Senior Environmental Scientist or Engineer

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 Environmental Scientist or Engineer  and join our team located in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Responsibilities

This position supports all technical/regulatory aspects of the WIPP Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Program. These programs include Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permitting, Waste Analysis and Waste Acceptance Criteria Compliance (WAC), Environmental Monitoring, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Facility Compliance and US Environmental Protection Act (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 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 Permittees 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.

Minimum Requirements

These requirements must be met to be considered for this posting. Uploaded resumes and completed applications are the means of determination.

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering with environmental emphasis with nine (9) years of relevant experience is requiried.

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

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced degree in a technical subject.


• 15 years of experience in permitting and/or environmental compliance.


• Understanding of applicable envrionmental regulations with an emphasis on permitting and compliance.


• Experience interpreting and implementing relevant federal, state and/or local environmental, occupational health, legislation, regulations, and executive orders, including various regulatory agreements and stipulated final orders.


• Advanced usage, knowledge, and proficiency of Microsoft Office applications.


• Previous WIPP experience. 


• Familiarity with the WIPP facility and organization structure, familiarity with the WIPP Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, and familiarity with environmental regulations applicable to WIPP. 


• Previous oversight/inspeciton experience. 

What We Offer

• Medical, dental and vision insurance: 
  
  
  
  • Coverage on date of hire
  
  
  • Surgical concierge service
  
  
  • EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
  
  
  
  


• Modern work arrangements to include 4-day workweeks (four 10-hour days)*


• Relocation assistance*


• Shuttle commuter service from the local areas


• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays


• Tuition reimbursement program


• On-site fitness center and other wellness support including some public gym membership reductions


• Company paid short term disability


• Company paid life insurance (1x annual salary)


• Pension plan that provides monthly annuity after retirement and 401(k) with .50 matching up to 6%


• Voluntary benefits of:
  
  
  
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
  
  
  • Long-term disability program
  
  
  • Health and Flexible savings accounts
  
  
  • Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  
  
  
  

*These benefits vary by position.

Exempt grade level(s) 33-34. Salary range:  $105,312 to $172,368 per year of a larger salary range -- the specific salary offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors, particularly the candidate’s relevant experience and education.

Equal Opportunity

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

If you are an applicant with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact (575) 234-8490 or email [email protected] for assistance. Upon receipt of this information, we will respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Reviews, and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4, will be conducted by SIMCO and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment, and subsequent reinvestigations may be required.

Posting Duration: This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the posting date. SIMCO reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.