Division Director, Transportation and Waste Management

Requisition Id16641

Overview:

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Director is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the new Division Director of the Transportation and Waste Management Division (TWMD). This position will work closely with line management throughout the Laboratory and TWMD staff to ensure the safe, compliant, and cost-effective management of ORNL waste streams, outbound material logistics and recyclables. This role is essential in supporting ORNL's world-class research and operational mission. The current TWMD Director will continue to serve in the role throughout a transition period over the next few months and will fully step away from the position in the late-summer or fall of 2026.

The mission of TWMD is to deliver the systems, processes, and field execution required to manage a diverse range of industrial, chemical, and radioactive wastes and materials generated by ORNL operations and research in a safe and compliant manner. Additionally, TWMD provides technical leadership for hazardous materials (Hazmat) spill response, collaborating with Emergency Management to ensure that appropriate readiness and integration of spill response capabilities are maintained.

This role manages daily division operations, including planning, staffing, recruiting, budgeting, executing business plans, overseeing subcontracts/vendors, and interacting with regulatory agencies and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The Division Director will support and help lead implementation of comprehensive waste management and transportation programs providing safe, complaint, and cost-effective management of ORNL waste streams, outbound material and recyclables.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership of TWMD employees, including on-site and off-site subcontractors used to execute waste management and transportation responsibilities.
• Manage and improve systems and programs designed to effectively manage ORNL materials, waste and recyclables, including Department of Transportation (DOT) classifications, waste characterizations, certifications, packaging, storage, shipments, and waste disposition pathways.
• Oversee vendor/subcontract relationships supporting off-site material shipping and waste transportation, treatment, and disposal services, including contract performance, compliance, and cost control.
• Support administration of the division chargeback/service center model and related performance metrics and financial controls.
• Work proactively with research, operations, and other organizations to identify and implement cost-effective packaging, logistics and waste disposition strategies to reduce operational impacts and institutional risk.
• Oversee and/or support Pollution Prevention (P2) program activities focused on eliminating or reducing future waste generation and improving sustainability outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with DOE and regulatory agencies (e.g., Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, DOT, NRC, etc.) through open, cooperative communication, including support for regulatory strategy development for difficult-to-manage materials and waste streams.
• Participate in internal and external assessments to verify compliance and program effectiveness; monitor divisional and Laboratory performance and drive continual improvement.
• Support development and implementation of transition plans and actions associated with transportation and waste management responsibilities as required to meet DOE and Laboratory expectations.
• Provide technical leadership and operational coordination support for ORNL hazardous materials spill response readiness, ensuring spill response assets are integrated with Emergency Management.
• Serve as a key internal and external communication leader with regulators, DOE, ORNL Leadership, and UT-Battelle employees in matters related to waste management and transportation programs.
• Benchmark and share lessons learned with other DOE/Battelle laboratories and relevant professional networks.
• Align behaviors and execution with ORNL core values (Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, Service) and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the division.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a BS degree in a technical field (physical sciences, engineering, environmental discipline, or related) and 15 years of relevant experience in environmental management, waste management, hazardous materials transportation, or related programs, including at least 5 years of successful line management experience in a technical organization.
• An advanced degree and additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of some minimum requirements, consistent with organizational needs.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing subcontracts and/or vendor contracts.
• Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and DOE requirements governing waste management and hazardous materials transportation (examples include RCRA, TSCA, applicable DOE Orders on radioactive waste management, and DOT requirements).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with multiple elements of DOE, including DOE Environmental Management, and direct engagement with external regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated success implementing or improving complex compliance programs in a research and operations environment.
• Ability to effectively interact with DOE, regulators, UT-Battelle management, and ORNL staff at all levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• This position may be required to participate in the ORNL Emergency Response cadre, including being formally "on call" to respond to an Operational Emergency, transportation incident, spill response activation, or other event.
• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.