ESH&Q Senior Mission Support Staff

Date: Dec 1, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15384 

 

Overview:

The Environmental, Safety, Health & Quality (ESH&Q) Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks to hire a ESH&Q Directorate Senior Mission Support staff member (SMS) reporting to the ESH&Q Director. The SMS provides support to the Director in meeting the directorate’s objectives while maintaining plans and performance monitoring in support of ORNL’s goals, objectives, and mission. The SMS will coordinate business planning and performance monitoring activities and reporting across the Directorate, working directly with Division Directors in structuring and executing plans aimed at continuous improvement in operational performance including areas such as conduct of operations; operational culture and accountability; project management; configuration management; compliance; security; quality assurance; and environment, and worker safety and health. Additionally, the SMS will assist the director by ensuring programmatic goals are delivered, while utilizing resources effectively, efficiently, reliably and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ORNL Leadership Team expectations. Additionally, the SMS will similarly work with ESH&Q Coordinators to maintain insight regarding field deployed staff effectiveness.

 

The SMS, with the support of the directorate leadership team, will lead the development and execution of new initiatives to improve operational performance and reliability, facilitate management of operational events, and integrate the Safe Conduct of Research principles into the organizational culture and operations. 

 

ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. 

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Ensure directorate has the appropriate capabilities to execute the ESH&Q mission. This includes supporting the director in organizational planning (strategic objectives, business, workforce and facility) necessary to meet current and future mission needs and growth.
  • Ensure that risks are properly identified, effectively managed, and appropriately mitigated.
  • Work with ESH&Q division directors and ESH&Q coordinators to develop and manage metrics, monitoring programs, key performance indicators, and assessment programs to ensure that directorate goals are attained.
  • Coordinate Directorate-wide planning and reporting (PEMP updates and annual reporting, performance dashboarding, business planning, risk management, mission readiness, staffing plans, budget development, CAS deliverables).
  • Provide support to the ESH&Q director for laboratory-wide policies and initiatives.
  • Represent ESH&Q equities on various internal ORNL Committees.

 

Basic (Required) Qualifications:

  • BS degree or higher in a scientific, safety, or engineering discipline that is directly related to ESH&Q with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively interact with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
  • Demonstrated experience working with DOE, national laboratories, including nuclear fields.
  • Familiarity with applicable environmental, safety, waste management, regulations, laws, orders.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Familiarity with DOE regulations, orders, applicable CFRs.
  • Familiarity with ORNL processes and procedures.
  • Familiarity with OSHA rules, other industry standards regarding health and safety.
  • Previous experience with performance monitoring.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q-clearance.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated record of supporting staff professional development.
  • Formal management training.
  • Current DOE Q-clearance.
  • MS degree or higher in management, safety, or engineering discipline. 

 

Special Requirements:

  • Q or L clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

 

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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