Waste Management Environmental Scientist

General Description

Under the guidance of the Environmental Operations Manager, the Waste Management Environmental Scient will conduct the evaluation and planning requirements within the Waste Management division. This position ensures that Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the United States Space Force (USSF) are in compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to waste regulated under, but not limited to, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA).

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Responsible for analyzing and evaluating environmental problems by applying scientific knowledge or chemical, civil, mechanical, or other engineering methods to prevent pollution; develop solutions to existing environmental problems and predict the possibility of future environmental pollution.
• Responsible for the review, evaluation, and interpretation of Federal, State, or Local environmental regulations and determines the applicability and impact on facility environmental programs and identifies compliance requirements.
• Evaluate solid wastes generated by KSC, USSF, and other entities to classify and determine regulatory requirements to properly transport, recycle, treat, and/or dispose of the waste materials.
• Assist in the development of contract requirements necessary to conduct specialized environmental studies, reports, and establish capabilities for waste recycling/treatment/disposal, contamination investigation, remediation, and innovative and alternative environmental technologies.
• Assist in the coordination of shipments of various types of waste materials for disposal and/or recycling in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (DOT, RCRA, TSCA, etc).
• Functions as Site Supervisor for post-emergency spill cleanup activities in accordance with OSHA HAZWOPER requirements
• Prepare environmental reports or studies detailing types and causes of pollution and the probability of future environmental problems. Prepares procedures, handbooks, and internal operating instructions to establish guidelines for meeting general environmental compliance objectives.
• Ensures safe operation and properly manages by-products, which may include hazardous wastes, resulting from workplace activities. Specific responsibilities may include proper waste segregation, containerization, handling, and responding to emergencies in a manner consistent with Company policies/procedures and site-specific workplace instructions.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations and rules regarding Waste Management (hazardous waste, universal wastes, PCBs, asbestos, biomedical, DEA controlled substances, etc.), transportation (DOT), and emergency response and post-emergency response cleanup from releases of hazardous substances (OSHA HAZWOPER).
• Obtain DOT HAZMAT employee (49 CFR 172 Subpart H) within 90 days of employment and biennially thereafter.
• Obtain RCRA Hazardous Waste/TSDF worker (40 CFR 264.16 and FDEP Operating Permit) within 6 months of employment and annually thereafter.

• Obtain OSHA HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120 (e) and (p)) immediately upon employment and annually thereafter.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting and occasionally with irregular hours.
• Travel: A low amount of travel away from office may be required.