In this edition of Behind the Scenes at the Nuclear Waste Program, we talk with Heather Hansen, our Resource Center Business and Data Analyst.
Do dream jobs really exist?
If you ask Heather, her answer is an emphatic "yes!" Heather has worked for Ecology since 2021 as the Nuclear Waste Program’s (NWP) Resource Center Business and Data Analyst.
When applying for this position, Heather felt that the job requirements spoke to her interests. The role matched what she envisioned as her dream job. She still feels it plays to her strengths, and she genuinely enjoys the many different aspects of her work.
“I love being nitpicky in Microsoft Word. I love being organized and assisting others in being organized, as well as being a good public servant and providing a good customer service to the public by helping them engage and being transparent.”
In her four-year tenure, Heather has had many achievements.
Aerial view of IDF looking south.
One of the first permit modifications she worked on was for the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). This project began when she started her job at NWP and just finished last year.
IDF will receive Hanford’s low-activity tank waste for permanent disposal after it’s turned into a more stable glass form. It will also receive other low-level waste from the site’s cleanup.
“When the modification was complete, we celebrated three to four years of work,” Heather said.
The world of records, public disclosure, and technical editing
Heather's daily work can vary from one day to the next. Often the only part that is consistent is the first half hour of the morning.
“I like to keep my morning routine and go through my emails. After that, it is kind of a free-for-all. My job is never dull and always changing!” Heather says.
Her work primarily involves records retention, public disclosure, and technical editing. In a job where organization is a primary focus, Heather strives to prioritize time management. She also makes training herself and other staff a priority to keep updated on the latest in the world of records retention.
One project she is currently working on is creating a Hanford Disposition Authority Number (DAN) records retention schedule. DANs help guide state servants in what records to keep and how long to keep them.
Heather is also working on updating the hazardous waste permit DAN. Gathering all the Hanford records under one DAN simplifies records management, makes everything consistent, and is in alignment with how record retention should occur.
“There is a lot of work to be done. I have multiple meetings with subject matter experts and permitting staff. I can say I am one of few records and information management coordinators who can keep up with the conversation because of how all-encompassing my position is,” Heather says.
Public disclosure is important to Heather. She believes transparency with the public is a crucial component of her job.
An archaeologist, bibliophile, and hieroglyphics reader!
Before working at NWP, Heather used to be an archaeologist. The shift to records and data was a significant change. However, she uses much of what she learned as an archaeologist in her role as a data analyst. Both jobs entail analyzing records in the search for knowledge.
“In a way, I think the core function of a data analyst is not that different than that of an archaeologist,” Heather says.
A bibliophile at heart, Heather loves reading and collecting books. Her favorite author is Tamara Pierce, and she has spent a great deal of time trying to find first edition books.
While Heather’s reading habits include books in both English and French, she is not confined to modern languages. Due to her archaeological background, she also is proficient in reading hieroglyphs!
“I have to polish my hieroglyphs reading since it's been a while, but it's one of my greatest passions, for sure!” Heather said.
For the future generations
Mentoring youth is important to Heather. She believes that it is imperative to teach young people how office culture works to prepare them for a professional career. She advises young people to develop an interest in the world around them, ask questions, and value curiosity.
“Always emphasize what makes you happy, healthy, and whole,” Heather says.