the field
• Calibrate field meters daily and record calibration and verification results
• Identify and report deviations honestly and immediately: missed stations broken bottles temperature excursions inaccessible sites suspected contamination. A documented deviation is recoverable; an undocumented one invalidates a dataset
• Reconcile each rounds field records against the sampling plan and confirm nothing was missed before closing out

• Prepare bottle orders and coolers ahead of each round; manage ice packs preservatives and consumable inventory
• Pack coolers to maintain required temperature include temperature blanks and protect samples in transit
• Complete chain-of-custody documentation accurately and legibly custody is a legal record and the single most common source of data disputes
• Coordinate courier pickups and drop-offs to meet laboratory hold times working backward from courier cutoffs when planning each round
• Confirm sample receipt with the laboratory and follow up promptly on receipt discrepancies temperature exceptions or missing bottles

• Take streamflow measurements and support servicing of hydrometric stations and continuous water quality sondes
• Download loggers and verify data completeness in the field

• Enter and QA/QC field data into project databases and digital field forms (e.g. EQuIS ArcGIS Field Maps)
• Flag data quality issues and exceedances promptly to the project team
• Draft short field summary memos documenting each sampling round

• Calibrate clean and maintain field instruments and sampling equipment between rounds
• Comply fully with ERM and client health and safety requirements including site orientations Field Level Risk Assessments and journey management
• Work respectfully on the territory of Ktunaxa Nation communities following ERM and client cultural awareness protocols

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree or Diploma in Environmental Sciences or related field is preferred.
• Ability to walk long distances and carry heavy field equipment.
• Ability to work in remote locations in varied weather conditions and on varied terrain.
• Effective observational and organization skills; experience documenting detailed technical data an asset.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficient in basic computer skills (i.e. Outlook Word Excel SharePoint) for communication and field reporting.
• A valid drivers license and a good driving record; ability to drive to the various project locations; ability to rent a vehicle.