Environmental Data Scientist

Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. is seeking an Environmental Data Scientist for their Blacksburg, VA office. The role involves maintaining environmental databases, conducting data analysis, and developing groundwater models. Candidates should possess an advanced degree in a related field and skills in modeling software, programming, and database administration. The position requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to manage contaminated environmental projects across the US.
Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES), an industry leader with a reputation for excellence in providing environmental consulting, engineering, compliance, and technical field services to clients in diverse market sectors, seeks an Environmental Data Scientist based out of our Blacksburg, VA office. The data scientist holds a crucial position within Environmental Informatics team, contributing to the understanding and management of contaminated environmental projects. This role is responsible for maintaining and administering the environmental analytical databases, ensuring data integrity. Additionally, the successful candidate will utilize advanced modeling techniques to simulate groundwater flow, quality, and potential interactions with surface water. The data scientist collaborates with hydrogeologists, engineers, and other staff to address interdisciplinary project questions. This role is a critical part of a centralized team supporting diverse projects across the US.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Database Administration:
• Administrate the established environmental database and related tools. Apply and refine protocols and procedures for data entry, validation, and quality assurance. Regularly update and optimize database structures to accommodate evolving business needs.
• Collect, compile, and organize data from various sources, including field measurements, monitoring networks, and remote sensing.
• Perform data processing, transformation, and analysis to derive meaningful information.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate datasets.
• Contribute to the development of innovative approaches for assessment and management of environmental data.

Groundwater Modeling:
• Develop, calibrate, and validate groundwater models using software such as MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or equivalent using multiple model interfaces, i.e. Groundwater Vistas, Model Muse, or Visual MODFLOW.
• Conduct scenario analyses to simulate the impacts of various factors on groundwater flow, quantity and quality. Interpret model results and provide actionable insights to project teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in groundwater modeling techniques, tools, and methodologies.

Skills & Requirements:
• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, geosciences, or a related field.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in groundwater modeling software (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW)
• Experience with transforming data through GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).
• Awareness of asynchronous field collection tools and web map application development is a plus.
• Strong programming skills in languages including Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis and model development.
• Experience in database design, administration, and SQL programming, specifically EQuIS is a plus.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and uncertainty analysis techniques.
• Prior experience in groundwater research, modeling, or database administration is preferred.
• Coursework or research project applications with artificial intelligence and/or machine learning would be beneficial

Our comprehensive benefits include: Hybrid work model, medical, dental, vision, prescription card, 401k, FSA, LTD, STD, New Parent Leave, 529 CollegeBound Fund, Tuition Assistance, Bonus Plan, and more.

Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES) believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. At GES, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.