Deputy Division Director, Transportation and Waste Management

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Director is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the Deputy Division Director of the Transportation and Waste Management Division (TWMD). By the end of 2026, the Deputy Director will assume the position of TWMD Director. Initially, the Deputy Director will work closely with the TWMD Director, line management throughout the Laboratory, and TWMD staff to ensure the safe, compliant, and cost-effective management of ORNL waste streams, outbound material logistics and recyclables. This role is essential in supporting ORNL’s world-class research and operational mission. The mission of the Transportation and Waste Management Division (TWMD) is to deliver the systems, processes, and field execution required to manage a diverse range of industrial, chemical, and radioactive wastes and materials generated by ORNL operations and research in a safe and compliant manner. Additionally, TWMD provides technical leadership for hazardous materials (Hazmat) spill response, collaborating with Emergency Management to ensure that appropriate readiness and integration of spill response capabilities are maintained. The Deputy Division Director will support the TWMD Director in managing the daily operations of the division. Responsibilities include planning, staffing, recruiting, budgeting, business plan execution, oversight of subcontracts and vendors, and interfacing with regulatory agencies and the Department of Energy (DOE). The Deputy Director will focus on strengthening program performance and organizational capability, preparing to assume full director’s responsibilities as the transition progresses.

Requirements

A minimum of a BS degree in a technical field (physical sciences, engineering, environmental discipline, or related) and 15 years of relevant experience in environmental management, waste management, hazardous materials transportation, or related programs, including at least 5 years of successful line management experience in a technical organization.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing subcontracts and/or vendor contracts.
Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and DOE requirements governing waste management and hazardous materials transportation (examples include RCRA, TSCA, applicable DOE Orders on radioactive waste management, and DOT requirements).

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree and additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of some minimum requirements, consistent with organizational needs.
Prior experience working with multiple elements of DOE, including DOE Environmental Management, and direct engagement with external regulatory agencies.
Demonstrated success implementing or improving complex compliance programs in a research and operations environment.
Ability to effectively interact with DOE, regulators, UT-Battelle management, and ORNL staff at all levels.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership of TWMD employees, including on-site and off-site subcontractors used to execute waste management and transportation responsibilities.
Manage and improve systems and programs designed to effectively manage ORNL materials, waste and recyclables, including Department of Transportation (DOT) classifications, waste characterizations, certifications, packaging, storage, shipments, and waste disposition pathways.
Oversee vendor/subcontract relationships supporting off-site material shipping and waste transportation, treatment, and disposal services, including contract performance, compliance, and cost control.
Support administration of the division chargeback/service center model and related performance metrics and financial controls.
Work proactively with research, operations, and other organizations to identify and implement cost-effective packaging, logistics and waste disposition strategies to reduce operational impacts and institutional risk.
Oversee and/or support Pollution Prevention (P2) program activities focused on eliminating or reducing future waste generation and improving sustainability outcomes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with DOE and regulatory agencies (e.g., Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, DOT, NRC, etc.) through open, cooperative communication, including support for regulatory strategy development for difficult-to-manage materials and waste streams.
Participate in internal and external assessments to verify compliance and program effectiveness; monitor divisional and Laboratory performance and drive continual improvement.
Support development and implementation of transition plans and actions associated with transportation and waste management responsibilities as required to meet DOE and Laboratory expectations.
Provide technical leadership and operational coordination support for ORNL hazardous materials spill response readiness, ensuring spill response assets are integrated with Emergency Management.
Serve as a key internal and external communication leader with regulators, DOE, ORNL Leadership, and UT-Battelle employees in matters related to waste management and transportation programs.
Benchmark and share lessons learned with other DOE/Battelle laboratories and relevant professional networks.
Align behaviors and execution with ORNL core values (Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, Service) and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the division.