Senior Scientist

Overview

Be part of the nation’s only repository for the disposal of nuclear waste known as Transuranic (TRU) waste. Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO), managing and operating contractor of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is currently seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Senior Scientist and join our team located in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

This position supports all technical/regulatory aspects of the WIPP Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Program. These programs include RCRA Permitting, Waste Analysis and Waste Acceptance Criteria Compliance (WAC), Environmental Monitoring, NEPA, Facility Compliance and EPA Compliance. The applicable regulatory agencies include the U.S. Department of Energy, the New Mexico Environment Department, EPA Region 6, and EPA Headquarters. Interfaces include the applicable regulatory agencies, NM Stakeholders, the Carlsbad’s Mayor’s Task Force, the National Transuranic Central Characterization Program, SIMCO, and waste generator storage/sites.

The successful candidate will interface with WIPP regulators and WIPP project participants at all levels, therefore excellent verbal and written communications skills are essential. The selected candidate must be a self-starting problem-solver capable of researching federal, state regulations and WIPP Permits.

Job functions will be carried out with minimum supervision in a fast-paced environment requiring close cooperation, adaptability, initiative, continual improvement, and willingness to accomplish the mission and unique goals of WIPP. This position will have latitude for independent action and decision-making in areas of assigned responsibility and must be able to manage multiple tasks concurrently.

Duties include but are not limited to the following on an as needed basis:

• Develop and review RCRA Permit modifications (Class 1, Class 2, and Class
  3); develop respective meeting notices and presentations for Class 2 and Class 3 modifications; develop and provide presentations at these public meetings as directed; address public comments on modifications and deliverables; develop comments on issued draft permits as needed, support public hearings, provide support to WIPP legal team on environmental matters, support negotiations with the NMED and stakeholders, develop responses to NMED requests for additional information or notices of deficiency.
• Prepares and presents expert testimony before regulatory bodies and courts as needed.
• Develop or support development of NM Ground Water Quality Bureau Discharge Permit DP-831 renewals and modifications as needed.
• Evaluate the need for and develop NM Air Quality Permits as needed.
• Maintain the WIPP/EPA PCB Conditions of Approval.
• Perform technical review of waste generator/storage site submitted waste stream profile forms and supporting documentation. This includes evaluating RCRA hazardous waste determinations, evaluating chemical compatibility evaluating chemical compatibility evaluations and evaluating WAC compliance.
• Provide technical/compliance support in transuranic waste management activities as needed and requested.
• Develop regulatory analysis documents, perform compliance evaluations, procedures, technical documents and perform reviews of these documents.
• Participate in and/or review management assessments.
• Provide technical and compliance related support to all aspects of the Environmental Program as needed.
• Provide technical and compliance related support as needed to waste generator/storage sites and the WIPP Permit tees to implement the Waste Analysis Plan, RCRA large quantity generator requirements and mixed low level waste management compliance at the WIPP facility.
• Identify and assure compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements.
• Perform RCRA screens as needed to ensure proposed WIPP projects and/or activities meet permit requirements.
• Other duties assigned to assist in the Permitting group.

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required.

Must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for…