Waste Packaging Specialist I - III

Classification Title:

Waste Packaging Specialist I – III

Grade:

23-25 (depending on experience)

Requisition No.:

 2631

Number of Positions:

2

Location:

Oak Ridge, TN

Organization:

Waste Management

Department:

Waste Integration

Project Assignment:

Posting Date:

12/22/2025

Closing Date:

01/05/2026

UCOR, an Amentum-led partnership with Jacobs, is the Department of Energy's (DOE) Environmental Management prime contractor for the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR). Our mission is to safely and compliantly execute the environmental cleanup of the ORR, transforming former nuclear sites into assets for the future. We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Waste Packaging Specialist to join our critical team, contributing to the safe and effective management of radioactive and hazardous waste.

Position Summary:

The Waste Packaging Specialist is a pivotal role within UCOR's Waste Management organization, responsible for the comprehensive oversight and execution of waste container management activities. This includes the meticulous handling of containers from acquisition and tracking, through robust loading and closure processes, to secure staging and storage, ultimately preparing them for transport. A core function of this role is to rigorously verify that all waste shipments are free of anomalous or prohibited items, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory and facility-specific Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC). This position demands an individual with extensive experience capable of navigating complex waste streams, providing independent judgment, and contributing to the continuous improvement of waste management practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Container Lifecycle Management: Manage the entire lifecycle of waste containers, from initial procurement and detailed tracking to final preparation for transport. This includes ensuring precise documentation and chain of custody for all materials.
• Waste Characterization and Verification: Verify that waste contents align precisely with approved profiles and meet rigorous physical and chemical Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for diverse disposal facilities, including the NNSS and EMWMF.
• Prohibited Item Detection and Mitigation: Implement strategies to prevent and detect anomalous or prohibited items within waste packages. Exercise critical judgment when such conditions are identified, ensuring immediate and compliant resolution.
• Package Integrity Assurance: Conduct comprehensive assessments of package integrity before and after filling, ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications and the ability to withstand all handling, storage, and transport stresses.
• Waste Certification Support and Execution: Support Waste Certification Programs for the ORR and NNSS. Act as a primary point of contact for Waste Certification Officials (WCOs) and, when designated, perform direct Waste Package Certification activities for high-sensitivity shipments, particularly to NNSS.
• Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Ensure strict adherence to all regulatory requirements, including tracking container movements, initiating and managing the "regulatory clock," and meticulous documentation of all processes and non-conforming conditions in accordance with UCOR procedures.
• Operational Oversight and Mentorship: Provide guidance and oversight to WPS Verifiers, including training, performance monitoring, and ensuring consistent application of best practices. May mentor less experienced waste specialists.
• Facility Coordination and Logistics: Coordinate with on-site accumulation, staging, and storage facilities to ensure seamless waste acceptance, preventing capacity overruns or violations of authorization bases. Facilitate efficient movement of waste within the facility complex.
• Problem Solving and Process Optimization: Analyze complex operational challenges related to waste packaging and logistics. Contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions to enhance efficiency, safety, and compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline and at least 7 years of direct experience in waste handling, waste operations, transportation, or a related environmental field;
• OR an Associate's degree with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience;
• OR 15 years of progressive experience in waste handling or a similar field without a degree.

Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in hazardous and/or radioactive waste management regulations (e.g., RCRA, DOT, CERCLA, specific DOE orders).
• Proven ability to manage complex problem sets with multiple parallel tasks, requiring advanced prioritization and decision-making skills.
• Extensive experience with waste characterization, Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for various disposal facilities (e.g., NNSS, EMWMF), and waste certification processes.
• Strong understanding of package integrity requirements and Department of Transportation (DOT) packaging specifications for hazardous materials.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a track record of developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Ability to work autonomously under minimal supervision, exercising sound independent judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant waste management tracking systems and software.

Why UCOR?

Joining UCOR means contributing to a vital national mission. You will be part of a team dedicated to environmental stewardship, working on projects of significant scope and impact. We offer a challenging yet rewarding environment where your expertise will be valued, and opportunities for professional growth are abundant.