Environmental Technician (Field Based)

ERM is hiring an Environmental Technician in Sparwood, BC, Canada to carry out routine surface water monitoring across the Elk Valley.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) limited-term role with a duration of 3 months, extendable.

Responsibilities:

• Execute scheduled sampling rounds at established monitoring locations — streams, tributaries, discharge points, and receiving environment stations — following site-specific sampling plans
• Collect samples in accordance with the BC Field Sampling Manual and project SOPs: correct bottle sets and order of collection, field filtration for dissolved fractions, correct preservation, and appropriate fill and headspace
• Record in-situ field parameters (pH, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity) using calibrated field meters
• Decontaminate sampling equipment between stations and follow clean-hands protocols to prevent cross-contamination
• Observe and document field conditions: flow character, weather, ice conditions, visual water quality, access constraints, and anything anomalous
• Maintain complete, legible, defensible field notes and photo documentation for every station, every visit
• Collect the full suite of quality control samples on schedule — field duplicates, field and trip blanks, equipment rinsate blanks, and splits — at the frequencies set out in the sampling plan
• Verify bottle labelling, station IDs, and sample dates and times against the plan before samples leave the field
• Calibrate field meters daily and record calibration and verification results
• Identify and report deviations honestly and immediately: missed stations, broken bottles, temperature excursions, inaccessible sites, suspected contamination. A documented deviation is recoverable; an undocumented one invalidates a dataset
• Reconcile each round’s field records against the sampling plan and confirm nothing was missed before closing out

• Prepare bottle orders and coolers ahead of each round; manage ice packs, preservatives, and consumable inventory
• Pack coolers to maintain required temperature, include temperature blanks, and protect samples in transit
• Complete chain-of-custody documentation accurately and legibly — custody is a legal record and the single most common source of data disputes
• Coordinate courier pickups and drop-offs to meet laboratory hold times, working backward from courier cutoffs when planning each round
• Confirm sample receipt with the laboratory, and follow up promptly on receipt discrepancies, temperature exceptions, or missing bottles

• Take streamflow measurements and support servicing of hydrometric stations and continuous water quality sondes
• Download loggers and verify data completeness in the field

• Enter and QA/QC field data into project databases and digital field forms (e.g., EQuIS, ArcGIS Field Maps)
• Flag data quality issues and exceedances promptly to the project team
• Draft short field summary memos documenting each sampling round

• Calibrate, clean, and maintain field instruments and sampling equipment between rounds
• Comply fully with ERM and client health and safety requirements, including site orientations, Field Level Risk Assessments, and journey management
• Work respectfully on the territory of Ktunaxa Nation communities, following ERM and client cultural awareness protocols

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Environmental Sciences, or related field is preferred.
• Ability to walk long distances and carry heavy field equipment.
• Ability to work in remote locations in varied weather conditions and on varied terrain.
• Effective observational and organization skills; experience documenting detailed technical data an asset.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficient in basic computer skills (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) for communication and field reporting.
• A valid driver’s license and a good driving record; ability to drive to the various project locations; ability to rent a vehicle.