Technical Consultant III (3964)

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Technical Consultant III (3964) in Remote, US. 

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense. 

Position Summary 

The Technical Consultant III will serve as a consultant chemist providing highly specialized technical assistance to the Compliance Certification Manager in support of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The position supports ongoing compliance with Environmental Protection Agency requirements while helping minimize impacts to waste operations. 

Working under the supervision of the Compliance Certification Manager, the consultant will apply expertise in actinide chemistry, repository and colloid science, geochemistry, Performance Assessment, and the historical development of WIPP and Department of Energy waste generation practices. This is a remote, fill-in consulting assignment requiring approximately 20 hours per week, travel up to four times per year, and support anticipated over a three-year period. 

Responsibilities 

• Provide specialized chemistry and scientific consulting support to the Compliance Certification Manager for WIPP compliance certification and recertification activities. 

• Advise on technical approaches that maintain compliance with EPA requirements while minimizing impacts to waste operations. 

• Consult with national laboratories and other contractors on scientific, technical, and regulatory matters affecting WIPP certification. 

• Review scientific programs, technical reports, regulatory submissions, and supporting analyses for technical quality, completeness, and regulatory relevance. 

• Develop expert recommendations on compliance strategy, including technical interactions with EPA during its review of the Compliance Recertification Application. 

• Apply expertise in actinide chemistry, repository science, colloid science, geochemistry, and Performance Assessment to evaluate complex WIPP technical issues. 

• Provide historical context regarding WIPP evolution and DOE waste generation practices to inform current compliance decisions. 

• Support technical meetings and public meetings by preparing for discussions, communicating technical information, and responding to scientific and regulatory questions. 

• Assist with peer reviews and other independent technical evaluations needed to maintain WIPP certification. 

• Coordinate technical input across internal stakeholders, national laboratories, contractors, and regulatory interfaces as directed by the Compliance Certification Manager. 

• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of actinide chemistry, repository science, colloid science, geochemistry, and Performance Assessment. 

• Deep historical knowledge of WIPP development and DOE waste generation practices. 

• Experience reviewing scientific programs, technical reports, regulatory submissions, and supporting technical documentation. 

• Knowledge of EPA requirements applicable to WIPP compliance certification and recertification. 

• Ability to develop defensible expert recommendations on scientific, technical, and regulatory compliance matters. 

• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively in technical meetings, public meetings, peer reviews, and regulatory interactions. 

• Ability to work remotely under the supervision of the Compliance Certification Manager and travel up to four times per year. 

• Availability to support the assignment on a fill-in basis for approximately 20 hours per week over an anticipated three-year period. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Prior experience supporting WIPP compliance certification or a Compliance Recertification Application. 

• Experience interacting technically with EPA during regulatory review activities. 

• Established experience collaborating with DOE national laboratories and contractors on WIPP-related scientific or regulatory matters. 

• Experience participating in scientific peer reviews or independent technical evaluations involving nuclear waste disposal and repository performance. 

Education and Experience 

Education and professional experience sufficient to demonstrate highly specialized expertise in chemistry and the technical disciplines required for WIPP compliance support, including actinide chemistry, repository and colloid science, geochemistry, and Performance Assessment. 

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required. 

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.. 

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability