Environmental Scientist – HazWaste - RCRA

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Environmental Scientist – HazWaste - RCRA

Executes day-to-day environmental compliance support for the Hazardous Waste (HW) Management Program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (`RCRA`). Supports installation-wide waste characterization, inspections, data management, reporting, and field services for hazardous, explosive hazardous waste (`EHW`), used oil, universal waste, and `PCB` waste streams. Supports a high-tempo program shipping approximately 120 tons of HW off-site annually and disposing of approximately 2,600 tons of EHW off-site annually. Works within the requirements of the current RCRA permit covering the Central Storage Facility and permitted treatment operations including `APE 1236`, the Contained Detonation Chamber (`CDC`), and `OB/OD` operations.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Environmental Scientist – HazWaste - RCRA: Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided.  Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Environmental Scientist – HazWaste - RCRA Responsibilities Include: 

• Conduct HW compliance audits and inspections across accumulation, storage, treatment, and disposal sites; document findings and support corrective action tracking. 
• Perform waste characterization profile sampling and coordinate field/lab testing (analysis) to support proper waste determinations and disposal actions. 
• Execute all sampling and field/lab testing under a project-specific `QAPP` approved by the Contractor `QAM` and accepted by the NSWC Crane EP `QAM`, applicable `IEPD` (NAVFAC Midlant Crane or NSWC Crane), and the HW Media Manager prior to sampling. 
• Support accurate hazardous waste determinations consistent with `40 CFR 261`. Use `EPA SW-846` methods appropriately. Where applicable, support analysis for ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity, `TCLP`, and `PCB` parameters. 
• Provide sample result packages to the HW Media Manager within 7 days of receipt from the laboratory; maintain supporting documentation and data quality records. 
• Draft technical inputs for Government HW permit applications, modifications, and permit reviews; draft technical inputs for required regulatory HW reports. 
• Maintain and input HW program data into the HW database and RCRA Operating Record; support data calls and internal/external audit readiness. 
• Support annual HW training by preparing materials, presenting content as directed, and tracking completion status. 
• Draft technical inputs for HW plans, Government `SOPs`, and directives; provide other technical support as required by the program. 
• Provide hazardous and industrial waste management field support, including HW pick-up coordination, empty container delivery, and used oil pumping support. Ensure HW pick-ups occur within 1 business day of request, consistent with program requirements. 
• Support monthly operational tempo of approximately 100 containers picked up and/or delivered; operate Government-furnished vehicles (`GOV`) with lift gate and used oil collection capability as assigned and authorized. 
• Support upkeep and inspection readiness of the RCRA-permitted HW storage facility, including housekeeping, staging organization, and documentation support. 
• Maintain inventory awareness of Department of Transportation (`DOT`) approved shipping containers and spill response equipment supporting HW handling and spill team participation. 
• Support quarterly independent audits of HW sites using current inspection criteria (e.g., `USEPA`, `IDEM`, `OPNAV M-5090.1`, `NSA/NSWC/NAVFACCRANEINST 5090.23` used oil guidance, and other DoD/DoN directives). Program scope includes 56 HW generation sites (over 130 waste profiles), 32 EHW accumulation sites, and 16 Conditionally Exempt Magazines (over 100 waste profiles). 
• Provide quarterly inspection report inputs and support delivery timelines, including rapid out-brief support for significant/systemic findings to EP and HW Program leadership. 
• Support management of a repository for industrial equipment containing `ODS`, `PCBs`, and other Universal Waste, including sorting, classification, packaging, and documentation for final disposal actions. 
• Support `ODS` reclamation and processing actions by coordinating with a certified refrigerant technician meeting `40 CFR 82.161` requirements and ensuring use of EPA-approved refrigerant recovery equipment and DOT-certified cylinders. 
• Support management of `PCB`-containing wastes (e.g., ballasts) and Universal Waste streams (e.g., batteries, mercury-containing equipment, lamps). 
• Support oversight of the Used Oil accumulation site, including inspections and pumping oily water from secondary containments as directed.     
• Support spill response actions for oil and HW incidents (including bulging drums) by reviewing waste characterization and/or `SDS` information and providing safe mitigation recommendations that protect Government personnel and property. 
• Support sampling and analysis of used activated carbon to meet federal/state requirements for reactivation of spent carbon from treatment of explosive-bearing wastewater (`K045`), consistent with permitted treatment facility conditions. 
• Support development of technical inputs for Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment efforts associated with permitted treatment units, including Work Plan drafting support and coordination inputs for regulator review calls, as directed by the Government.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Environmental Scientist – HazWaste - RCRA Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field. 
• 0-3 years of relevant experience supporting hazardous waste management, `RCRA` compliance, environmental inspections/audits, and/or waste characterization. 
• Working knowledge of hazardous waste determinations and compliance requirements, including `40 CFR 261` and familiarity with `EPA SW-846` analytical methods. 
• Experience supporting sampling programs under a `QAPP`, including field documentation, chain-of-custody, data management, and results reporting. 
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills for inspection reports, permit/report inputs, and program records.     
• Ability to perform field work in industrial environments while following safety requirements and using required PPE.
• Current `40-hour HAZWOPER` certification (and ability to maintain annual refresher). 
• Forklift license (Government-issued or ability to obtain, as required) and experience operating material handling equipment in compliance settings. 
• Experience with hazardous waste databases/operating records, used oil management programs, Universal Waste, and `PCB` waste management. 
• Familiarity with `IDEM` expectations and DoD/DoN environmental compliance frameworks (including `OPNAV M-5090.1`).
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Strategic Solutions (CSS) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CSS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

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Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

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