Waste Characterization Analyst

LLNL•Livermore, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Waste Characterization Analyst to provide technical support for the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM) within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate. This role is crucial for ensuring that radioactive and hazardous waste generated from LLNL operations is properly characterized, packaged, and managed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and site requirements. The analyst will interpret and apply regulations from various agencies including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Department of Toxic Substance Control, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders. This position requires full-time on-site presence and may be filled at either the TSS.3 or TSS.4 level, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics, or a related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience interpreting analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
Experience applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
Advanced application and understanding of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification, and/or advanced knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.
Experience interpreting waste acceptance criteria for the purposes of preparing shipments and developing profiles for waste disposal at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to explain and present waste characterization data and strategies to audiences with varying technical abilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive, hazardous, and medical waste.
Subject matter expertise in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis, analytical, inorganic or organic chemistry, or the waste management aspect of facility D&D activities (TSS.4 level).
Experience developing training practices, mentoring less experienced personnel, or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel (TSS.4 level).
Expert level application and development of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification, or expert level knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation (TSS.4 level).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics, or related scientific field.
Fundamental knowledge of TRU waste management including transportation and disposal requirements.
Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.

Responsibilities

Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure LLNL-generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and site requirements.
Prioritize day-to-day work assignments to ensure overall waste processing goals are met.
Collaborate with LLNL waste generators, field technicians, and Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) professionals, and contracting partners to provide technical guidance and solutions for the management, transportation, and disposal of hazardous, radioactive, and/or mixed wastes.
Interpret complex analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine proper characterization and disposition of radioactive and mixed waste.
Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
Prepare technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their application.
Prepare waste sampling plans using the Data Quality Objectives process in accordance with EPA guidelines.
Perform validation and acceptance of complex chemical and radiological data packages.
Support waste characterization activities associated with facility demolition and decontamination (D&D) work.
Work with outside contractors in support of waste characterization, packaging, and disposition activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Represent RHWM in technical and programmatic discussions with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, disposal sites, DOE, and other federal agencies (TSS.4 level).
Apply principles of project management to plan and execute work, including scope definition, schedule development, risk management, and status reporting for complex waste characterization projects (TSS.4 level).
Lead or significantly influence process improvement initiatives, including defining success metrics, driving implementation across stakeholders, and sustaining improvements over time (TSS.4 level).
Mentor and train less experienced personnel on federal and state regulations governing waste management and on RHWM characterization practices (TSS.4 level).