Field Geochemist

COLUMBIA Technologies, a small Environmental Services company headquartered in Baltimore, MD, is seeking Field Geochemists to support our service delivery in North and South America and Hawaii.  

COLUMBIA Technologies provides the world's first and leading solution for real-time data collection, analysis, visualization, mapping, and tracking of soil and groundwater pollution. COLUMBIA's patented and proprietary SmartData Solutions® combines a cloud-based, real-time analytics and visualization application, advanced in-ground sensor technologies, and on-site services expertise to deliver instant assessments on the environmental health of real estate properties. This information-rich approach significantly lowers the economic risk and cost of environmental liabilities and provides for more sustainable low impact, clean (green) targeted property cleanup, redevelopment and reuse.

At COLUMBIA Technologies, our company's core commitment and principal key to success is to focus on quality and service above all else. This means that we focus only on technologies and services that we passionately believe in, that our staff knows inside and out.

Position Overview:

This position is available for immediate hire and has the potential to become permanent/long-term for the successful candidate who operates safely, providing high quality data, and positive customer feedback.

This position is a 100% travel position for up to 3 weeks/month, including weekends. Relocation is not necessary as long as you live convenient to an airport. If you are not able to commit to 100% travel away from your "home-base" for up to 3 weeks/month, including weekends, then please do not apply for this job.

COLUMBIA Technologies is expanding its foreign business and posting(s) to Central/South America or overseas may be possible for full-time Field Geochemists who want to be considered for such assignments.

No Employment Agencies, please - candidates, only. All applicants must have the legal right to work and permanently reside in the United States. COLUMBIA Technologies will not pay for relocation, nor will we sponsor visas or Green Cards, etc.

NOTE: Any candidates who are considered as finalists will be required to undergo COLUMBIA Technologies' standard candidate screening protocols, which are fairly selective compared to many other employers. These include a thorough pre-employment skills assessment, having a full background/credit/identity check, drug testing, drivers record check, and a mandatory personality type assessment (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and team fit/teamwork compatibility assessment, all being performed either during the application process, or during the candidate's initial evaluation period. If you have reservations about any of these requirements (as well as about the specific requirements below) and/or if you're not comfortable in sharing the results of the personality and teambuilding assessment with other team members, then please do not apply for this job.

Responsibilities: 

How You Will Add Value:

• In this position you will interface directly with clients' technical project managers, to provide hydro-chemical, geo-chemical, and bio-chemical data at environmentally contaminated sites using the latest state-of-the-art direct sensing analytical instruments.
• You will present and articulate the capabilities and values of COLUMBIA's technologies and services, demonstrating excellent sales ability and consulting skills.
• You will work with our information technology staff to perform data entry and reporting via the Internet using spreadsheets, databases, GIS and web-based tools.
• You will be responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing analytical and other equipment in the field.
• You will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of truck, trailer, laboratory, and computer equipment.
• You will provide functional support in the field to prospective clients and customers while ensuring customer satisfaction, with minimal supervision.
• Acquire and maintain competitive knowledge, including solution, technology and product offerings. 

Who You Will Work With:

External Customers:

• The top global environmental consulting firms in North and South America and their clients

Internal Customers/Team:

• Business Development
• Field Operations
• Customer Support
• Information Technology
• Accounting

What is in it for You?

• Dynamic team members to work and collaborate with.
• Professional work environment.
• A professional reputation created by working with the most advanced state-of-the-art environmental and information technologies.
• A chance to make a difference and voice your opinions with both our clients & company.
• In a team environment, collaborate in the development of innovative, tailored solutions for clients and prospects. 

Qualifications: 

Desired Skills & Experience:

What You Will Bring:

• We are looking only for candidates who are honest and have an exemplary work ethic.
• Ability to work individually as a motivated self-starter.
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving abilities.
• Customer focus and ability to understand complex technical issues.
• Aptitude for mathematics and analytical thought processes.
• Favorable results on a Standard Criminal Background Check for employment.
• A demonstrated safe driving record.
• A willingness to travel extensively throughout North and South America and Hawaii. 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
• Strong academic background in mathematics and environmental chemistry or geology. 

Years of Experience Required:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the environmental industry or other technical services is preferred for senior level positions.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in direct sensing (MIP/LIF/HPT) and Geoprobe operation. Experience with drilling and other sampling methods would be beneficial.
• Experience working for small, privately held companies a definite plus.

Experience and Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work independently toward stated business goals and must be responsive and prompt.
• Must have strong organizational skills, in particular regarding time management, and prioritizing short-term obligations versus longer term goals.

Technical Skills Required:

• Good equipment troubleshooting and maintenance skills combined with versatile computer and Internet skills.
• Ability to analyze plans, specifications proposals and other documentation to safely and properly execute field operations.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, Microsoft Outlook, E-mail, and related contemporary Internet tools - such as Google Search, Bing, Gmail, etc..
• Candidate must also be, at a minimum, fairly self-sufficient with their own IT and/or mobile device (Smartphone) skills, such that they can largely "solve their own problems" or "find out their own answers" wherever possible. For instance, you must be able to install new software on their PC, configure their own Smartphone (if provided by Company), help solve or determine common resolutions to various issues. The Company will provide resources to help you get these answers - such as providing tech support hotline(s), and/or access to staff, or other knowledge base articles, where appropriate.

What Language Skills Are Required?

• Strong verbal and written communications skills in English are required including hosting and conducting remote training and/or demonstrations, such as using GoToMeeting and/or WebEx.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese or other language skill is a definite plus. 

What Are Your Work Hours?

• Normal work hours are 8am to 4pm, Mon-Fri.
• Extensive overtime (10-20 hours per week) is required during field assignments.
• No work hours are required when off on crew break; approximately every fourth week.

Will You Travel?

• You can expect to travel the majority of your time throughout North and South America and Hawaii. While a standard crew and project rotation is the goal, frequent project changes often disrupt or change the crew assignment schedule.

Where Will You Be Located?

• The company is headquartered in Baltimore, MD however, relocation is not anticipated for this position.

Compensation: $40-60K

What You Will Receive:

• Excellent pay and benefits
• Interesting work
• Great co-workers
• Acknowledgement of the value you add

COLUMBIA Technologies offers a small, team-oriented work environment. COLUMBIA offers a dynamic, progressive, and exciting work environment. Every day has an interesting mixture of different assignments, and the workday flies by. You will never be bored during your workday with us!

To Apply:

Visit us. Qualified candidates should email their cover letter, resume and salary requirements.