Associate Chemist / Waste Management Specialist

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Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an opening for an Associate Waste Management Chemist to join the Environment, Health, & Safety Division ( EHS ). In this role, you will work across the Laboratory's scientific and operations organizations to apply your knowledge of chemistry and waste management techniques, practices and concepts to provide technical field support and continuously improve and maintain waste management technical programs. You will use your knowledge of chemistry to resolve issues related to hazardous, radioactive, mixed, universal and medical wastes as well as other Lab waste streams. You will also assist with conducting work area and facility audits, provide technical advice to waste generators to ensure safe and compliant waste generation, and provide technical program support and development.

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

What You Will Do:

• Provide guidance, direction and recommendations to research and operations personnel regarding effective and compliant implementation of waste management policies, procedures, permits and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with Laboratory personnel, anticipating their needs and supporting planning and implementing their objectives by providing waste management input.
• Determine proper application of waste generator's process knowledge, and/or analytical results necessary to assure safe and compliant management of waste streams.
• Provide waste characterization technical support to assigned areas of research and operations.
• Classify waste to ensure safety and compliance to meet on-site TSDF and off-site TSDF WACs and DOT requirements.
• Identify and implement plans, profiles, protocols, contracts, documents and manifests necessary to ship waste to off-site TSDFs or other receiving sites.
• Support the development and deliver training to Lab personnel.
• Improve and maintain technical program documentation in assigned subject areas ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Compile and submit regulatory reports, requests for information and other regulatory information. Act as Point of Contact with regulatory agencies for assigned technical programs.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams in support of waste management and integrated safety management in assigned areas.
• Provide Quality and Technical Assurance for Berkeley Lab's waste management program, including waste characterization, classification and certification activities; implementation of the Waste Management QA Plan and waste characterization QA program; independent inspections, audits, and/or assessments of assigned areas; and management and maintenance of applicable waste management files and records.

What is Required:

• B.S. in Chemistry and up to 3 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong chemistry background with hands-on experience working with hazardous chemicals, including knowledge of standard chemistry theories, techniques, concepts and practices as applied to waste or environmental management.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements for management of hazardous waste and transportation of hazardous materials.
• Ability to provide analysis and interpretation of data as well as develop solutions to moderately complex problems.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to successfully deliver customer service-based technical support.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound professional and technical judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions, including experience in providing technical advice, guidance, or leadership on small projects.

Desired Qualifications:

• B.S. in Chemistry and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Applicable professional certification.
• Working knowledge of environment, safety and health principles and theories.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
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.