Matthew Woods
Memphis,TN
Summary
Environmental compliance and field inspection professional with experience in regulatory oversight, environmental sampling, hazardous materials management, and corrective action documentation. Background includes environmental compliance at a fossil power plant, hazardous waste operations, municipal water treatment laboratory analysis, and residential lead hazard investigation under federal and state standards. Graduate-level training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with applied spatial analysis in environmental and public health contexts. Positioned to contribute to state-level environmental monitoring, inspection, and regulatory enforcement programs.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Scientist III
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Land Protection / Remediation Branch
07.2026 - Current
- Conducts environmental assessments to evaluate soil and groundwater contamination levels.
- Independently manages contaminated-site projects through the remediation lifecycle to support the safe redevelopment and productive reuse of properties.
- Coordinates and supports field-sampling activities for Pre-Remedial and Site Assessment projects, including sample collection, data evaluation, and report preparation.
- Collaborates with Division subject-matter experts to review technical planning, engineering, monitoring, and environmental reporting documents.
- Builds productive relationships with environmental consultants, attorneys, property owners, and other stakeholders through the Brownfield Program while answering program-related questions and developing practical solutions to complex environmental concerns.
- Works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other TDEC divisions to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements throughout the investigation and implementation of site remedies.
- Reviews and develops complex technical documents, including quality assurance plans, site characterization work plans, remedial design reports, construction completion reports, and site decisions and orders.
- Interprets and applies state and federal environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and solid-waste regulations.
Risk Assessor / Inspector / Site Supervisor (Lead Hazard Program)
Shelby County Government – Department of Housing
01.2021 - 2026
- Conducted residential environmental inspections to identify lead-based paint hazards and environmental safety concerns
- Collected dust wipe and environmental samples in accordance with federal and state protocols
- Interpreted laboratory results and determine required corrective actions
- Drafted corrective action punch lists to address regulatory deficiencies and ensure compliance
- Advised contractors on compliant lead-safe work practices, containment setup, and environmental safety protocols
- Monitored remediation work to ensure adherence to approved scope and regulatory standards
- Prepared clear, defensible documentation suitable for program review and compliance enforcement
- Operated and maintain XRF analyzer and ensure calibration, QA/QC, and data integrity
- Certifications:
- Certified Lead Based Paint Inspector
- Certified Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor
- Certified Lead Based Paint Abatement Supervisor
- EPA Lead (Pb) Certified Renovator
Water Treatment Chemist Assistant
City of Memphis
01.2021
- Conducted laboratory testing of sewage treatment and industrial waste samples
- Performed chemical analysis using gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and ICP
- Maintained laboratory records and quality control documentation
- Assisted in development of laboratory procedures and sampling protocols
Senior Technical Analyst – Environmental Compliance & Water Chemistry
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Administered and implemented environmental compliance programs at fossil power plant site
- Conducted NPDES field sampling to ensure compliance with state and federal EPA discharge standards
- Analyzed water chemistry and environmental performance data
- Developed and revised environmental procedures and monitoring protocols
- Performed equipment performance testing and environmental data evaluation
- Conducted machinery health analysis (vibration, oil, infrared thermography, acoustics)
- Contributed to regulatory documentation and compliance reporting
Environmental Chemist – Hazardous Waste Operations
Pollution Control Industries
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Consolidated, treated, and managed hazardous chemical waste in compliance with EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations
- Utilized Level B and C PPE in controlled hazardous environments
- Managed proper storage of incompatible materials (oxidizers, flammables, corrosives, peroxides)
- Maintained knowledge of applicable Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- HAZWOPER trained
Education
Master of Arts - City and Regional Planning
In Progress
Master of Arts - Executive Leadership
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Certificate - Property Maintenance Technology
Skills
Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
Environmental Sampling & Monitoring (Soil, Water, Surface, Air)
NPDES Field Sampling & Discharge Standards
Hazardous Materials Handling (EPA, DOT, OSHA)
Corrective Action Documentation & Deficiency Reporting
Chain-of-Custody & QA/QC Procedures
Laboratory Instrumentation & Chemical Analysis
Environmental Data Interpretation
Contractor Oversight & Compliance Verification
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Applied Coursework
Technical Report Writing
Field Inspections & Risk Assessment
Timeline
Environmental Scientist III - Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Land Protection / Remediation Branch
07.2026 - Current
Risk Assessor / Inspector / Site Supervisor (Lead Hazard Program) - Shelby County Government – Department of Housing
01.2021 - 2026
Water Treatment Chemist Assistant - City of Memphis
01.2021
Senior Technical Analyst – Environmental Compliance & Water Chemistry - Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
01.2001 - 01.2009
Environmental Chemist – Hazardous Waste Operations - Pollution Control Industries
01.2001 - 01.2002
University of Memphis - Master of Arts, City and Regional Planning
Christian Brothers University - Master of Arts, Executive Leadership
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Bachelor of Science, Biology
Moore Tech College of Technology - Certificate, Property Maintenance Technology