Environmental Technician

Job description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Technician to join our Remediation team in our Chicago, IL office.

In this role, you will primarily support remedial operations maintenance and monitoring projects at client facilities and field sites. The candidate will ideally have experience in general construction and environmental remediation/sampling and an interest in hands-on mechanical problem solving).

Typical project work includes groundwater treatment systems, in situ and ex situ remediation systems, closed landfills, construction oversight with management of contaminated soil, asbestos, and regulated waste, construction oversight of support buildings/facilities, various media sampling (groundwater, vapor, surface water, sediment, and soil), and wastewater treatment. The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with members of the project team and be able to work independently.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performs soil, groundwater, surface water, waste, sediment, air, vapor sampling.
• Performs various operation and maintenance (O&M) and inspection of environmental remediation systems involving extraction of hydrocarbons, impacted vapor, impacted soil, and impacted groundwater.
• Uses field instruments and equipment as necessary to meet health and safety, field sampling, and O&M requirements.
• Other activities may include setting up and operating equipment, inspecting equipment and installations for compliance with specifications and maintaining proper project documentation.
• Documents all field activities and notes.
• Performs subcontractor oversight.
• Communicates effectively with project team.
• Has a high degree of health and safety awareness.
• Works within defined scopes, schedules and budgets while producing quality work.
• Maintains knowledge of sampling procedures and protocols in accordance with recognized industry standards.
• Works under close supervision of an engineer or scientist.

Candidate must also be able to work as part of a project team comprised of AECOM staff and subcontractors. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative. Field work will be required including oversight of subcontractors.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test. 
• A valid driver's license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy
• US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
• Ability to travel up to 90% to various job sites locally throughout the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree(s) or trade certification.
• 2 years of experience in a similar capacity.
• Physically able to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, cold, noise, and/or chemicals.
• Physically able to lift equipment or objects weighing 25 pounds or less.
• Physically able to use power gripping/squeezing hand tools and levers to perform maintenance, inspection or reading such as removing nuts and bolts on filters or well covers.
• Physically able to occasionally work with arms above shoulder level, climbing stairs, and using portable ladders to perform maintenance, inspection, or readings.
• Physically able to wear associated personal protective equipment, including, but not limited to, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, safety shoes/boots, hard hat, face shield, and hearing protection.
• Aptitude for operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Experience sampling various media (groundwater, soil, vapor).
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• First Aid/CPR training.
• MDH Asbestos Certification (Inspector or Supervisor)
• A mature sense of professional responsibility and awareness of accepted standards of professional behavior.
• Proficient technical writing skills and ability to effectively express his or herself orally in project reviews conducted among internal staff.
• Be able to independently perform field work.
• Be able to perform contractor oversight.
• Excellent attention to Health and Safety.
• Ability to record data neatly, accurately, and legibly.
• Possess strong work ethic and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with basic computer programs: MS Word and MS Excel.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.