Waste Packaging Specialist II - III

UCOR is seeking a Senior Waste Packaging Specialist (WPS) to lead waste packaging and compliance operations for the complex Beta 4 Project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Operating under limited supervision, the Senior WPS manages complex waste handling challenges, serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), and provides high-level technical and regulatory oversight across parallel work streams.

This role ensures that all hazardous, low-level, high-activity, mixed, and classified waste packaging complies with UCOR quality standards, Department of Energy (DOE) orders, Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications, and destination Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC)—including the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and the Environmental Management Waste Management Facility (EMWMF).

The Senior WPS leverages advanced technical expertise to resolve multifaceted compliance issues, develop innovative field methods, and oversee waste packaging certification efforts. Key & Level-Specific Responsibilities Subject Matter Expertise & Complex Problem Solving: Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) on complex waste packaging, characterization compliance, and container integration issues; collaborate cross-functionally to resolve high-priority operational bottlenecks.

Evaluate complex problems involving parallel D&D tasks, using independent judgment to prioritize work streams, determine execution methods, and allocate resources effectively. Execute in-depth analyses incorporating multiple tangible and intangible operational factors to derive solutions for non-standard waste streams; collaborate on the development of innovative packaging and handling techniques.

Work independently with performance evaluated primarily upon the successful completion of major project milestones. Container Lifecycle Management & Capacity Planning: Direct and oversee container tracking, control, and inventory protocols from initial receipt through final transfer. Enforce regulatory accumulation, staging, and storage timelines in accordance with UCOR Waste Management (WM) procedures.

Determine and authorize strategic on-site accumulation, staging, and storage locations for non-standard or delayed waste shipments, ensuring strict adherence to receiving unit capacity, authorization bases, and RCRA permits. Quality Assurance, Integrity & WAC Verification: Perform advanced structural and integrity assessments of specialized waste packaging to ensure full compliance with DOT packaging specifications and durability under transport stresses.

Direct pre-use packaging inspections, verifying configuration elements (e.g., liners, absorbents, gaskets, structural integrity) for high-complexity waste streams. Perform rigorous field inspections to verify that waste stream physical characteristics precisely align with approved profiles and meet destination physical WAC.

Maintain strict positive control over containerized waste activities to eliminate the risk of anomalous or prohibited items. Certification, Surveillance & Delegated Oversight: Formally certify that waste packages comply with all physical criteria and contain no anomalous or prohibited items, including signing waste certification statements for EMWMF disposal.

Lead comprehensive inspections, surveillances, and technical oversights supporting Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) and NNSS Waste Certification Programs as directed by the Waste Certification Official (WCO). Execute official Waste Package Certification duties for NNSS-bound shipments when designated by the WCO. Manage, train, and provide technical oversight for project personnel (WPS Verifiers) performing delegated verification duties for non-NNSS Treatment, Storage, Disposal, or Recycling Facilities (TSDRFs).

Non-Conformance & Field Coordination: Lead the identification, documentation, and resolution of complex non-conforming conditions and activities using UCOR quality assurance and corrective action processes. Partner with D&D field managers, project engineers, and radiological controls personnel to integrate safe packaging operations directly into dynamic project schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in Environmental Science, Engineering, Safety, or a related technical discipline + 4+ years of direct experience in waste management, nuclear packaging, or D&D operations; OR Associate Degree in a technical field + 8+ years of progressive experience in waste handling, waste packaging, hazardous materials, or nuclear remediation; OR High School Diploma / GED + 12+ years of relevant experience in nuclear waste handling, industrial waste packaging, or complex environmental remediation operations.

Preferred Qualifications

& Competencies: Advanced technical knowledge of DOE orders, DOT hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR), EPA RCRA rules, and state environmental regulations. Extensive hands-on experience applying NNSS and EMWMF Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) within DOE nuclear facilities. Demonstrated ability to apply creative problem-solving and independent judgment to resolve non-conforming conditions in complex facility environments.

Superior technical writing, communication, and leadership skills, with a track record of effectively managing multiple parallel project deadlines.