Kathryn Draper
Benton City
Summary
Dedicated Environmental Scientist and Process Improvement Specialist with over 20 years of experience in regulatory compliance, data analysis, project management, and continuous improvement initiatives at Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site contractors. Proven track record in identifying inefficiencies, leading cross-functional teams to streamline processes, developing training programs, and implementing data-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency and meet milestones. Skilled in fostering collaborative environments, mentoring staff, and tracking performance metrics to drive sustainable change. Familiar with Hanford Site operations, seeking to leverage expertise in Lean principles—such as waste identification, standard work—to support strategic transformation as a Lean Continuous Improvement Program Manager. Holds a Master's in Environmental Science, NEPA Qualification Card, and advanced training in environmental regulations and process optimization.
Professional scientist with experience in environmental research and impact assessment. Adept at data analysis, fieldwork, and regulatory compliance. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptable to changing project needs. Known for reliability and achieving measurable results in multidisciplinary environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Scientist
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)
03.2020 - Current
- Served as NEPA/SEPA Subject Matter Expert and Technical Point of Contact, consulting with executive management and project leads to identify high-priority compliance targets for initiatives like Direct Feed Low Activity Waste and 200 West Risk Management, ensuring alignment with Tank Closure and Waste Management EIS.
- Led continuous improvement efforts by coordinating specialized training for soil characterization, enhancing document accessibility, regulatory reporting efficiency, and data security—resulting in streamlined processes and reduced time bottlenecks.
- Directed pre- and post-event activities for ecological and cultural reviews, including team coordination with Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) and Project Managers, and Construction teams, and action tracking to sustain compliance.
- Managed the Environmental Protection Assessment Program, overseeing 132 Management Observation Programs (MOPs) and 35 action requests; tracked progress, measured results, and facilitated sustainable changes through annual RCRA/Dangerous Waste Compliance inspections.
- Provided Lean-style training and coaching to junior scientists and interns on NEPA processes, ecological surveys, and cultural resource management, promoting problem-solving skills and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Revised NEPA, SEPA, ecological, and cultural procedures, incorporating CEQ regulation updates to eliminate waste and streamline processes, enhancing clarity while developing communication strategies to publicize program initiatives.
- Mentored staff on qualification cards and led field observations to support compliance, fostering employee engagement in Lean tools and processes.
Project Coordinator & Startup Test Engineer
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed pre-event preparation (e.g., procedure development, team scheduling) and post-event actions (e.g., metrics monitoring, closeout coordination).
- Maintained electronic data sets and dashboards for real-time progress tracking, engaging leadership through status updates to drive continuous improvement in project efficiency.
Maintenance Manager
Northwest Commercial Real Estate Investments
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw maintenance for 86 properties (including historic sites), identifying strategic improvement targets to reduce incidents and enhance efficiency; implemented a robust safety program that standardized work and minimized waste.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams (staff, vendors, contractors) for repairs and preventive maintenance, facilitating events like weekly planning meetings to assess hazards and control risks.
- Tracked work orders, budgets, and metrics using large datasets; developed reports for cost control and operational enhancements, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
Environmental Specialist
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
01.2003 - 01.2015
- Consulted with executive management and cross-functional teams (legal, finance, safety, IT) to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements, enhancing data quality, security, and efficiency in environmental management and cultural resource programs.
- Led Lean-like value stream events for data management, including developing procedures, release agreements, and quality assurance plans; managed pre-event preparation (team training, data gathering) and post-event tracking for sustainable change.
- Established and managed reporting centers for hazardous waste site monitoring, technology efficacy, and geophysical data; analyzed large environmental datasets to measure results and inform remediation strategies.
- Provided training and coaching, including organizing/hosting X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) software sessions across disciplines, fostering problem-solving and Lean thinking among employees.
- Directed proposal development for funded initiatives (e.g., Soil Desiccation as a Deep Vadose Zone Remediation Technology), engaging senior leadership through charters, progress monitoring, and communication strategies.
- Supported Hanford remediation projects, contributing to Environmental Assessments (EAs) and EIS; conducted Section 106 NHPA reviews with Tribes and Washington State Historic Preservation Office.
- Evaluated radiation portal monitors for Homeland Security, collecting data at ports (Long Beach, CA; Laredo, TX; Staten Island, NY) and submitting Test Observation Reports to address weaknesses and enhance system reliability.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Washington State University
Richland, WA01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Washington State University
Pullman, WA01.2003
Skills
- Continuous Improvement: Process efficiency optimization, waste identification, standard work development, procedure revisions and data management improvements
- Program Management: Leading assessments, tracking milestones/deliverables, metrics reporting
- Training & Coaching: Mentoring junior staff, developing qualification cards, organizing/hosting training sessions, fostering problem-solving skills
- Data Analysis & Tools: Data collection/interpretation, GIS/ArcGIS, Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, PowerPoint), SoilVision, Sigma Plot, Tecplot; large dataset management and visualization
- Stakeholder Engagement: Consulting with executive management/regulators/Tribes, facilitating consensus in diverse teams, communication strategies for technical reports and presentations
- Project Leadership: Pre-event preparation, post-event action tracking, budget/milestone management, proposal development
- Regulatory & Environmental: NEPA/SEPA compliance, RCRA hazardous waste management, NHPA Section 106 reviews, quality assurance plans
- Technical: Geophysical monitoring, laboratory characterization, environmental impact analysis
Affiliations
- National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
Certification
- NEPA Qualification Card, U.S. Department of Energy (August 2024)
- Advanced NEPA Navigator Course, Aarcher Institute (2023)
- Navigating NEPA Changes: Fiscal Responsibility Act & CEQ Revisions, Shipley Group (2023)
- McCoy Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Training (2024)
- Radiation Worker II, Renewed September 2023
- Hazardous Waste Management & Radioactive Waste Generator (2005)
- Forensic Microscopy, McCrone Research Institute (2008)
- Electrical Resistivity Imaging, Advanced Geosciences Inc. (2007)
Timeline
Environmental Scientist
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)
03.2020 - Current
Project Coordinator & Startup Test Engineer
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant
01.2019 - 01.2020
Maintenance Manager
Northwest Commercial Real Estate Investments
01.2017 - 01.2019
Environmental Specialist
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
01.2003 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Washington State University
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Washington State University
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