Senior Scientist

Overview

POSITION:
Senior Scientist
Department: EPA Compliance (Carlsbad, NM) LATA has an immediate opening for a Senior Scientist to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Compliance program in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This position supports regulatory compliance activities associated with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) facility, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear waste repository.

The successful candidate will support compliance with the EPA regulations governing the long-term performance of the WIPP repository, in the Land Withdrawal Act (LWA) and 40 CFR Parts 191 and 194. Responsibilities include assisting in the preparation, review, and coordination of regulatory submissions to the EPA and DOE Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO), including Planned Change Notices and the Compliance Recertification Application (CRA).

This role works closely with management, operations, regulatory specialists, technical subject matter experts, and CBFO representatives to evaluate WIPP procedures and activities for potential impacts to long-term repository performance. The position also contributes to regulatory documentation reviews, and coordination of compliance activities to support the WIPP’s continued certification by the EPA.

The individual will support communication between site organizations, CBFO and EPA regulators while contributing technical expertise related to regulatory compliance, performance assessment, and long-term repository performance requirements.

• Support preparation and review of EPA regulatory submittals for WIPP compliance with the Land Withdrawal Act and 40 CFR Parts 191 and 194.
• Assist with development, coordination and submittal of (CRA) documentation.
• Review WIPP procedures, activities and technical documents for potential impacts to long-term repository performance.
• Utilize regulatory expertise to advise and support CBFO in their interactions/negotiations with EPA.
• Work towards becoming a subject matter expert for WIPP long-term performance.
• Assist with the updates to WIPP’s Passive Institutional Control Program.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Engineering, or equivalent area.
• 10+ years of environmental regulatory or compliance experience.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and regulatory compliance processes.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other individuals and project groups.
• Attention to detail. Initiative is required.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to prepare presentations and reports.
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with various site-wide departments and organizations.

USD $79,027.50 - USD $ /Yr.