Waste Characterization Analyst

LLNL•Livermore, CA

8d•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 generated from LLNL operations. This role ensures waste is packaged and characterized according to applicable Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders. The position is within the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM) and requires full-time on-site presence. The role can be filled at two levels (TSS.2 or TSS.3) based on experience, 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 related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience interpreting analytical or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
Experience in applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
Broad application and understanding of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification and/or 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.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively explain and present waste characterization related data and strategies to an audience of varying technical abilities.
Ability to effectively collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive, hazardous and medical waste.
Advanced knowledge in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis, analytical, inorganic or organic chemistry, or the waste management aspect of facility decontamination and decommissioning activities (for TSS.3 level).
Advanced application of process improvement activities and/or experience developing unique characterization methods for complex waste streams (for TSS.3 level).
Advanced experience developing training practices, mentoring less experienced personnel, or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel (for TSS.3 level).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics or related scientific field.
Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.
Experience in building sample plans and statistical sampling.
Experience in hazard categorizing, managing unknown chemical products.

Responsibilities

Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure LLNL generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed according to RCRA regulations and DOE orders.
Assign 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 to provide technical guidance and solutions for the management, transportation, and disposal of hazardous, radioactive, and/or mixed wastes.
Interpret moderate to complex analytical or radioanalytical data to determine the proper characterization and dispositioning of radioactive and mixed waste.
Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
Assist in preparing technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their use.
Perform validation and verification of chemical and radiological data packages.
Create moderately complex to complex spreadsheets for quantifying radiological and/or hazardous constituents.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Act as the RHWM representative in technical discussions with various stakeholder groups (regulators, disposal sites, DOE) at the TSS.3 level.
Mentor and train less experienced personnel in federal and state regulations governing waste management at the TSS.3 level.
Act as a lead for project-based work at the TSS.3 level.