Operations Support Specialist III- IV

The Operations Support Specialist for the Oak Ridge Reservation Landfills (ORRL) is a versatile administrative, compliance, and technical support role. This position provides daily operational support to the ORRL team, which manages UCOR's active landfills.

Working under moderate supervision, this mid-level role bridges the gap between field operations and administrative compliance. The successful candidate will manage records, compile key performance indicators, draft and revise technical procedures, coordinate work requests, and facilitate audit preparedness to ensure the landfills operate in strict compliance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) permits, Department of Energy (DOE) orders, and UCOR policies.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance, Audits, & Assessments

• Regulatory Support: Help facilitate routine interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) and state regulatory agencies such as TDEC. Assist in the preparation, implementation, and tracking of landfill permits, modifications, and environmental approvals.
• Field Assessments & Surveillances: Participate in and conduct assigned management assessments, field surveillances, and facility compliance inspections. Direct issues of non-compliance to management for resolution.
• Audit Preparedness: Coordinate with ORRL management to develop, organize, and execute responses to external regulatory assessments, environmental audits, and oversight reviews.
• Causal Analysis & Investigations: Participate in causal analysis and root cause evaluations. Support event critiques and lead constructive, compliant investigations into operational anomalies, obtaining peer and management feedback to issue timely hazard reports.

Data Analysis & Performance Metrics

• Operational Reporting: Compile, track, and analyze landfill operational data (e.g., waste receipts, compaction rates, cover soil volumes, and leachate tracking) to draft operational and compliance reports.
• Performance Dashboards: Develop, update, and maintain internal Performance Metrics charts and progress reports. Identify material or scheduling trends to assist management in forecasting landfill capacity and resources.
• Document & Graphic Generation: Prepare administrative maps, drawings, and other graphics representing landfill status, cell development, or waste placement profiles.

Operations, Procedures, & Work Control

• Procedure Development & Writing: Draft, update, and coordinate the review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical procedures based on technical inputs provided by engineering, operations, and safety teams.
• Work Requests & Permits: Support the initiation of work requests, excavation permits, and work control packages. Monitor progress and assist in draft letters of instruction for subcontractors.
• Operations Review: Participate in requested design reviews, procedure evaluations, subcontractor proposal reviews, and cost/benefit analyses of specific operating/maintenance challenges.

Job Knowledge & Required Skills

• Administrative & Document Control Competence: Proven ability to manage complex document control, records tracking, and administrative filing systems in a safety-focused operating environment.
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to gather diverse data streams and present findings clearly using Excel, data visualization tools, and metric dashboards.
• Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with administrative environmental programs, solid waste management regulations, or TDEC/EPA audit protocols is highly desirable.
• Technical Writing: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience converting technical processes into clear, step-by-step operating procedures.
• Tool Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Basic experience with GIS software, CAD, or specific database systems is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, environmental management, safety, or a related discipline (or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience).
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in administrative coordination, document control, or operations support, ideally within a DOE, nuclear, or heavily regulated industrial environment.

Level-Specific Responsibilities

• Under moderate supervision, provides essential mid-level support to the ORRL management team across various administrative programs, maintenance processes, and operational projects.
• Investigates administrative and operational problems, analyzes data trends, and recommends practical solutions.
• Provides clear procedural guidance to co-workers and subcontractors regarding core company policies, safety protocols, and compliance directives.