Waste Characterization Analyst

We have an opening for a Waste Characterization Analyst to provide technical support ensuring the radioactive and hazardous waste generated from LLNL operations is packaged and characterized in accordance with applicable requirements. You will be responsible for interpreting Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders pertaining to the management of radioactive and hazardous waste. This position is in the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM) in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will 

• Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure that LLNL generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed according to RCRA regulations and DOE orders.
• Prioritize day to day work assignments to ensure that overall waste processing goals are met.
• Collaborate with LLNL waste generators, field technicians, and Environment, Safety, and Health professionals to provide technical guidance and solutions for the management, transportation and disposal of hazardous, radioactive and/or mixed wastes.
• Interpret moderate to complex analytical or radioanalytical data to determine the proper characterization and dispositioning of radioactive and mixed waste.
• Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
• Provide technical support to the LLNL radioactive waste non-destructive assay (NDA) program. Perform analysis of assay results to determine radioisotope types and activities in radioactive waste containers.
• Prepare technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their use.
• Prepare waste sampling plans using the Data Quality Objectives process in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
• Perform validation and acceptance of chemical and radiological data packages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.3 level 

• Act as the RHWM representative in technical discussions with various stakeholder groups (regulators, disposal sites, DOE).
• Perform validation and acceptance of chemical and radiological data packages.
• Mentor and train less experienced personnel in the federal and state regulations governing waste management.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics or related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience interpreting analytical or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
• Experience in applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
• In-depth understanding of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification and/or knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.
• Experience interpreting waste acceptance criteria for the purposes of preparing shipments and developing profiles for waste disposal at treatment storage and disposal facilities.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively explain and present waste characterization related data and strategies to an audience of varying technical abilities.
• Ability to effectively collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive, hazardous and medical waste.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.3 level 

• Advanced knowledge in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis, analytical, inorganic or organic chemistry, or the waste management aspect of facility decontamination and decommissioning activities.
• Previous involvement in process improvement activities and/or experience developing unique characterization methods for complex waste streams.
• Previous experience developing training practices, mentoring less experienced personnel, or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics or related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of TRU waste management including transportation/disposal requirements.
• Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.