Application Guide
How to Apply for Environmental Field Scientist
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that stands out for its commitment to 'building sustainable legacies,' focusing on innovative environmental solutions that address complex challenges like climate change and resource management. Working at AECOM offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that shape communities and protect natural resources, supported by a culture that values technical excellence and professional growth in the environmental sector.
About This Role
As an Environmental Field Scientist at AECOM's Herndon, VA office, you'll be responsible for hands-on fieldwork including groundwater monitoring, soil/water sampling, and remediation system maintenance, directly supporting environmental compliance and site remediation projects. This role is impactful because you'll collect critical data that informs decisions on environmental protection and regulatory adherence, helping clients manage contamination and meet sustainability goals.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with preparing equipment for groundwater monitoring at a local site in Northern Virginia, followed by collecting soil samples and documenting findings in field logs. In the afternoon, you could assist with stormwater inspections or repair a remediation system component, ensuring all activities comply with safety protocols and environmental regulations before wrapping up with data entry and travel planning for upcoming assignments.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Has 1-3 years of practical experience with environmental sampling (e.g., using bailers, pumps, or field meters) and troubleshooting mechanical components of remediation systems like air strippers or pumps.
- Demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude through examples such as repairing plumbing, calibrating instruments, or maintaining field equipment in previous roles.
- Is self-driven and detail-oriented, with a track record of maintaining accurate field logs, chain-of-custody records, and adhering to safety protocols like OSHA standards.
- Thrives in fieldwork, with flexibility for local travel in Virginia and occasional out-of-state assignments, and can work independently or collaboratively in team settings.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Tailor your resume to highlight specific fieldwork experience, such as 'performed groundwater monitoring using YSI meters' or 'collected soil samples per EPA Method 5035,' mirroring the job's core responsibilities.
Emphasize any hands-on mechanical skills, like repairing pumps or plumbing systems, in a separate 'Technical Skills' section or bullet points under relevant jobs.
Research AECOM's recent projects in Virginia (e.g., stormwater management or remediation work) and mention one in your cover letter to show alignment with their local impact.
Include certifications like OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER or relevant state licenses (e.g., Virginia DEQ certifications) if you have them, as they're valued for regulatory compliance roles.
Submit your application through AECOM's career portal with a concise, keyword-rich summary that includes terms like 'environmental sampling,' 'remediation systems,' and 'field documentation' to pass initial screenings.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Highlight your hands-on experience with environmental sampling and remediation systems, providing a brief example like 'maintained groundwater monitoring wells for a former industrial site.'", 'Demonstrate your mechanical aptitude by describing a time you troubleshooted or repaired field equipment, linking it to safety and efficiency.', "Express motivation for AECOM's sustainability mission, referencing their projects or values, and explain why you're drawn to fieldwork in Herndon, VA.", 'Mention your ability to travel and work independently, noting any past experience with fieldwork logistics or compliance documentation.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore AECOM's sustainability reports and recent projects in Virginia, such as their work on stormwater management or brownfield remediation in the Herndon area.
- → Review the company's core values and 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy to understand how this role supports their environmental goals.
- → Look into regulatory frameworks relevant to the role, like Virginia DEQ regulations or EPA guidelines for sampling and remediation.
- → Check AECOM's news section for updates on infrastructure or environmental initiatives in the US, to discuss during interviews.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic resume without specific examples of fieldwork or mechanical skills, as this role requires hands-on technical expertise.
- Overlooking safety compliance in your application; failing to mention experience with safety standards (e.g., PPE use, HAZWOPER training) can hurt your chances.
- Not addressing the travel requirement; avoid implying inflexibility for out-of-state assignments, as this is a key part of the job.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!