Torchora
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E-Waste Technician

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

IT & HardwareEnvironmental ServicesTechnicianOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As an E-Waste Technician, you are a crucial player in our commitment to sustainable technology solutions and responsible electronics lifecycle management. You will be hands-on with a wide variety of IT assets, from sorting and testing to secure data destruction and component harvesting. This position is perfect for an individual with a passion for technology hardware, a strong work ethic, and a desire to make a tangible environmental impact. You will work within our processing facility to ensure that all electronic waste is managed efficiently, securely, and in strict accordance with industry standards like R2 and e-Stewards. Your work directly contributes to reducing landfill waste, recovering valuable resources, and protecting sensitive client data.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Repair Technician
  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Assembly Technician
  • Tech-savvy Hobbyist or Enthusiast

Advancement To:

  • Lead E-Waste / ITAD Technician
  • E-Waste Operations Supervisor
  • Data Destruction Specialist
  • IT Asset Management Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Technician
  • Electronics Refurbishment Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously sort, identify, and categorize a wide range of incoming electronic devices, including laptops, desktops, servers, networking gear, and mobile phones, according to company standards and material type.
  • Perform comprehensive diagnostic testing and functional assessment of diverse IT assets to determine their viability for resale, refurbishment, or parts harvesting.
  • Execute secure data sanitization procedures on storage media using industry-leading software (e.g., Blancco, KillDisk) and physical destruction methods to ensure 100% compliance with NIST 800-88 and client data security requirements.
  • Skillfully disassemble electronic devices using a variety of hand and power tools to harvest valuable components and segregate commodities for downstream recycling processes.
  • Accurately record and track detailed asset information—including make, model, serial number, specifications, and condition—in the inventory management system throughout the entire asset lifecycle.
  • Evaluate and grade the cosmetic condition of electronic devices and components based on a standardized grading scale to inform resale value and disposition pathway.
  • Clean, refurbish, and perform basic repairs on electronic equipment to prepare it for testing or the secondary market.
  • Safely operate warehouse machinery and material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts, to move and stage materials within the facility.
  • Prepare, pack, and palletize tested equipment, components, and raw materials for secure shipment to customers, vendors, or downstream recycling partners.
  • Adhere strictly to all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies and procedures, including the proper handling of hazardous materials found in electronics.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation and contribute to the overall tidiness of the production floor, often following 5S or similar methodologies.
  • Identify and troubleshoot issues with non-functioning electronic devices to determine the root cause of failure.
  • Collaborate with team members to meet and exceed daily and weekly production goals and quality targets.
  • Assist in the receiving and unloading of inbound shipments of electronic assets, verifying contents against manifests.
  • Perform quality control checks on processed materials and tested assets to ensure they meet company and industry standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the continuous improvement of processing workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency, recovery rates, and safety.
  • Participate in regular inventory cycle counts and support the Asset Management team in reconciling discrepancies.
  • Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to new or junior team members on sorting, testing, and safety protocols.
  • Contribute to facility-wide environmental and safety audits by ensuring your work area is compliant with R2, RIOS, and/or e-Stewards standards.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on processing equipment and tools.
  • Support special projects, including high-volume data destruction events or customized client requests.
  • Document and report any process deviations, safety concerns, or quality issues to the team lead or supervisor.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Strong knowledge of computer hardware components (CPU, RAM, HDD/SSD, motherboards) and their general compatibility and function.
  • Proficiency in using data sanitization software and understanding of data security principles (NIST 800-88).
  • Ability to proficiently use standard hand tools (screwdrivers, drills) and power tools for disassembly and repair.
  • Experience with diagnostic and testing software to assess the functionality of IT equipment.
  • Familiarity with inventory management systems or ERP software for asset tracking and data entry.
  • Forklift operation certification is a significant plus.
  • Basic understanding of electronic circuitry and the ability to perform simple troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of electronics recycling standards such as R2, RIOS, or e-Stewards is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in diagnostics, data entry, and sorting.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose technical issues and identify efficient processing methods.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet production deadlines.
  • A steadfast commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a secure work environment.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and processes in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Technical Certificate in a related field.
  • CompTIA A+ or other relevant IT hardware certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years. This role is open to entry-level candidates with a strong technical aptitude, as well as those with prior experience.

Preferred:

  • 1+ years of experience in an electronics recycling (e-waste), ITAD, or computer repair/refurbishment environment.
  • Prior experience working in a warehouse, manufacturing, or production-oriented setting.
  • Verifiable experience handling and testing computer hardware.
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