REDC Waste Operations Technician

Date: Nov 6, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15580 

 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Building 7930 at the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) within the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Waste Technician. NNFD’s main responsibility is to ensure that the facilities remain operationally available for research activities which are conducted primarily within heavily shielded hot cells using tele-manipulators for highly irradiated materials and glove box labs for materials that can be contact handled. Under limited supervision, the Waste Technician provides technical support and carries out waste operations for REDC building 7930 and NNFD.

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Process, package, store, document, and ship all REDC radiological waste streams including solid low level, contact handled transuranic, remote handled transuranic, and liquid wastes.
  • Work with lab waste services personnel to coordinate shipping of waste materials.
  • Comply with all waste acceptance criteria involved in the various waste stream processes.
  • Radiation Worker II training and respirator qualification (trained in-house after hire.)
  • The occupant of this position will also be subject to an ongoing requirement to report to ORNL any drug-related arrest or conviction or receipt of a positive drug test result.
  • Must be able to successfully complete NNFD training and examination requirements consistent with DOE Order 426.2 within 24 months. Subject areas will include fundamental topics in mathematics, electrical science, nuclear physics, chemistry, and instrumentation and control, including types of instruments and control systems, principles of operation, and consequences of malfunctions.
  • Additional training will be required relating to facility systems, components, operating parameters and limits, and criticality safety principles, controls, and specifications.
  • 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:

  • AS degree in a technical field with two to four years of experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related technical field may be considered.
  • Prior work experience in a nuclear facility is desirable.
  • A demonstrated ability to work safely in accordance with ES&H standards and procedures is required.
  • The ability to perform tedious tasks requiring extensive manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in remote operations using manipulator.
  • Knowledge of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC).
  • Familiarity with waste packaging.
  • Nuclear waste experience.
  • Knowledge of Conduct of Operations such as working to procedures.
  • Manual and mechanical material handling experience.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and documentation.
  • Team player.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • 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.
  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

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. ORNL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

 

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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.

 

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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