Duncan McDonald
Overland Park,KS
Summary
Environmental professional with 8+ years of combined environmental, field operations, and military leadership experience supporting safe work practices, regulatory compliance, hazard identification, risk assessment, environmental investigations, remediation, and operational activities. Experienced leading personnel in high-risk environments, conducting risk assessments and inspections, identifying hazards, implementing corrective actions, and communicating safety expectations. Environmental consulting experience includes site assessments, regulatory compliance evaluations, hazardous materials, contaminated sites, remediation, construction oversight, and coordination with contractors, clients, and regulatory agencies. Former U.S. Army Infantry Team Leader/Sergeant with experience leading personnel, managing operational resources, conducting safety training, emergency preparedness, and maintaining accountability and readiness. Strong ability to use field observations, regulatory information, and data analysis to identify risks and develop practical solutions that support both employee safety and operational objectives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Scientist
Environmental Works, Inc
Kansas City, Missouri
06.2024 - Current
- Conduct environmental and safety focused investigations and site assessments for commercial, industrial, and Brownfield properties, identifying potential environmental hazards and compliance concerns.
- Identify potential hazards and exposure pathways associated with hazardous materials, petroleum products, asbestos, PCBs, PFAS, contaminated soil and groundwater, and other environmental conditions.
- Conduct field activities including soil, groundwater, and soil-gas sampling while maintaining appropriate health and safety procedures and project requirements.
- Execute air monitoring projects for large-scale demolition and mold clearance activities to evaluate exposure and environmental conditions and support compliance with applicable standards.
- Perform asbestos and lead-based paint inspections and prepare associated inspection reports and recommendations for clients.
- Evaluate site conditions and regulatory information to identify potential compliance concerns, environmental risks, safety issues and recommended corrective actions.
- Prepare ASTM E1527-21 compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and evaluate federal and state regulatory records to identify potential environmental risks and compliance concerns.
- Coordinate site activities with clients, drill crews, contractors, and other project personnel to ensure sampling and investigation activities are completed safely and efficiently.
- Review federal and state environmental databases and regulatory records to evaluate potential environmental risks and compliance concerns associated with properties and surrounding facilities.
- Review laboratory analytical data against applicable regulatory criteria and prepare technical reports documenting findings, risks, and recommended actions.
- Manage multiple field and office projects simultaneously while meeting client, regulatory, and project deadlines.
Infantry Team Leader/Sergeant
Department of the Army
03.2021 - 06.2024
- Led and supervised personnel in high-risk operational environments, maintaining safety, accountability, readiness, and operational standards.
- Conducted formal and informal risk assessments and hazard identification before and during operations and implemented appropriate controls to reduce risk to personnel and equipment.
- Communicated safety expectations, operational requirements, and performance standards to personnel and held team members accountable for compliance.
- Conducted inspections of personnel, equipment, vehicles, and work areas to identify deficiencies and ensure compliance with established standards.
- Coordinated personnel and equipment movement during training events and field exercises while maintaining accountability and operational readiness.
- Served as Battalion Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) equipment and resource manager, supporting equipment accountability, readiness, and operational requirements.
- Conducted recurring training and reinforced established safety standards and procedures to promote safe and effective operations.
- Conducted training and collaborated with personnel from multinational partner organizations, emphasizing adherence to established procedures and operational standards.
- Developed and implemented safety plans and risk mitigation measures for training and field operations by identifying hazards, assessing risk, and establishing appropriate controls.
- Mentored junior personnel through coaching, performance feedback, professional development, and structured training.
- Promoted a culture of safety, responsibility, teamwork, and continuous improvement through direct leadership and example.
Geologist
SCS Engineers
Overland Park, KS
07.2019 - 03.2021
- Conducted environmental investigations and remediation activities involving soil, groundwater, landfill gas, and soil vapor.
- Performed groundwater monitoring and evaluated environmental data at active remediation sites, landfills, voluntary cleanup sites, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Installed, operated, and monitored Soil Vapor Extraction systems at remediation sites throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa.
- Monitored landfill gas systems and assisted with troubleshooting gas flare issues to support environmental compliance and safe landfill operations.
- Provided Construction Quality Assurance oversight for landfill cell construction and closure projects, coordinating with project superintendents and field personnel.
- Conducted nuclear density testing and construction surveying to verify construction activities complied with project specifications and design requirements.
- Coordinated field activities and communicated with contractors and project personnel to address field conditions and maintain project requirements.
Assistant Geologist
Burns & McDonnell
Denver, Colorado
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Coordinated field work plans and drill crews during environmental investigations involving soil borings, monitoring wells, and environmental sampling.
- Provided field oversight during UST removal and closure projects, verifying work was completed in accordance with project specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Prepared hazardous waste manifests and coordinated waste disposal activities for environmental remediation and construction projects.
- Worked directly with contractors and field personnel to coordinate environmental activities and maintain project requirements.
- Supported UST investigations, removals, and environmental compliance activities including Emergency Response plans, SWPP, and Health and Safety plans.
- Assisted with environmental regulatory reporting, technical documentation, and compliance activities.
Education
B.S. - Geology
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS08-2016
Skills
- Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination
- Safety Planning & Risk Mitigation
- Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- Environmental Inspections & Site Investigations
- Team Leadership & Personnel Management
- Hazardous Materials & Waste Management
- Asbestos & Lead-Based Paint Assessor
- Construction Quality Assurance
- Technical & Regulatory Reporting
Licenses
- 40 Hour OSHA Hazwoper
- Missouri/Kansas Licensed Asbestos Inspector
- Missouri/Kansas Licensed Lead Based Paint Inspector
- Active U.S. Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
Timeline
Associate Scientist
Environmental Works, Inc
06.2024 - Current
Infantry Team Leader/Sergeant
Department of the Army
03.2021 - 06.2024
Geologist
SCS Engineers
07.2019 - 03.2021
Assistant Geologist
Burns & McDonnell
07.2018 - 07.2019
B.S. - Geology
University of Kansas