Veronica A. Padilla
PO BOX 2704 Española
Summary
Environmental Technician 4 with 6+ years of experience supporting nuclear and hazardous waste operations at LANL. Skilled in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and data integrity across waste management systems (WCATS, EPC, EDRMS). Experienced in waste characterization, audit readiness, and cross-functional coordination with WMCs and RCTs to ensure compliant, cradle-to-grave waste operations under DOE 435.1 and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Technician
Los Alamos National Laboratory
09.2025 - Current
- Perform advanced-level waste management oversight across multiple Technical Areas (WFO), ensuring compliance with LANL quality and regulatory requirements.
- Developed, reviewed, and validated Waste Stream Profiles (WSPs) and Waste Disposal Requests (WDRs) in WCATS by evaluating analytical data, applying regulatory waste designations, and ensuring data integrity and compliance with DOE, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and LANL requirements. Identified discrepancies, implemented corrective actions, and supported cradle-to-grave traceability and audit readiness through accurate and compliant documentation.
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior technicians and waste generators on proper waste characterization, packaging, and documentation.
- Ensure data integrity within WCATS by identifying discrepancies, resolving documentation issues, and maintaining traceable records.
- Interpret and implement LANL policies, Functional Series Documents (FSDs), and P409 requirements in daily operations.
- Support and lead audit readiness efforts, including DOE, NMED, CTAP, and internal assessments by ensuring documentation accuracy and compliance.
- Perform waste verification activities, ensuring waste streams meet acceptance criteria and regulatory classification requirements.
- Coordinate with Radiation Control Technicians (RCTs) for LLW release, GIC verification, and radiological compliance.
- Participate in Waste Management Coordinator (WMC) On-Call rotation, providing real-time support for waste management issues, regulatory questions, and operational decision-making across multiple facilities.
- Respond to emergent waste management situations during on-call periods, ensuring timely resolution while maintaining compliance with DOE, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and LANL requirements.
- Support weekend operations for WFO-4 and WFO-5 Construction & Demolition (C&D) and Decontamination & Decommissioning (D&D) projects, ensuring waste handling, characterization, and disposal activities remain compliant with regulatory and site-specific requirements.
- Coordinate with project teams to manage waste generated from C&D and D&D activities, including proper segregation, packaging, and documentation.
- Identify process inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Quality Engineer (IRC141431) expectations.
- Oversee proper staging, storage, inspection, and shipment of waste in compliance with regulatory and site-specific requirements.
- Coordinated and supported waste shipment activities by ensuring accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and proper packaging and labeling of waste streams. Verified shipment readiness, resolved discrepancies, and maintained compliance with DOE and site-specific requirements to support safe and efficient waste disposition.
- Coordinated with sampling teams to collect representative waste samples and submit Requests for Analysis (RFAs), ensuring proper chain-of-custody, documentation, and compliance with regulatory and LANL requirements. Supported accurate analytical data generation for waste characterization and regulatory determination.
- Utilized the procurement system to order supplies and materials needed for daily operations, ensuring timely availability and proper tracking of inventory.
- Utilized the waste tracking system to requisition roll-off bins, drums, IP-1 liners, B-25, and B-12 containers, ensuring accurate documentation, proper container selection, and compliance with waste management and regulatory requirements.
- Developed waste sites in EPC applications by entering and verifying site-specific data, ensuring accurate documentation, traceability, and compliance with LANL and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Technician 3
Los Alamos National Laboratories
09.2023 - 09.2025
- Over 5 years of experience as a Nuclear & Hazardous Materials Technician and Environmental Technician supporting waste management operations under a Waste Management Coordinator (WMC) within Los Alamos National Laboratory.
- Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and cradle-to-grave waste management in accordance with DOE 435.1, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and LANL requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Radiation Control Technicians (RCTs) to ensure proper release of LLW bags, compliance with Green is Clean (GIC) criteria, and correct packaging of ST-90 containers.
- Interpret and apply gamma spectroscopy data for MLLW and radiological containers, ensuring accurate integration into WCATS for compliant waste characterization and shipment.
- Support and verify waste shipment activities (MLLW, hazardous, non-hazardous, biological, GIC, and universal waste), ensuring proper documentation, packaging, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate and prepare containers for off-site shipment, ensuring readiness, traceability, and adherence to regulatory and site-specific requirements.
- Provide technical guidance to waste generators on waste profiling, regulatory interpretation, and compliance with LANL environmental programs.
- Perform waste characterization, segregation, and packaging based on regulatory classification (hazardous, non-hazardous, NM special waste, universal waste, radiological waste).
- Manage waste accumulation and storage in satellite and central accumulation areas, including used oil, PCBs, and radiological staging areas across multiple TA sites
- Execute lab packing, laboratory cleanouts, cylinder cleanouts, and BSL waste operations in compliance with procedural and regulatory requirements.
- Apply knowledge of site-specific programs including SHEBA, Radiological Control, and Green is Clean (TA-59-01).
- Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Integrated Work Documents (IWDs) to ensure safe handling practices and procedural compliance.
- Support audit readiness and compliance by participating in DOE Triannual, NMED Annual, CTAP, and P409 audits, ensuring documentation accuracy and regulatory adherence.
- Verify proper labeling, packaging, and documentation requirements to maintain compliance with waste acceptance criteria and regulatory standards.
- Utilize LANL systems including WCATS, EIMS, and EDRMS to maintain accurate, traceable records and ensure data integrity.
- Develop and review Waste Disposal Requests (WDRs) and Waste Stream Profiles (WSPs) in WCATS, ensuring accurate characterization, regulatory compliance, and audit-ready documentation.
- Qualified Waste Management Coordinator (WMC) through WCATS, demonstrating advanced knowledge of waste management processes, regulatory requirements, and system applications.
Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Technician
COMPA Industries
09.2019 - 09.2023
- Over 3+ years of experience supporting waste management operations under a Waste Management Coordinator (WMC) within Los Alamos National Laboratory, applying quality assurance principles to ensure compliance with DOE and regulatory requirements across multiple Technical Areas.
- Participate in Plan of the Week and team meetings to coordinate work scope, communicate risks, and support execution of 20+ active waste streams and operational activities per week.
- Collaborate with Radiation Control Technicians (RCTs) to verify compliance for LLW release, Green is Clean (GIC) criteria, and ST-90 packaging, supporting high-volume waste processing with zero radiological release violations.
- Interpret and apply gamma spectroscopy data for MLLW and radiological waste containers, ensuring accurate characterization and integration into WCATS for compliant shipment authorization and traceability.
- Support and verify waste shipment activities (MLLW, hazardous, non-hazardous, biological, GIC, and universal waste), contributing to successful execution of 50+ shipments with no compliance incidents or rejections.
- Provide support across multiple TA sites, ensuring consistent application of waste management procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality standards across diverse operations.
- Apply strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate with waste generators, supporting timely waste characterization and reducing processing delays.
- Perform waste characterization, segregation, and packaging in accordance with regulatory classifications, ensuring 100% compliance with waste acceptance criteria and labeling requirements.
- Execute lab packing, lab cleanouts, cylinder cleanouts, and BSL waste operations, supporting safe and compliant removal of hazardous and mixed waste from operational areas.
- Apply knowledge of site-specific programs (SHEBA, Radiological Control, Green is Clean) to maintain operational compliance and program integrity across assigned areas.
- Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Integrated Work Documents (IWDs) to ensure safe handling practices and adherence to procedural requirements in high-consequence environments.
- Support audit readiness and compliance by participating in DOE Triannual, NMED Annual, CTAP, and P409 audits, contributing to successful audit outcomes with minimal to no findings.
- Verify proper labeling, packaging, and documentation of waste to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, supporting audit-ready documentation and defensible waste determinations.
- Utilize WCATS, EIMS, and EDRMS to maintain accurate and traceable records, ensuring data integrity across waste tracking and documentation systems.
- Develop and review Waste Disposal Requests (WDRs) and Waste Stream Profiles (WSPs), supporting accurate waste characterization and approval of multiple waste streams without rework.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of DOE 435.1, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and radioactive waste management requirements to ensure compliant, efficient, and defensible waste operations.
Medical Assistant
Sage Medical Center
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Collected and verified patient medical information, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with healthcare documentation standards.
- Measured and recorded vital signs (height, weight, and other metrics) with attention to accuracy and consistency to support reliable data collection.
- Maintained and updated patient medical records, test results, and vital statistics in electronic systems, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
- Coordinated patient flow by escorting patients and ensuring readiness for provider evaluation, supporting efficient and organized clinical operations.
- Prepared and administered medications under physician direction, following established procedures and safety protocols.
- Set up and verified medical laboratory equipment to ensure proper functionality and readiness for testing procedures.
- Collected and handled blood, tissue, and other specimens in accordance with procedural and regulatory requirements, ensuring proper labeling and chain-of-custody.
- Logged and tracked specimens, ensuring accurate documentation and traceability throughout the testing process.
- Coordinated with internal and external medical departments to schedule tests and admissions, ensuring timely communication and accurate information transfer.
Front Desk Receptionist & Medical Assistant
Ultimed Urgent Care
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Operated x-ray equipment in accordance with established procedures, ensuring proper setup, image quality, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Verified patient insurance coverage and eligibility by coordinating with insurance providers, ensuring accuracy of billing information and reducing claim discrepancies.
- Performed end-of-day financial reconciliation, balancing transactions and updating patient records to ensure accuracy, accountability, and audit-ready documentation.
- Maintained and updated financial and patient records, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with documentation standards.
- Collected and verified patient medical information, ensuring completeness and accuracy for clinical and administrative use.
- Measured and recorded vital signs (height, weight, and other metrics) with attention to precision and consistency to support reliable data collection.
- Documented patient medical history, test results, and vital statistics in electronic systems, ensuring accurate and traceable records.
- Coordinated patient flow and readiness for evaluation by escorting patients and communicating effectively with clinical staff to support efficient operations.
- Prepared and administered medications under physician direction, following established procedures and safety protocols to ensure compliance and patient safety.
Medical Assistant
Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Coordinated with internal and external medical departments to schedule patient tests and admissions, managing 30–50+ patient interactions per day while ensuring accurate information transfer and timely execution.
- Collected and verified patient medical information, maintaining high accuracy rates (>99%) in documentation and reducing intake errors and rework.
- Measured and recorded vital signs (height, weight, and other metrics) with precision and consistency, supporting reliable clinical data collection for high patient volumes.
- Maintained and updated patient medical histories, test results, and vital statistics in electronic systems, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and audit-ready records.
- Managed patient flow by escorting and coordinating care, contributing to reduced wait times and improved clinic efficiency in fast-paced environments.
- Prepared and administered medications under physician direction, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols with zero medication errors reported.
- Set up and verified medical laboratory equipment prior to use, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with procedural requirements.
- Collected and handled blood, tissue, and other specimens, ensuring 100% compliance with labeling and chain-of-custody requirements.
- Logged, tracked, and prepared specimens for testing, supporting accurate processing and timely turnaround of laboratory results.
- Identified and resolved documentation and workflow discrepancies, contributing to improved process efficiency and reduced administrative errors.
Medical Assistant
Santa Fe Pulmonary & Critical Care
02.2016 - 09.2017
- Provided customer support and resolved patient inquiries, managing 30–50+ patient interactions daily while ensuring accurate communication and adherence to clinical and administrative procedures.
- Conducted three-step walking tests (resting RA, exertion RA, exertion with prescribed oxygen levels), ensuring accurate data collection and documentation to support clinical decision-making.
- Coordinated scheduling for diagnostic testing, provider referrals, and surgical procedures, supporting timely execution and reducing scheduling delays across multiple departments.
- Communicated with DME providers to coordinate oxygen, CPAP equipment, overnight studies, and medication supplies, ensuring accurate order processing and continuity of patient care.
- Retrieved, labeled, and processed Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), ensuring accurate documentation, traceability, and timely provider review.
- Maintained electronic patient records by scanning and updating documentation, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and audit-ready records within Athena systems.
- Coordinated bronchoscopies and diagnostic procedures by preparing documentation (consents, H&P, demographics), ensuring complete and accurate information transfer to external facilities.
- Verified receipt of documentation and coordinated scheduling with operating rooms, supporting efficient patient processing and reduced procedural delays.
- Ordered and tracked vaccines, medications, and specialty products, ensuring accurate inventory control and timely patient treatment availability.
- Requested and managed medical records from external providers, ensuring complete documentation for continuity of care and compliance requirements.
- Maintained pharmacy logs by verifying incoming medications and ensuring all documentation was complete and compliant with tracking requirements.
- Performed monthly pharmacy inventory audits, ensuring 100% compliance with expiration tracking, proper distribution, and documentation accuracy.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies in scheduling, documentation, and inventory processes, contributing to improved workflow efficiency and reduced administrative errors.
Contracts & Accounts Assistant Manager
Flexible Liner Underground Technology
10.2015 - 01.2016
- Performed administrative and operational support functions, including preparing and distributing correspondence, managing document control systems, and handling high-volume communications (50+ calls/emails daily), ensuring accuracy and timely information flow.
- Maintained and updated contract data and information systems, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with organizational documentation standards.
- Organized, filed, and managed records in accordance with established procedures, supporting audit readiness and efficient retrieval of critical documentation.
- Operated electronic mail and communication systems to coordinate across departments, ensuring clear, accurate, and professional communication in fast-paced environments.
- Verified accuracy of documentation and identified discrepancies, supporting process consistency and reduction of administrative errors.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive and work-related information, ensuring compliance with privacy, security, and organizational policies.
- Supported continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies in administrative workflows and implementing more organized and streamlined documentation practices.
Education
Certified Environmental Technician -
Northern New Mexico Community College
Espanola, NM05-2019
High School Diploma - undefined
McCurdy High School
Espanola, NM05-2000
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance: DOE 4351, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- Audit Readiness & Support (DOE, NMED, CTAP, P409)
- Risk Identification & Compliance Monitoring
- Data Integrity, Validation & Traceability
- Technical Documentation & Document Control (WSPs, WDRs, RFAs)
- Systems Proficiency: WCATS, EPC Applications, EIMS, EDRMS
Data & Systems Management
Waste Management & Technical Expertise
- Waste Characterization & Regulatory Classification
- Contaminated Site Cleanup & Remediation
- Waste Packaging, Labeling & Shipment Verification
- Radiological Waste Handling & RCT Coordination
- Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Continuous Process Improvement & Efficiency Optimization
- Cross-Functional Coordination (WMCs, RCTs, Generators, Sampling Teams)
Process Improvement & Operations
Certification
- Certified Environmental Technician 06/2019
Timeline
Environmental Technician
Los Alamos National Laboratory
09.2025 - Current
Environmental Technician 3
Los Alamos National Laboratories
09.2023 - 09.2025
Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Technician
COMPA Industries
09.2019 - 09.2023
Medical Assistant
Sage Medical Center
09.2018 - 11.2018
Front Desk Receptionist & Medical Assistant
Ultimed Urgent Care
06.2018 - 09.2018
Medical Assistant
Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico
09.2017 - 05.2018
Medical Assistant
Santa Fe Pulmonary & Critical Care
02.2016 - 09.2017
Contracts & Accounts Assistant Manager
Flexible Liner Underground Technology
10.2015 - 01.2016
High School Diploma - undefined
McCurdy High School
Certified Environmental Technician -
Northern New Mexico Community College