Waste Characterization Specialist

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Pinawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal days

Benefits effective Day One

Tuition support

Defined-benefit pension plan

Job summary

A leading environmental organization near Pinawa is seeking a Waste Characterization Specialist to perform comprehensive assessments and fieldwork related to nuclear materials. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering or science, with a focus on waste management and radiological principles. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and knowledge of relevant regulations, contributing to the organization's mission of environmental stewardship. This is a fully onsite position based in a beautiful natural setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• Background in mathematics, chemistry, or physics is a plus.
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform historical reviews and gap analyses.
• Prepare characterization documents and plans.
• Coordinate field activities with service groups.
• Coordinate and monitor field activities with service groups.
• Arrange sample shipment and analysis with internal and external laboratories.
• Review survey and analysis results and prepare reports.
• Train and mentor facility staff in characterization.
• Liaise with internal and external characterization service providers.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of Waste Management principles

Knowledge of Radiation Protection Principles

Education

Honour’s Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

Group 3 Certification

Group 3 certification

Nuclear operations experience

Waste characterization experience

Industrial operations hoisting/heavy equipment

Strong communications skills to educate across audiences

Job description

Are you detail-oriented with a strong background in waste classification and radiological assessment? Do you enjoy making a direct impact on the environment in a positive way? Would you like the opportunity to help shape Canada’s environmental legacy through responsible stewardship of nuclear materials? If you answered yes, this may be the opportunity for you! Our Whiteshell location is looking for a Waste Characterization Specialist to join the team. Apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Performing historical reviews and gap analyses to determine characterization needs of a facility.
• Performing field walk downs to define the scopes of work.
• Preparing characterization documents, scoping survey plans, characterization plans and sampling work plans using the Integrated Work Control Process.
• Providing input for the development of schedules of characterization activities to align with project milestones.
• Coordinating and monitoring field activities with various service groups.
• Arranging for sample shipment and analysis with internal and external analytical chemistry laboratories.
• Reviewing survey results and sample analysis results.
• Preparing characterization reports.
• Training and mentoring facility staff in all areas of characterization.
• Liaising with CNL support group personnel and external contractors providing characterization services.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What We Are Looking For

• Education
  • Honour’s bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from a university of recognized standing, or membership in an Engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
  • Background in mathematics (statistics), chemistry, or physics would be considered an asset.
  • A minimum of Group 3 certification is required.
• Experience
  • Experience in nuclear operations and field execution, specifically in areas such as waste characterization, Environmental remediation, Waste Acceptance Criteria, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, and related regulations, is considered an asset.
  • Experience in industrial operations, specifically hoisting and heavy equipment activities.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of Waste Management principles and practices, characterization approaches and implementation techniques.
  • Knowledge of Radiation Protection Principles, measurements and contamination control and how to apply these to daily work activities.
  • Ability/desire to perform field activities in all environmental conditions.
  • Strong communications skills to influence and educate various audiences, including operations staff of various backgrounds, clients, supply chain vendors, peers/colleagues and management.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Working Conditions

• This position is part of The Whiteshell Professional Employees Group and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in the WPEG Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
• Working schedule: We have a compressed work week: Four (4) days per week, ten (10) hours per day for a forty (40) hour work week, starting at 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security.

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

Location: Onsite

Located near Pinawa, Manitoba, our Whiteshell site is surrounded by pristine lakes, rivers, and forests — a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a peaceful, close‑knit community atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy nature, recreation, and a balanced lifestyle.

Please note: This is a fully onsite position based at our Whiteshell site, Manitoba.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [e-mail] . All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

Whiteshell Laboratories is situated on the traditional lands of Treaties 1 and 3, and near Treaty 5. This land is the home of the Anicinabe, Ojibway Anishinaabe and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We recognize that many other Indigenous Peoples across the region and Canada also consider this area their home. CNL is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work on these lands and waterways, which hold significant cultural and historical importance. We acknowledge that this site was established without consultation with the Indigenous Peoples of this area. We recognize the ongoing impact of this and we are committed to understanding and respecting the unique Indigenous history, rights and title associated with this land.