Waste Characterization Specialist

Do you enjoy digging into complex problems, uncovering gaps, and helping teams understand exactly what’s needed to move forward with confidence? Are you looking for a role that will challenge you, take you into the field, and let you apply your technical expertise in a hands‑on environment? CNL is seeking a Waste Characterization Specialist for a vacancy in Chalk River, ON. In this position, you’ll lead the full characterization process—from historical reviews and field walk‑downs to planning, sampling, analysis, and reporting—while collaborating closely with service groups, facility staff, and external partners to ensure high‑quality, timely results. If you’re passionate about guiding others, shaping safe and informed decision‑making, and making a meaningful impact on facility operations, this role offers the opportunity to see your work directly influence project success. Apply today!

What you will be doing!

• Performing historical reviews and gap analyses to determine the characterization needs of a facility.
• Performing field walk‑downs to define scopes of work.
• Preparing characterization documents, including scoping survey plans, characterization plans, and sampling work plans using the Integrated Work Control Process.
• Providing input into the development of schedules for characterization activities to align with project milestones set out in the APWB.
• Coordinating and monitoring field activities with various service groups (IH, RP, Trades, WMO, etc.).
• Arranging sample shipment and analysis with internal and external analytical chemistry laboratories.
• Reviewing survey results and sample analysis results.
• Preparing characterization reports.
• Training and mentoring facility staff in all areas of characterization.
• Liaising with CNL support groups and external contractors providing characterization services.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.
  

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Honour's Bachelor Degree in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing or, membership in an Engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
• Experience
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in a nuclear operational or Decommissioning environment.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge and application of Radiation Protection principles, measurements and contamination control.
  • Knowledge of Waste Management principles and practices.
  • Understanding of the CNSC regulations and how they apply to the CRL Facility Decommissioning activities.
  • Effective at leading, team building and communicating to organize and direct a working group.
  • Possesses strong verbal & written communication skills and good questioning attitude.
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Knowledgeable of CNL’s compliance program requirements and experienced in preparing/providing supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance.
  • Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications in either paper of electronic format.
  • Ability to work under pressure, with conflicting priorities and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to work effectively independently or in a team to meet schedule deadlines.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
    

Working Conditions:

• This position is part of the CRPEG Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in the CRPEG Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
• Working schedule: Four (4) days per week, ten (10) hours per day for a forty (40) hour work week.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined-benefit pension plan for your future security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!

Location: Fully Onsite

This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.

Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [email protected]. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.