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Nuclear, Waste, and Site Services Waste Specialist II or III

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $86,299–$134,626 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time analytical results came back different from what the generator told you. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they trust data over assumptions and follow through on discrepancies.

How do you keep up with changes to DOE Orders, EPA rules and TSDF acceptance criteria?

What they are checking: Whether they actively track rule changes in a field where outdated knowledge leads to violations.

What would you do

A researcher wants to dispose of something quickly and pushes back on your segregation requirements. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold compliance lines with generators while keeping a working relationship.

You find a container in a lab that isn't labeled and the generator has left the Lab. What steps do you take?

What they are checking: Handling unknown waste safely and within policy, a common problem at research sites.

About the work

A generator brings you a drum of mixed lab waste with incomplete paperwork. How do you work out its radiological, hazardous and DOT classification?

What they are checking: Whether they can characterize waste methodically instead of guessing, which affects legal shipment and acceptance.

How would you build a sampling plan for a waste stream you've never seen before?

What they are checking: Ability to design sampling that produces defensible data for characterization.

Explain how RCRA and TSCA requirements can both apply to the same waste. Give me an example.

What they are checking: Working knowledge of overlapping regulations, which is where costly mistakes happen.

How do you make sure a shipment meets the Waste Acceptance Criteria for a TSDF like EnergySolutions or NNSS?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a rejected shipment costs money and credibility with the receiving site.

Walk me through how you'd write work instructions for field staff packaging a radioactive waste stream.

What they are checking: Ability to write clear, safe instructions that people in the field can follow without confusion.

What DOT hazmat or radioactive material training do you hold, and how does it shape the way you prepare a shipment?

What they are checking: Whether they have the credentials and practical habits for regulated transportation.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

This position under minimal supervision plans and assists with radioactive, hazardous, chemical, and abatement materials management, characterization, and packaging. In addition, works with onsite waste generators to ensure they remain compliant with DOE, EPA, and Laboratory policies, procedures, and guidelines. Roles and Responsibilities • Provide technical support to generators and projects for accurate and complete characterization of their wastes. • Develop waste sampling plans, and interpret the analytical results to determine radiological, hazardous and Department of Transportation (DOT) classifications. • Comprehensive training and understanding of regulations and standards applicable to waste management and transportation (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, DOT, NRC, EPA, DOE Orders, TSDF Waste Acceptance Criteria). • Extensive knowledge of waste management processes and requirements. • Working knowledge of radioactive and hazardous waste characterization and management. • Efficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). • Assisting the waste shipper in conducting shipments to various TSDF’s (EnergySolutions, NNSS, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, etc.). • Write detailed work instruction documents to help facilitate processing and packaging operations to field personnel. • Identifies waste streams for segregation by waste profile. • Ensures Waste Acceptance Criteria requirements are met for various TSDF’s. • Ensure waste packages contain no prohibited items per waste profile and TSDF requirements. • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. ​This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. • ​Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, or equivalent experience. • Two-Five years of experience in the field of waste management and/or transportation. • Experience must demonstrate technical competence in managing and shipping hazardous and radioactive waste in compliance with applicable standards and regulations including CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, DOT and in accordance with common TSDF Waste Acceptance Criteria requirements. Preferred Requirements • DOT shipper certification • Radiation Worker I • OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER Job Family Professional Technical (PT) Job Profile Waste Management 3 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299.00 - $134,626.05. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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