Environmental Scientist

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 opening for an entry level Environmental Scientist in our Chicago, IL office to assist with a variety of projects including data management, site investigations and remediation.

This position is expected to begin in Spring/Summer 2026.

The successful candidate will assist with gathering and analyzing geological, hydrogeological and geochemical data in both the field and office settings. The field activities will consist of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air and soil vapor sample collection, geological logging and interpretation, and the oversight of subcontractors including laboratories and excavation and drilling companies. The office activities will involve preparation of investigation reports.

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.

AECOM is hosting an exclusive, invitation-only hiring event in Chicago on November 20-21, 2025. This is a great opportunity to learn and connect with AECOM for career opportunities starting Spring/Summer 2026.

The event kicks off on Thursday evening with a networking mixer from 6-8 pm, where you can hear from AECOM staff about various projects, career paths, and the company itself. You'll also have the chance to meet other students, recent graduates, and AECOM professionals from across our business lines.

On Friday, interviews will take place at our Chicago office. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about and connect with AECOM for early career opportunities.

If you're a college student majoring in a field indicated below and graduating in December 2025 or Spring 2026, we'd love to hear from you

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology or related field.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License required to visit project sites, clients, and other AECOM offices. 
• As a condition of employment, selected candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Records review and a substance abuse test.
• Due to the nature of work, US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to understand and supervise advancement of soil borings and installation of monitoring wells.
• Ability to demonstrate a primary technical role in multiple site characterization, subsurface investigation and remediation projects at various client sites.
• Understand and assist with site conceptual models.
• Collect and evaluate environmental data in field and office settings.
• Prepare investigation reports and drawings.
• Possesses technical report writing skills.
• Independent field work and leadership of field teams.
• Contractor oversight.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete 40-hour HAZWOPER training or annual refresher class, if needed.
• Selected Candidate will also receive First Aid/CPR training and AECOM specific training.
• Learn and develop a keen understanding of hazard recognition; and environmental investigation or remediation.
• Candidate must be proficient with basic computer programs; MS Word and MS Excel.

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Candidate will submit to medical surveillance screening upon hire.
• Travel up to 80% may be required for this position.

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  

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.