Environmental Scientist - HazWaste - RCRA

Cherokee Federal; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K plan

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking an Environmental Scientist specialized in Hazardous Waste Management under RCRA. In this role, you will provide vital support for environmental compliance, manage hazardous waste, and conduct inspections and audits across various sites.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a related field, with up to 3 years of experience in hazardous waste management. This position is critical to ensuring compliance and safe waste handling.

Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K, with a compensation range based on experience.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in hazardous waste management and RCRA compliance.
• Working knowledge of 40 CFR 261 requirements.
• Experience in sampling programs and field documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct HW compliance audits and inspections.
• Perform waste characterization sampling and reporting.
• Support hazardous waste determinations and maintain program data.

Skills

Hazardous waste management

Environmental compliance

Technical writing

Fieldwork safety practices

Sampling techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

HAZWOPER certification

Hazardous waste databases

Job description

Environmental Scientist - HazWaste - RCRA

Executes day-to-day environmental compliance support for the Hazardous Waste (HW) Management Program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Supports installation-wide waste characterization, inspections, data management, reporting, and field services for hazardous, explosive hazardous waste (EHW), used oil, universal waste, and PCB waste streams. Supports a high-tempo program shipping approximately 120 tons of HW off-site annually and disposing of approximately 2,600 tons of EHW off-site annually. Works within the requirements of the current RCRA permit covering the Central Storage Facility and permitted treatment operations including APE 1236, the Contained Detonation Chamber (CDC), and OB/OD operations.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Environmental Scientist - HazWaste - RCRA: Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct HW compliance audits and inspections across accumulation, storage, treatment, and disposal sites; document findings and support corrective action tracking.
• Perform waste characterization profile sampling and coordinate field/lab testing (analysis) to support proper waste determinations and disposal actions.
• Execute all sampling and field/lab testing under a project-specific QAPP approved by the Contractor QAM and accepted by the NSWC Crane EP QAM, applicable IEPD (NAVFAC Midlant Crane or NSWC Crane), and the HW Media Manager prior to sampling.
• Support accurate hazardous waste determinations consistent with 40 CFR 261. Use EPA SW-846 methods appropriately. Where applicable, support analysis for ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity, TCLP, and PCB parameters.
• Provide sample result packages to the HW Media Manager within 7 days of receipt from the laboratory; maintain supporting documentation and data quality records.
• Draft technical inputs for Government HW permit applications, modifications, and permit reviews; draft technical inputs for required regulatory HW reports.
• Maintain and input HW program data into the HW database and RCRA Operating Record; support data calls and internal/external audit readiness.
• Support annual HW training by preparing materials, presenting content as directed, and tracking completion status.
• Draft technical inputs for HW plans, Government SOPs, and directives; provide other technical support as required by the program.
• Provide hazardous and industrial waste management field support, including HW pick-up coordination, empty container delivery, and used oil pumping support. Ensure HW pick-ups occur within 1 business day of request, consistent with program requirements.
• Support monthly operational tempo of approximately 100 containers picked up and/or delivered; operate Government-furnished vehicles (GOV) with lift gate and used oil collection capability as assigned and authorized.
• Support upkeep and inspection readiness of the RCRA-permitted HW storage facility, including housekeeping, staging organization, and documentation support.
• Maintain inventory awareness of Department of Transportation (DOT) approved shipping containers and spill response equipment supporting HW handling and spill team participation.
• Support quarterly independent audits of HW sites using current inspection criteria (e.g., USEPA, IDEM, OPNAV M-5090.1, NSA/NSWC/NAVFACCRANEINST 5090.23 used oil guidance, and other DoD/DoN directives). Program scope includes 56 HW generation sites (over 130 waste profiles), 32 EHW accumulation sites, and 16 Conditionally Exempt Magazines (over 100 waste profiles).
• Provide quarterly inspection report inputs and support delivery timelines, including rapid out-brief support for significant/systemic findings to EP and HW Program leadership.
• Support management of a repository for industrial equipment containing ODS, PCBs, and other Universal Waste, including sorting, classification, packaging, and documentation for final disposal actions.
• Support ODS reclamation and processing actions by coordinating with a certified refrigerant technician meeting 40 CFR 82.161 requirements and ensuring use of EPA-approved refrigerant recovery equipment and DOT-certified cylinders.
• Support management of PCB-containing wastes (e.g., ballasts) and Universal Waste streams (e.g., batteries, mercury-containing equipment, lamps).
• Support oversight of the Used Oil accumulation site, including inspections and pumping oily water from secondary containments as directed.
• Support spill response actions for oil and HW incidents (including bulging drums) by reviewing waste characterization and/or SDS information and providing safe mitigation recommendations that protect Government personnel and property.
• Support sampling and analysis of used activated carbon to meet federal/state requirements for reactivation of spent carbon from treatment of explosive-bearing wastewater (K045), consistent with permitted treatment facility conditions.
• Support development of technical inputs for Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment efforts associated with permitted treatment units, including Work Plan drafting support and coordination inputs for regulator review calls, as directed by the Government.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience supporting hazardous waste management, RCRA compliance, environmental inspections/audits, and/or waste characterization.
• Working knowledge of hazardous waste determinations and compliance requirements, including 40 CFR 261 and familiarity with EPA SW-846 analytical methods.
• Experience supporting sampling programs under a QAPP, including field documentation, chain-of-custody, data management, and results reporting.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills for inspection reports, permit/report inputs, and program records.
• Ability to perform field work in industrial environments while following safety requirements and using required PPE.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (and ability to maintain annual refresher).
• Forklift license (Government-issued or ability to obtain, as required) and experience operating material handling equipment in compliance settings.
• Experience with hazardous waste databases/operating records, used oil management programs, Universal Waste, and PCB waste management.
• Familiarity with IDEM expectations and DoD/DoN environmental compliance frameworks (including OPNAV M-5090.1).
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Legal Disclaimer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.