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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hazardous Waste Handler

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Environmental ServicesLogisticsHealth and SafetySkilled LaborCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hazardous Waste Handler, you are the frontline guardian of environmental safety and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for the meticulous handling, packaging, transportation, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials. This position requires a strong commitment to safety protocols, an unwavering attention to detail, and the physical capability to work in a variety of challenging environments. You will be a key player in our Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team, ensuring our operations adhere to all EPA, RCRA, and DOT regulations, thereby protecting our community and the environment. This is more than a job; it's a commitment to a safer, cleaner future.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer or Warehouse Associate with an interest in environmental services.
  • Recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Science or a related field.
  • Field Technician or Equipment Operator.

Advancement To:

  • Lead Hazardous Waste Technician or Team Supervisor.
  • Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist.
  • Waste Management Coordinator or Project Manager.

Lateral Moves:

  • Emergency and Spill Response Technician.
  • Decontamination Specialist.
  • Environmental Compliance Auditor.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Safely and compliantly handle, containerize, and label hazardous waste materials according to strict federal, state, and local regulations (RCRA, DOT, EPA).
  • Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts, drum dollies, pallet jacks, and hand trucks, to move and stage waste containers.
  • Perform waste consolidation, segregation, and packaging tasks, ensuring chemical compatibility and proper container selection for transport and disposal.
  • Prepare and complete detailed shipping documentation, including hazardous waste manifests, land disposal restriction (LDR) forms, and bills of lading.
  • Conduct routine inspections of waste storage areas, satellite accumulation points, and emergency equipment to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
  • Respond to and contain on-site spills or releases of hazardous materials using established emergency response procedures and equipment.
  • Collect, log, and prepare waste samples for laboratory analysis and waste characterization, ensuring proper chain-of-custody is maintained.
  • Wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, chemical-resistant suits, gloves, and safety glasses.
  • Load and unload hazardous waste materials from transport vehicles, verifying container counts and manifest accuracy before shipment.
  • Decontaminate reusable containers, equipment, and work areas to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe working environment.
  • Maintain a precise inventory of hazardous waste containers, tracking accumulation dates and quantities to prevent regulatory violations.
  • Assist in the profiling of new waste streams by gathering data and working with the EHS team to determine proper handling and disposal methods.
  • Interface directly with drivers, disposal facility representatives, and regulatory personnel during inspections and shipments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc projects related to waste minimization, recycling initiatives, and process improvements within the facility.
  • Contribute to the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for waste handling tasks.
  • Participate actively in daily safety briefings, toolbox talks, and required environmental and safety training sessions.
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of work areas, including waste storage pads, supply closets, and response equipment stations.
  • Assist in managing the inventory of essential supplies, such as PPE, shipping labels, containers, and spill response materials.
  • Accurately document all waste handling activities, inspections, and training in logs or computer-based tracking systems.
  • Provide support to other departments by answering questions related to proper waste segregation and disposal at the point of generation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification: Current certification is mandatory for handling hazardous materials.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of EPA, RCRA, and DOT regulations governing hazardous waste.
  • Forklift Operation: Certified and experienced in operating forklifts and other material handling equipment.
  • PPE Proficiency: Expertise in the selection, use, and maintenance of various levels of Personal Protective Equipment, including air-purifying respirators.
  • Waste Characterization: Ability to understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and basic chemical properties to segregate waste safely.
  • Manifesting & Documentation: Experience preparing and managing hazardous waste manifests and associated shipping paperwork.
  • CDL (Class A or B): A Commercial Driver's License with Hazmat (H) endorsement is highly desirable and may be required for some transport duties.

Soft Skills

  • Safety-First Mindset: An uncompromising commitment to safety procedures and a constant awareness of potential hazards.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in completing paperwork, labeling containers, and following complex procedures without deviation.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods, and working in various weather conditions.
  • Problem-Solving: Capable of identifying compliance risks or operational issues and escalating them or proposing effective solutions.
  • Teamwork and Communication: Excellent ability to work collaboratively with a team and communicate clearly and concisely with supervisors, colleagues, and drivers.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable working in potentially odorous, noisy, and challenging environments, both indoors and outdoors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Chemistry
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Environmental Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct experience in a hazardous waste handling or environmental technician role.

Preferred: 3+ years of experience in a RCRA Large Quantity Generator (LQG) setting, including hands-on experience with waste consolidation, lab packing, and emergency response.

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