Waste Management Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has a new opening for a Waste Management Engineer to join the Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Division. This position provides support to the technical and operations programs at the on-site Hazardous Waste Handling Facility (HWHF), including developing, implementing, overseeing and evaluating technical programs, procedures, systems, permits, reports, processes and documents to establish and ensure operational, regulatory and quality requirements are met at the HWHF in support of waste treatment, storage, sampling, packaging and transportation. The successful candidate will handle challenging work assignments pertaining to the waste engineering to facilitate research and operations, including resolving difficult operational and technical issues related to hazardous, radioactive, mixed, universal and/or medical wastes, as well as other waste streams as applicable to Laboratory operations.

 

Berkeley Lab’s Waste Management Group provides a range of waste management services to scientists, and operations staff across the Lab. Waste Management provides assistance and ensures that Berkeley Lab is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Waste Management operates the HWHF and regularly interfaces with regulatory inspectors, Department of Energy (DOE) and University waste organizations, and provides resources such as technical guidance, training, supplies, and documentation.

 

This is a great opportunity to work with an experienced Waste Management team to support science and operations at Berkeley Lab, while building a rewarding career with a highly regarded research institution!

 

What You Will Do:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs, procedures, processes and technical documents to establish and assure safe, effective and compliant operations at the HWHF to receive, collect, sample, analyze, treat, store, package and transport hazardous, radioactive, mixed waste streams generated by the Laboratory community.
• Support HWHF Operations Team work planning activities. Develop specialized technical work documents for high hazard hands-on work in collaboration with Berkeley Lab subject matter experts.
• Provide guidance, direction and recommendations to Waste Management personnel regarding effective and compliant implementation of waste management policies, procedures, work control documents, permits and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement plans, profiles, protocols, contracts, documents and manifests necessary to ship waste to off-site TSDFs or other receiving sites.
• Develop and maintain training and qualification programs and provide training to Berkeley Lab personnel.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with Laboratory personnel to support the operations at the HWHF.
• Improve and maintain technical program documentation in assigned subject areas, including performing technical reviews and updates of procedures, technical work documents, and policies, to ensure waste management programs reflect current regulations, relevant guidance documents, and safe work practices. 
• Act as the subject matter expert for HWHF Operations Team regulatory documents,  operational procedures and processes.
• Manage contracts specific to the Waste Management Operations team, as well as sampling protocols and contract scope.
• Oversee the management of waste profiles for all waste shipments.
• Plan and manage scope and schedule of all low-level and mixed waste shipments, including overseeing the certification of shipments and approving waste manifests and documentation.
• Act as subject matter expert for the Waste Operations component of the Waste Management System application; oversee quality control of data input for the Waste Management System.
• Manage and maintain HWHF permit-required Operating Records and files; support RCRA Part B permit modifications with Department of Toxic Substances and Control. 
• Oversee and perform assessments, inspections and audits of operational areas and programs.
• Oversee and ensure the management and maintenance of Operating Record files and records necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the timely repair of existing and installation of new equipment at the HWHF to ensure full operational capability is maintained and regulatory commitments and expectations are met.

 

What is Required:

• B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field and a strong chemistry background, with a minimum of 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Hands-on experience working with hazardous chemicals and/or radioactive materials, including a broad knowledge of related concepts and practices as applied to waste or environmental management.
• Good working knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements for management of hazardous waste and transportation of hazardous materials, as well as EHS principles and theories. 
• Experience in providing technical advice, guidance, or leadership on small to medium projects. 
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels of an organization and successfully deliver customer service-based technical support. Experience writing technical procedures and work control documents.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including: routinely lifting and transporting 40 lbs; frequently bending and stooping; standing and walking for 4 to 6 hours per day; and up to 4 hours per day of hand use (e.g., fine manipulation, keyboard/mouse use, simple and/or power grasping).
• Successfully pass routine medical examination and applicable training, including Respirator Fit Testing, formal HAZWOPER training, and other related emergency response training.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field and a strong chemistry background, with a minimum of 10 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience of radioactive waste management.
• Applicable professional certification.
• Previous experience working at a RCRA Part B permitted TSDF.

 

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Classification will depend upon the applicant's level of skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

 

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.