Waste Management Specialist I (3980)

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Waste Management Specialist I (3980) in Paducah, KY. 

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense. 

Position Summary 

Under direct supervision, the Waste Management Specialist I performs assigned waste management functions in support of the FRNP Deactivation Project. The position assists management in ensuring that site waste management activities are conducted safely, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with project procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. 

The role supports waste stream certification, waste disposition planning, nuclear materials transfer, transportation, packaging, storage, characterization, and related activities. The Waste Management Specialist I coordinates daily work with Waste Engineers, Frontline Supervisors, Radiological Control, Environment, Safety and Health, Quality Assurance, nondestructive assay personnel, laborers, Security, waste operations, and other project organizations. 

Responsibilities 

• Perform assigned duties supporting waste management functional areas, including waste stream certification, waste disposition planning, nuclear materials transfer, transportation, and related activities. 

• Coordinate daily waste activities directly with FRNP projects and ensure that required resources are available to support packaging activities as directed by the Waste Engineer and documented through Requests for Disposal. 

• Coordinate with Waste Engineers, Frontline Supervisors, Radiological Control, Environment, Safety and Health, Quality Assurance, nondestructive assay personnel, laborers, and other organizations involved in waste packaging and disposition. 

• Coordinate with waste operations for authorization basis approval, container delivery, container retrieval for storage, weights, treatment, and related needs. 

• Coordinate with Security for container movement and material classification. 

• Collect and organize the documentation required for each waste container, including Requests for Disposal, Waste Item Container Logs, radiological surveys, and other records needed to support final characterization and profile verification. 

• Work with Radiological Control Technicians to obtain appropriate health physics surveys and dose readings needed to support off-site shipments or landfill requirements. 

• Assist FRNP projects with establishing, maintaining, and inspecting waste storage areas, including temporary storage areas, generator storage areas, and CERCLA storage areas. 

• Transfer hazardous waste to permanent storage as necessary to maintain compliance with RCRA and TSCA regulations and site procedures. 

• Work closely with Frontline Supervisors to plan packaging activities and prepare packaging instructions for operators. 

• Inspect waste materials for nonconforming items and sort or segregate materials as necessary. 

• Observe the loading of waste materials into approved waste containers. 

• Document detailed waste contents on Waste Item Container Logs to support final characterization and profile verification by Waste Engineers. 

• Mark and label waste containers in accordance with site procedures to support proper communication during on-site transport. 

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by management. 

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Knowledge of, and experience with nuclear facility operations. 

• Knowledge of and experience with DOE nuclear facility safety, including technical safety requirements, processes, and reporting requirements. 

• Strong attention to detail. 

• Intermediate personal computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft software. 

• Current DOE L or Q clearance, or the ability to obtain a DOE L or Q clearance. 

• Ability to wear a respirator and other protective equipment when entering potentially hazardous areas that may involve chemicals, dust, fumes, mists, heat stress factors, or similar conditions. 

• Ability to carry instruments, equipment, or tools while walking extensively and to perform prolonged walking or standing and repeated pushing or pulling. 

• Ability to perform medium to very heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and more than 20 pounds of force constantly and repetitively. Any exertion or lifting greater than 45 pounds requires a two-person buddy system. 

• Ability to perform lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, walking, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and reaching activities. 

• Ability to drive or ride in a motor vehicle for prolonged periods, operate machinery, and work around moving equipment, machinery, or motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks, golf carts, utility vehicles, and heavy equipment. 

• Ability to work in confined areas, tanks, heat-stress conditions, high-noise environments, and areas with radiation or chemical hazards. 

• Ability to work in environmental restoration settings, including outdated or abandoned facilities, and in weather or temperature extremes such as wind, rain, excessive heat, excessive cold, snow, or ice. 

• Ability to complete radiological training when required. 

• Ability to operate a company vehicle when required and comply with all applicable safety and Department of Transportation regulations and procedures. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience coordinating waste packaging, container management, waste characterization documentation, radiological surveys, or waste storage area activities in a DOE nuclear facility environment. 

• Experience working across waste engineering, operations, Radiological Control, Environment, Safety and Health, Quality Assurance, Security, and field labor organizations. 

Education and Experience 

Bachelor of Science degree in a related field and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Typical experience ranges from one to four years. 

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required. 

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.. 

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled 

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability