Environmental Scientist, Waste Management (NASA KSC)

About the role

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 the NEMCON, you will play a valuable part in supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Responsibilities

• 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, evaluate, and interpret Federal, State, or local environmental regulations and determine the applicability and impact on facility environmental programs and identify 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.
• Aid 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).
• Function as Site Supervisor for post-emergency spill cleanup activities and first responder operations level responses to waterborne spills of hazardous substances in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (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 properly manage by-products, which may include hazardous wastes, resulting from workplace activities.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], asbestos, biomedical, Drug Enforcement Administration [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 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 172 Subpart H) within 90 days of employment and biennially thereafter.
• Obtain RCRA Hazardous Waste/Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) worker (40 CFR 264.16 and Florida Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP] Operating Permit) within six months of employment and annually thereafter.
• Obtain OSHA HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120 (e) and (p)) 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, where the information being communicated includes precise data and terminology, possibly of a confidential nature.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Possess valid driver’s license and be eligible for clearance at a federal facility.
• Successfully pass an occupational health physical to obtain and maintain qualifications and certifications required to perform this work.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a team atmosphere including the ability to effectively communicate and work with all levels of employees.

Skills

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Training/Experience
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Qualified Stormwater Inspector certification
• Extensive technical knowledge and is considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one or more areas of environmental media.

Benefits

The pay range for this job level is $59,150.00 - $106,925.00. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.