Waste Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
This position is open for both internal and external candidates to apply.


Serve as a technical and administrative leader for Waste Management-Waste Generator Services (WM-WGS), providing direct oversight of Waste Management Coordinators (WMC), Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Technicians (NHWT), waste management professionals, and support personnel responsible for cradle-to-grave management of hazardous, radioactive low level waste (LLW), mixed low level waste (MLLW), Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) waste, industrial, universal, and non-regulated wastes generated across Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The Team Leader is accountable for ensuring waste management activities comply with Department of Energy (DOE) Orders, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements, New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act (NMHW) requirements, TSCA, Department of Transportation (DOT) transportation regulations, LANL permits, Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC), and Laboratory implementing procedures.
Direct, advise, and oversee WMC activities including waste determinations, waste stream characterization, acceptable knowledge evaluations, profile development and approval, waste packaging, satellite accumulation area and central accumulation area oversight, storage, transportation, treatment, disposition planning, regulatory documentation, and customer interface activities supporting nuclear, radiological, chemical, environmental, science, engineering, and weapons programs.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Waste Management Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading organizations responsible for hazardous, radioactive, mixed, TSCA, and industrial waste management operations. Experience supervising technical personnel, assigning and prioritizing work, evaluating technical decisions, mentoring waste compliance staff, developing staff qualifications, and maintaining operational excellence in a highly regulated environment.
Waste Management Expertise: Expert knowledge of LANL waste management processes and requirements including waste generator support, waste characterization methodologies, acceptable knowledge development, waste profile preparation and review, Waste Compliance and Tracking System (WCATS) or equivalent systems, Waste Acceptance Criteria requirements (WAC), waste certification requirements, and disposition pathways for low-level, transuranic, mixed low-level, hazardous, PCB, asbestos, universal, and industrial wastes.
Regulatory Compliance Expertise: Demonstrated excellent implementation of RCRA, Hazardous Waste Facility Permit requirements, DOE O 435.1, DOE O 458.1, TSCA, 49 CFR transportation requirements, NQA-1 quality principles, and other applicable federal, state, and Laboratory waste management requirements. Experience interacting with regulators, auditors, assessors, and oversight organizations.
Waste Characterization and Certification Expertise: Extensive experience evaluating process knowledge, analytical data, radionuclide analysis, hazardous waste determinations, Land Disposal Restriction applicability, treatment requirements, waste codes, and documentation necessary to certify waste for storage, shipment, treatment, or disposal.
Waste Program Oversight: Experience establishing expectations and technical direction for compliance organizations supporting multiple facilities, including Hazard Category 2 and 3 and other radiological facilities. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex waste compliance issues, approve technical approaches, coordinate with facility operations, and ensure consistent implementation of waste requirements across directorates.
Shipping and Transportation: Experience with radioactive, hazardous, and mixed waste packaging and transportation requirements, including 49 CFR, DOE, and disposal-site acceptance requirements. Qualification or prior certification as an Advanced Hazardous Material, Radioactive Material, or Mixed Waste Shipper is highly desirable.
Ecucation/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Subject matter expert in waste characterization, profile development, and waste certification.
• Extensive experience with WCATS, waste tracking databases, and LANL waste systems.
• Experience serving as an AK authority, profile reviewer, waste certification official, or equivalent role.
• Experience supporting nuclear facilities, radiological facilities, accelerators, laboratories, and environmental restoration activities.
• Experience developing waste management procedures, implementing corrective actions, conducting causal analysis, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting DOE, NNSA, EPA, and NMED inspections, assessments, and regulatory interfaces.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China - including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau - as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2.