Operational Assurance Specialist 1
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
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JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
4 days ago
Use your chemical management knowledge to support something that matters! Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) - one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions in the world-is seeking an entry-level Operational Assurance Specialist to support our Chemical Lifecycle Management program field operations. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in chemical safety and operational assurance while supporting national and global security.
Reporting to the Chemical Lifecycle Management Group Leader within the Waste Management Division (WM-DO), you will assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of Chemical Management Program processes, procedures, and field operations. Working under close supervision, you will support chemical facility visits, verify chemical inventories against the ChemDB database, document field observations, and assist in chemical-related occurrence reporting and investigations.
In this role, you will dedicate approximately 50% of your effort to onsite chemical facility visit support, including participation in pre-visit planning, onsite assessments, and post-visit deliverables. The remaining time will be spent supporting operational assurance activities such as preparing lessons learned publications, assisting with trending and analysis of chemical-related events, and helping Laboratory personnel implement chemical safety operational assurance policies.
This position offers excellent opportunities for professional development in chemical management, ESHQ operational assurance, and field operations. You will work closely with experienced chemical management professionals, Data Stewards, scientists, craft workers, and facility personnel while building expertise in chemical safety compliance and operational assurance.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Experience or education in chemical management, safety, environmental compliance, or related field.
- Understanding of chemical hazards and chemical storage requirements.
- Ability to read and interpret chemical safety documents and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
- Ability to conduct field assessments and document observations accurately.
- Effective communication skills with ability to interact professionally with facility personnel and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work under supervision and follow established procedures.
- Proficiency with computer applications including databases, spreadsheets, and documentation tools.
- Ability to escalate safety issues and complex problems appropriately.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with ESHQ regulations.
Education/Experience: Position requires a minimum of 2 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, safety, or related technical field.
- Familiarity with LANL chemical management procedures and requirements.
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations, DOE Orders, or other chemical safety regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with chemical inventory management systems or databases.
- Familiarity with occurrence reporting and investigation processes.
- Understanding of integrated work documents (IWDs) and work control processes.
- Experience conducting field assessments or facility inspections.
- Knowledge of chemical storage requirements, labeling requirements, and compatibility guidelines.
- Lean Six Sigma awareness or process improvement training.
- Previous experience in a national laboratory or DOE facility environment.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Work Schedule: Final work schedule decisions will be guided by mission & organization priorities, and manager discretion.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Walking extensively during field visits, Lifting 20-30 pounds, Sitting, Standing, Climbing stairs, Accessing chemical storage areas in various facility configurations.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China - including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau - as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2.
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