Acceptable Knowledge Expert

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting an Acceptable Knowledge Expert (4035) in Idaho Falls, ID. 

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 Acceptable Knowledge Expert (AKE) supports the Contact Handled Transuranic (CH-TRU) Program by developing, evaluating, and maintaining Process Knowledge (PK) and Acceptable Knowledge (AK) information. This position extracts, analyzes, and summarizes information from production, historical, document, and tracking databases to support investigations, issue resolution, waste characterization, container qualification, and technical document development. 

The AKE works with operations personnel, internal support organizations, external Department of Energy entities, the Carlsbad Field Office, and DOE Idaho personnel to ensure compliance with site requirements, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) requirements, and applicable environmental and waste-management regulations. The anticipated period of performance is January 2027 through January 2028, with a Monday through Thursday work schedule at the SSF work location. 

Responsibilities 

• Collect, summarize, and document information concerning waste-generating facilities, processes, physical and chemical characteristics, and regulatory requirements for transuranic waste. 

• Enter and maintain information from historical records in applicable tracking databases. 

• Extract information from multiple databases and analyze data sets to support investigations, issue resolution, document generation, and other program objectives. 

• Use historical records and technical information to prepare reports that satisfy specific program and regulatory requirements. 

• Evaluate container information to qualify containers for specific treatment processes, waste streams, and disposition pathways. 

• Interpret WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC), the WIPP Waste Analysis Plan (WAP), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requirements, and other applicable requirements for CH-TRU waste management. 

• Initiate Nonconformance Reports when necessary and resolve Acceptable Knowledge issues. 

• Provide technical support to operations personnel to ensure compliance with site and WIPP Acceptable Knowledge requirements. 

• Support the annual WIPP audit and related readiness activities. 

• Coordinate with internal organizations, including Document Services and Information Technology. 

• Interface with external organizations and other DOE entities to facilitate incoming waste shipments. 

• Coordinate with Carlsbad Field Office and DOE Idaho personnel regarding CH-TRU waste activities, as required. 

• Assist with the training and qualification of other Acceptable Knowledge Experts. 

• Respond to department requests and complete assignments accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. 

• Comply with applicable environmental, safety, health, quality, security, pollution-prevention, emergency-action, and conduct-of-operations requirements; report unsafe conditions and apply the five core functions of the Integrated Safety Management System. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field. 

• At least four (4) years of applicable experience. 

• Strong knowledge of technical document generation and Microsoft Word. 

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel. 

• Proficiency in data management and data analysis. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects while working effectively with multiple teams. 

• Ability to qualify as an Acceptable Knowledge Expert in the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project certified program. 

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance. 

• Familiarity with and ability to comply with all relevant health, safety, environmental, quality, security, emergency-action, and unsafe-condition reporting requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting CH-TRU waste programs, WIPP compliance, Acceptable Knowledge, Process Knowledge, waste characterization, or container qualification. 

• Working knowledge of WIPP WAC, WIPP WAP, RCRA, TSCA, DOE waste-management requirements, and audit support. 

• Experience coordinating with operations, document services, information technology, DOE organizations, or the Carlsbad Field Office. 

• Experience training or qualifying other technical personnel in an Acceptable Knowledge program. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field and at least four (4) years of applicable experience. 

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 

Benefits

• 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