Job Description
Sola Engineering Inc. provides geotechnical, environmental, and materials inspection and testing services. We are a growing company, an important part of which is the knowledge, hard work and dedication of our staff.
Position Summary
The primary objective is for the incumbent to act as an entry level Environmental Scientist, primarily undertaking fieldwork to support environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater investigations, excess soil management, and remediation projects. The position contributes to project work and technical excellence in the Company, in compliance with the Company’s policies and practices on technical matters.
The incumbent will work under the direction of the Environmental Project Manager and senior technical staff, with oversight by a Qualified Person where required. Assignments will support municipal infrastructure, road rehabilitation, construction, and property development projects. Field duties will be assigned according to training and demonstrated competence. The incumbent will also receive training in geotechnical and materials testing fieldwork to support Sola’s project teams as required.
Key Responsibilities
· Participate in environmental field investigations, including borehole drilling, test pit excavations, soil sampling, and monitoring well installation, under the direction of senior staff.
· Collect, describe, and log soil samples; record sampling locations, depths, soil conditions, and field screening results in accordance with project procedures.
· Assist with monitoring well development, groundwater level measurements, and groundwater and surface water sampling, as required.
· Carry out field observations and assist with site reconnaissance for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments; document site conditions through field notes and photographs.
· Support excess soil investigations by collecting samples from in situ soils and stockpiles, recording stockpile and sampling locations, and maintaining soil movement and tracking records as directed.
· Observe and document excavation and remediation activities, collect confirmation samples as directed, and promptly report suspected contamination, unexpected conditions, and deviations from the approved work plan.
· Prepare sample containers and labels, maintain chain of custody records, and arrange proper sample preservation, storage, and delivery to the laboratory within specified holding times.
· Assist in implementing quality control measures for environmental sampling, testing, and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with project specifications and environmental standards, including collection of quality control samples as directed.
Key Responsibilities Continued
· Assist in the management and maintenance of environmental monitoring and testing equipment, ensuring equipment is calibrated, maintained, and properly used according to project requirements. Clean and decontaminate equipment between sampling locations.
· Maintain accurate field notes, daily field reports, sampling records, photographs, timesheets, and equipment records. Organize field data and contribute to project reports and technical documents under the guidance of more experienced staff.
· Communicate field progress, observations, and site issues to the project team. Liaise with drilling contractors, laboratories, and site personnel within the assigned scope of work.
· Follow all safety protocols and guidelines during fieldwork and on project sites to ensure personal safety and the safety of the team. Use required personal protective equipment, participate in site safety reviews, and report hazards promptly.
· Actively engage in training and professional development to gain knowledge of environmental field methods, sampling procedures, and applicable project requirements.
· Learn and assist with geotechnical and materials testing fieldwork, including soil and asphalt sampling, soil compaction and field density testing, concrete sampling and testing, and assisting with subgrade and footing subsoil inspections. Carry out assigned tasks under the direction of experienced staff following appropriate training.
Qualifications
· A university degree is not required. A college diploma or certificate in Environmental Technology, Environmental Technician, Civil Engineering Technology, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline is an asset. Candidates with equivalent practical experience or relevant training will also be considered.
· Entry level position; previous environmental consulting experience is not required. Co-op, summer employment, laboratory, construction, or other outdoor field experience is an asset.
· An interest in practical fieldwork and a willingness to learn soil descriptions, groundwater and soil sampling techniques, and quality assurance and quality control procedures.
· Ability to follow technical instructions and safety procedures, maintain accurate records, and communicate clearly with team members and site personnel.
· Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, reliability, and commitment to technical excellence.
· Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to use electronic field records and photographs.
· Valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence and ability to travel to project sites.
· WHMIS and First Aid/CPR training are assets. Willingness to complete training required for assigned work.
Working Conditions
This position is primarily based in the field, with supporting office and laboratory duties. Work involves travel from Sola’s Vaughan office to sites across the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario, outdoor work in varying weather conditions, and work near drilling equipment and active construction operations. The incumbent must be able to walk on uneven ground, stand for extended periods, and safely handle sampling equipment and coolers, with accommodation as required. Early starts, variable daily hours, and occasional work outside regular hours or overnight travel may be required to meet project needs.
