Project Overview:

Bechtel is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive-waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in southeastern Washington State. The project will use vitrification technology to process and stabilize 56 million gallons (212 million liters) of radioactive and chemical waste stored at the Hanford Site which is a byproduct of plutonium production during World War II and the Cold War era.

The cleanup project is one of DOE’s most technically challenging and the largest undertaking of its kind—equivalent to building two nuclear power plants. The construction site spans 65 acres (26 hectares) and includes facilities for pretreatment, low-activity waste vitrification, high-level waste vitrification, and the analytical laboratory – as well as operations and maintenance buildings, utilities, and other support facilities. 

Position will work primarily from the Richland offices but may also require occasional permitting support activities on the project site (22 miles north of Richland). The position will follow a 9-day, 80-hour work schedule (every other Friday off).

Position Summary:

Supports the Environmental Protection Manager and Environmental Permitting Manager in obtaining and maintaining project environmental permits, including preparation of permit applications, supporting documentation, modification submittals and participating in regular regulatory interface meetings.

Drafts permit conditions, process descriptions and other technical permit content in coordination with appropriate project organizations (e.g., Environmental Compliance counterparts, Commissioning, Engineering, Plant Management).

Reviews project plans, procedures and reports for permit-affecting content and potential impacts/implications for project permitting.

Conducts weekly reviews of design change documents, field changes, and non-conformance reports for permit-affecting content and subsequent provision to regulators on a prescribed schedule.

Supports required environmental reporting activities (e.g., EPCRA/TRI, Greenhouse Gas, air operating permit annual compliance certification preparation, annual dangerous waste reporting, etc.).

Interfaces with the Customer and regulatory agencies while maintaining close coordination with Environmental Protection Management and implementing organizations.

Provides support and technical assistance to other Environmental Protection personnel, project funtions, the customer, and interacts with regulatory agency personnel.

Participates in meetings with customer, Project teams, and subcontractors to advise them of environmental permit requirements that may affect planned activities.

Prepares regulatory meeting minutes, maintains environmental plans and procedures, and performs routine maintenance of project permitting databases.

Qualifications and Skills

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in a specialized scientific field (or environmental engineering) from an accredited university and at least 6 year of environmental/permitting-related experience; or at least 12 years of related experience in lieu of degree.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be able to complete pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check.

Good working knowledge of Washington state and federal environmental regulations.

Permitting and compliance knowledge to support the maintenance and implementation of Dangerous Waste, Air, and Wastewater regulations and permits.

Skilled in oral and written communication, and ability to work in a team environment.

Accountable for completion of scheduled and emerging work assignments on time.

Working knowledge of standard Microsoft computer applications.

Prior practical work experience in field environments (e.g., construction execution and/or operating facilities) performing the responsibilities above.

Preferred Qualifications:

Must possess the legal right to work and remain in the United States without sponsorship.

Previous experience in the nuclear industry for commercial and/or DOE projects.

Experience with preparation and maintenance of environmental permits with an emphasis on state and federal air quality compliance, RCRA, and Washington state Dangerous Waste requirements. 

Experience working directly with regulatory personnel and client representatives.

Experience supporting facility start-up and commissioning activities and environmental integration.

Flexibility to respond to urgent project requests and/or changing priorities.

Ability to work to defined schedules with minimal to moderate supervision.

Demonstrated ability to work with people of varied backgrounds and objectives.