Environmental Compliance Specialist

Date: Mar 19, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14713 

 

Overview:

We are seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist who will focus on implementing programs that enable the science missions through effective regulatory compliance support, specifically by facilitating compliance with Federal and State Resource CRA/Clean Air Act/Clean Water Act/TSCA/USDA regulatory requirements and applicable Department of Energy (DOE) Orders.  

 

This position resides in the RCRA/Air Programs group within the Environmental Protection Services Division (EPSD), Environment, Safety, Health and Quality Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The successful candidate will have relevant experience with environmental regulations and standards with a track record of problem solving.  This experience can include: 1) compliance with waste management regulations, 2) the preparation of environmental permit applications and reports, 3) as an environmental field deployed staff, 4) working knowledge of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permitting regulations and process, 5) a track record of successful interaction with internal and external customers.  In addition to applying regulatory requirements to Lab operations, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to communicate and implement defensible risk-based decisions associated with environmental issues to staff.

 

Specific responsibilities:

  • Fulfill the role of RCRA subject matter expert for management and disposal of hazardous waste and communicate compliance guidance to ORNL staff.
  • Fulfill the role of a field deployed environmental staff working closely with research and support staff by providing oversight and guidance to their environmental needs.
  • Review and analyze state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements, and communicate findings with ORNL staff to facilitate compliance.
  • Facilitate integration of the Environmental Management System (EMS) into division or directorate activities and operations (such as compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and environmentally based DOE orders identified in ORNL's Work Smart Standards).
  • Support the technical lead in developing and managing RCRA permit applications, renewals, and modifications as required to support the ongoing and future missions of ORNL.
  • Communicate compliance guidance to ORNL staff to ensure compliant management of solid/hazardous waste rules.
  • Assist with the preparation of regulatory environmental reports for ORNL operations.
  • Communicate environmental/regulatory requirements, issues, and challenges to appropriate EPSD staff, such as:
    • Need for Clean Air Act (CAA) or Clean Water Act (CWA) permits or permit determinations
    • Identifying planned wastewater or air emission discharges
    • Identifying solid/hazardous waste management and disposal needs
    • Participate in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews
  • Implement procedures, subject areas, and training, as appropriate to support ORNL environmental compliance needs.
  • Review and maintain appropriate documents and required records to demonstrate compliance.
  • Conduct inspections and compliance investigations of ORNL operations and participate in inspections conducted by external agencies.
  • Must abide by the principles of Safe Conduct of Research including being personally responsible for ensuring safe operations by raising safety concerns, using a questioning attitude, considering hazards for every task, and never stop learning.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A BS degree in science or engineering with 5-7 years of relevant experience working within environmental regulatory programs with an emphasis on waste and air quality programs. 
  • Computing and database proficiency, individual must have strong organizational, oral and written communication skills, and must be able to work effectively in a cross-functioning team setting. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with the preparation of RCRA permit applications and Annual RCRA reports.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

 

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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville