Senior Scientist, Team Lead

Senior Scientist, Team Lead

Environmental Monitoring (EM), Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Monitoring, and Land Management Programs at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

Work location:

WIPP site, approximately 26 miles (straight line) east of Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Reports directly to the LATA Site Environmental Manager.

Oversee EM, VOC, and land management programs to ensure successful and on‑time completion within budget and meeting requirements. Responsibilities include preparing and managing statements of work, procurement documents, assembling and managing project teams, defining goals, and navigating challenges to achieve success.

Responsibilities

• Manage EM and VOC sampling in compliance with permits, plans, SOPs, JHAs, and QA requirements.
• Lead a team of LATA personnel and union sampling technicians; manage work assignments and coordinate with BU manager.
• Serve as a qualified sampler as needed.
• Oversee land management activities per the WIPP Land Management Plan.
• Complete and maintain program‑required training, including general WIPP training and supervisory certifications.
• Schedule and oversee sampling activities; act as backup sampler when required.
• Install and maintain sampling equipment, including underground mine equipment.
• Procure supplies and equipment and coordinate with Cognizant Engineer on environmental system repairs or configuration changes.
• Maintain and track calibration of measurement and test equipment.
• Oversee all program components—work assignments, records, training, plans, SOPs, JHAs, management assessments, and related documents.
• Perform data verification and validation of laboratory data packages; maintain data in spreadsheets and databases.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate program reports and deliverables, including the Annual Site Environmental Report (ASER).
• For the VOC Monitoring Program, manage underground sampling coordination and communication with Underground Operations, Radiation Control, and Cognizant Engineer.
• Communicate with laboratory regarding sample results, audits, performance testing, changes, and SOP implementation.
• Manage records in accordance with the Records Inventory and Disposition Schedule (RIDS).
• Manage software per requirements.
• Participate in audits, develop corrective actions, and ensure closure of findings.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of sampling supplies.
• Provide public hearing testimony and support as needed; implement program changes.
• Build and sustain professional relationships with employees and stakeholders to support collaboration, compliance, and program success.
• Support a positive and productive team environment through effective communication.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in a science or environmental field, or an associate’s degree with 5+ years of professional oversight/quality experience, or
• High school diploma with 10 years of oversight/quality experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience with environmental monitoring and sampling (other environmental experience considered).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Fast learner.
• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Willing and able to work underground and in remote surface locations.
• Supervisory experience and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in a related science field and 5 years of experience.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Access or SQL databases.

USD $79,027.50 - USD $ /Yr.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Information Technology