Environmental Scientist; Waste Management

Overview

We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. As a key member of NEMCON, you will support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Environmental Scientist will contribute to waste operations, conduct waste disposal shipments, and supervise post-emergency spill cleanup activities. This position ensures that KSC and the United States Space Force (USSF) are in compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations related to waste managed under, but not limited to, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation; U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanency is required due to length of investigation for non-U.S. persons.

• 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.
• Review, evaluation, and interpretation of Federal, State, or local environmental regulations and determine applicability and impact on facility environmental programs, identifying 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 waste materials.
• Assist in developing contract requirements 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 coordinating shipments of various types of waste materials for disposal and/or recycling in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (DOT, RCRA, TSCA, etc).
• Function as Site Supervisor for post-emergency spill cleanup activities and first responder operations to waterborne spills of hazardous substances in accordance with OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) requirements.
• Prepare environmental reports or studies detailing types and causes of pollution and the probability of future environmental problems. Prepare procedures, handbooks, and internal operating instructions to establish guidelines for meeting general environmental compliance objectives.
• Ensure safe operation and proper management of by-products, which may include hazardous wastes, resulting from workplace activities. Responsibilities include proper waste segregation, containerization, handling, and responding to emergencies in a manner consistent with company policies/procedures and site-specific workplace instructions.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, or related scientific discipline with eight years of directly related work 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  and emergency response and post-emergency response cleanup from releases of hazardous substances (OSHA HAZWOPER).
• Obtain DOT HAZMAT employee credential (49 CFR 172 Subpart H) within 90 days of employment and biennially thereafter.
• Obtain RCRA Hazardous Waste/Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) worker credential within six months of employment and annually thereafter.
• Obtain OSHA HAZWOPER credential immediately upon employment and annually thereafter.
• Mathematical skills and the ability to read, analyze and understand written information including regulations, and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including precise data and terminology.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible for clearance at a federal facility.
• Pass an occupational health physical to obtain and maintain qualifications and certifications required for this work.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a team environment, including effective communication with all levels of employees.

• RCRA Training/Experience
• FDEP Qualified Stormwater Inspector certification
• Extensive technical knowledge and subject matter expert (SME) in one or more areas of environmental media

• Work will primarily be in an office setting and may require irregular hours.
• Demands of work may require periodic physical exertion such as walking on uneven terrain, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds, sometimes while wearing PPE, outdoors in all weather conditions and sometimes for extended periods.