Sara Woods
Grand Junction,CO
Summary
Accomplished Site Manager and leader with extensive public service experience at the U.S. Department of Energy, excelling in site and project management, community engagement and collaboration, team leadership, and implementation of applicable regulations, standards, and policies. Proven ability to enhance production and stakeholder engagement while ensuring execution of shared objectives and goals. Skilled in strategic planning and enhancing community outreach, driving successful mission related project outcomes and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Site Manager/Physical Scientist
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management
Grand Junction, CO
10.2020 - Current
- Support the long-term surveillance and maintenance mission of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management (LM).
- Perform site and project management duties for several sites, including Las Colonias (formerly the Grand Junction, CO, Processing Site), and the only disposal cell in LM’s portfolio that remains open to receive low-level radioactive material (Grand Junction, CO, Disposal Site).
- Foster strong community and stakeholder relations, with a focus on building trust.
- Conduct outreach activities, including public meetings, STEM events, and site tours.
- Collaborate with the City of Grand Junction leaders and departments (including Parks and Recreation and Engineering), local landowners, contractors, and government officials to oversee the successful management of Las Colonias Park.
- Conduct oversight of LM's prime contractor and other federal and state partners, ensuring adherence to project scope, schedule, and budget; quality control of products, services, and deliverables; and implementation of environmental, health, and safety policies.
- Oversee contractor execution of major scientific and technical projects that involve groundwater monitoring, well permitting installations, monitoring and maintenance of water treatment remedies, monitoring performance of disposal cells, and evaluating engineering designs and plans.
- Coordinate with cross-functional federal and contractor support organizations, such as Quality Assurance, Public Affairs, Asset Management, Engineering, Groundwater, etc.
- Provide scientific and strategic guidance via technical briefings and documentation to contractor support organizations, LM senior leadership, and government officials.
- Evaluate project and contractor performance with respect to budget, schedule, compliance requirements, and program goals, and recommend solutions to issues.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of technical, policy, regulatory, and stakeholder issues by representing LM at discussions with regulators, media, stakeholders, and the state and municipal community regarding the status of assigned sites.
Environmental Scientist
Legacy Management Support Contractor, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management
Grand Junction, CO
07.2008 - 10.2020
- Specialized in environmental compliance and provided technical and administrative support to both client and contractor needs for environmental compliance activities.
- Participated independently and as a team member in the functional areas of the environmental compliance group, involving areas such as the acquisition and verification of data, report preparation and technical documentation, and assignment and scheduling of field activity.
- Provided technical and field support in areas including natural and cultural resources, air monitoring, biomonitoring, stormwater management and control, management and disposal of hazardous waste, and monitoring well regulatory requirements for Colorado and other states.
- Performed environmental reviews on numerous sites and activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, and to identify potential impacts to environmental resources.
- Technical and administrative support to maintain environmental compliance procedures and requirement documents that support the mission of the company.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Mesa State College
Grand Junction, COSkills
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Public Service
- Site and Project Management & Oversight
- Community Outreach
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Technical & Regulatory Decision-Making
- Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act
- US Department of Transportation Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Shipping Regulations
- Employee Safety and Morale
Certification
- Department of Transportation Advanced Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Certified Shipper
- Federal Technical Project Officer Level 1
- First Aid/CPR
Accomplishments
- Successfully completed the Mesa County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program in 2024.
- Received the Phillip C. Leahy award for 2024, which recognizes employees who demonstrate the qualities of an outstanding team player.
- Prepared and received the 2023 Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 Brownfield Phoenix Award for Las Colonias Park.
- Coordinated and led numerous tours of LM sites to local, state, and national stakeholders, including international partners.
Affiliations
- Coach of several youth sports, including soccer and softball.
- Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization and School Accountability Committee.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Site Manager/Physical Scientist
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management
10.2020 - Current
Environmental Scientist
Legacy Management Support Contractor, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management
07.2008 - 10.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Mesa State College
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