PFAS Chemistry Lead - job 1 of 2

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AECOM is seeking a dynamic PFAS Chemistry Lead to spearhead consulting services across the US West Region. This pivotal role is integral to our practice, leveraging expertise in chemistry to address the broad variety of challenges posed by PFAS and adapting to continual technology evolution and changing regulations in the US and abroad. Key duties include crafting best practices, project and program guidance, and training materials related to environmental data quality, analytical methods, and regulatory compliance focused on but not limited to PFAS. The PFAS Chemistry Lead will provide expert consulting for chemistry-related project needs, such as overseeing method selection and laboratory coordination, and will used advanced chemistry, statistics and spatial information to leverage complexities of PFAS chemistry into actionable solutions in environmental media. Additional responsibilities include leading a forensic chemistry initiative, driving business development, encouraging creative laboratory partnerships, and empowering teams with geospatial database tools to leverage better decisions from environmental data.

This is a remote role with the option to be located throughout the United States near an AECOM office. 

Responsibilities of the position:

• Developing best practices and guidance for preparation of defensible and efficient quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and sampling and analysis plans (SAPs) including qualitative and quantitative data quality objectives and in conformance with shifting relevant environmental regulations.
• Supporting selection of appropriate analytical methods for environmental characterization, remediation, and compliance work, including working with laboratories to develop and prove appropriate analytical methodologies, as needed.
• Engaging with commercial laboratories and innovators in PFAS sensing to advance streamlined solutions in PFAS detection and characterization.
• Coordinating and managing synthesis of analytical standards by third-party suppliers.
• Auditing quality compliance for laboratories providing analytical services.
• Assisting project teams and clients establish the scope and estimate costs of project analytical requirements and data quality assurance. This will include proposing appropriate analytical methods and providing chemistry advice and consulting services to clients and project teams within the scope of scientific knowledge.
• Engaging with a broad range of practitioners in industry and government to maintain currency in federal and state regulations governing PFAS and other emerging contaminants and their environmental analytical methodologies and quality compliance requirements.
• Developing training materials to mentor staff on topics such as the applicability of analytical methods in RCRA, CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, and CAA to meet project objectives, implementation of the National Functional Guidelines for data review, and establishing best practices for completion of chain-of-custodies (COCs), review of laboratory data, and other analytical chemistry topics necessary to support the environmental practice.
• Establishing best practices and training materials to assist technical staff fully leverage geospatial and relational database systems such as ArcGIS, Locus EIM, EarthSoft EQuIS, and/or Microsoft Access to analyze environmental data.
• Leading a forensic chemistry practice that leverages analytical, statistical and geospatial tools to analyze chemical evidence and trace the origin and fate of compounds in the environment.
• Advancing existing chemometric data mining with large datasets in support of source identification and liability assessment.
• Supporting consulting chemistry practice growth and collaborating on business development initiatives within the environmental business line.

PFAS TECHNICAL PRACTICE GROUP (TPG)

AECOM encourages knowledge-sharing without geographic constraint through our PFAS Technical Practice Group (TPG) with a current membership of over 1,000 employees in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East and Africa. The TPG creates easy access to shared information, and the opportunity to lead and learn from this talented bench of new and seasoned PFAS specialists in water treatment and environmental remediation of all media: soil, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, biosolids, and air.

Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Confers with AECOM’s Environmental Business Line (EBL) Growth Team and other BL leadership to specify growth objectives and develop detailed tactical action plans — focused on both deepening and expanding current relationships with existing clients, as well as with new clients.
• Capitalizes on own expertise and existing professional network to maintain and establish new key account relationships and ensure they are managed for growth under AECOM’s client account management (CAM) program.
• Identifies and expands opportunities with existing AECOM clients into department footprint - focusing on working with AECOM CAMs to identify other opportunities in the department geographic footprint or with department specific technical specialties. 
• Builds, maintains, and facilitates trusting relationships with key contacts in leadership across client organizations and supports AECOM’s CAMs and team members in bringing chemical PFAS capabilities and services to their client contacts regardless of geography.
• Works with AECOM’s strongest practitioners to create scientifically sound methods and efficient analytical tools that can be introduced into AECOM’s unique PFAS portfolio.
• As a technical leader in our Global PFAS Initiative—serving over 300 clients throughout the US and world--collaborates across regions and BLs to promote cross-selling of PFAS technical solutions.
• Leads client listening efforts to understand client needs, obtain feedback, and refine business objectives.
• Represents AECOM at national conferences, identify opportunities for technical talent to present at conferences as a means of promoting technical dialogues with clients and colleagues.
• Support of AECOM’s PFAS technical practitioners and academic or commercial partners in delivering meaningful research to address PFAS fate and transport, treatment, and risk related challenges.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field and 8+ years of relevant experience and or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, or another related discipline.
• Experience using relational databases such as Locus EIM, EarthSoft EQuIS and/or Microsoft Access.
• Advanced computer skills, including demonstrated experience with GIS software, R, machine learning, and AI.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles (i.e., quality assurance and quality control, method development, etc.)
• Knowledge or experience with the analytical challenges presented by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Proven business development background.

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 2024. 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.