Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory Scientist Early Career null

Your Role

This Opportunity:

WSP is seeking an Early Career Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory Scientist to work out of their San Diego, CA office.

The ideal candidate will be team-oriented as well as self-directed and have recent experience participating in aquatic sciences-related projects in southern California. Some experience working as part of a laboratory or field team and being knowledgeable in good laboratory practices, collection of data, and the use of water quality meters, microscopes, and basic laboratory equipment is desired. The ideal candidate will also have some familiarity with local and national permitting programs, whole effluent toxicity testing methods and associated QA/QC procedures, and statistical analysis experience. 

Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact:

• Under general supervision provide day-to-day bench level and data analytical and reporting support for the San Diego Environmental Toxicology Laboratory. 
• Primary responsibilities for this position may include:
  • Daily lab and equipment maintenance and cleaning
  • Glassware support
  • Test organism culturing and maintenance
  • Conducting technical aspects of laboratory toxicity testing or other similar projects
  • Recording test data and filling out logbooks 
  • Data entry, QA/QC, statistical analysis, and report preparation support. 
  • Support and adherence to Health and Safety requirements
  • Participating on occasion with field teams to collect water, sediment, and biological samples
  • Participating in regional scientific organizations
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and hard copy datasheets/logs.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory documentation, equipment, and logbooks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

About You

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Sciences, Toxicology, Chemistry, Ecology, Marine Biology or closely related discipline.
• 0-1 years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Aquatic Sciences, Toxicology, Chemistry, Ecology, Marine Biology or closely related discipline.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations. 

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $55,700 - $83,500 annually. If you join as a full-time employee, you may get the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Retirement savings
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation (or other personal time)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Training & Development 

Through the WSP Learning Portal, they deliver a wide range of programs and courses for career development. These include internal and external courses, videos, textbooks, and e-learning. Of course, the best way to learn is to benefit from the experience of colleagues on project work. Additionally, for early career professionals, they provide structured training programs supervised by their experienced professionals. You will discover a culture that rewards dedication with support and encouragement while you explore a wide variety of opportunities that enable you to do meaningful, impactful work in your community. 

Career Progress

WSP's people are the key to their success. They offer a number of different career paths. You can specialize in your field of technology or become a project manager with responsibility for large and complex projects. You might be interested in a management career with responsibility for a unit, department, or business area. Or you might move towards business development, developing client relationships, and bringing in new business. This variety allows employees to choose paths that align with their interests and skills, contributing to their growth and the organization's success.

Source

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• wsp.com/en-ph/careers/what-we-offer
• youtu.be/0hS3J4yiaAk?si=kP6J8hmQs7ZSf7CT