Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist
ERG is seeking a highly motivated Junior Air Sensors Scientist / Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support research and development activities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development. This position is an excellent opportunity for a early-career professional interested in air quality monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric research, environmental data analysis, laboratory operations, and field studies.
The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams on projects involving air quality monitoring, particulate matter measurements, aerosol characterization, environmental sensor evaluations, exposure assessment, environmental sampling, and data collection. The qualified individual must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow established procedures while working effectively in laboratory, field, and team environments.
Job Description:
- Support air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, laboratory research, and field data collection activities
- Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot environmental sensors, air monitoring instruments, and scientific equipment
- Assist with environmental sampling, field measurements, and monitoring campaigns
- Support research involving aerosol measurements, particulate matter monitoring, air pollution, environmental sensors, and exposure assessment
- Collect, organize, manage, and review environmental and air quality data
- Perform basic data analysis using scientific, statistical, or computational methods
- Assist with laboratory testing and instrument performance evaluations
- Review data for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements
- Support implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities
- Prepare data summaries, figures, tables, presentations, and technical reports
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, field logs, and project documentation
- Follow laboratory, field, and workplace health and safety procedures
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and project managers to support project objectives
- Travel to field locations or EPA facilities as needed
- Perform other environmental research- and monitoring-related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Data Science, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
- Zero to five years of relevant experience, including internships, cooperative education programs, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, field sampling, or environmental monitoring
- Demonstrated interest in air quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, environmental sensors, aerosol science, atmospheric science, particulate matter, exposure assessment, or environmental data analysis
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work on-site in laboratory, office, and field environments
- Experience using R, Python, MATLAB, or Microsoft Excel for scientific or environmental data analysis is preferred
- Familiarity with EPA monitoring programs, environmental measurement methods, QAPPs, or SOPs is a plus
- Experience preparing technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, tables, or figures is a plus
- Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate technical records
- Experience or coursework in two or more of the following areas is preferred:
- Air quality monitoring or environmental monitoring
- Air pollution measurement or air monitoring instrumentation
- Environmental sensor or sensor evaluation
- Aerosol science or aerosol measurements
- Particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10
- Atmospheric science or environmental exposure assessment
- Scientific or environmental instrumentation
- Instrument calibration and performance testing
- Laboratory safety or environmental field studies
- Quality assurance and quality control
Physical and Work Environment Requirements:
- This is an on-site position at EPA research facilities
- Field activities may account for approximately 25%–50% of work time, depending on project needs
- Work may take place in laboratories, offices, outdoor field locations, and other monitoring environments
- Occasional lifting of equipment or materials weighing up to 35 pounds may be required
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, protective footwear, and other equipment as appropriate, is required
- Some travel to field sites may be required
Source: the employer's careers page. Last checked 2026-09-30. Posted 2026-09-15.