Hazardous Materials Tech

Overview

This is a field position responsible for performing hazardous materials management activities at solid waste facilities. Work involves daily handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, and frequent use of personal protective equipment. Work requires chemical competence, mechanical aptitude, and ability to operate a straight truck and power equipment. Handling 55-gallon drums is common. Requires commitment to observe safety guidelines and carry out duties with established safety practices at all times.

Independent activities conducted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HHWCF) with assignments to the landfill, transfer stations, and other satellite facilities. Manages compressed gas cylinders (i.e. Freon, propane) and conducts load inspections. Saturday work is required typically once a month. This position reports to the Hazardous Waste Supervisor and requires reliability, dependability and accountability in all aspects of the defined role.

• Greet and assist persons and businesses delivering hazardous materials and removes materials from vehicles.
• Uses chemical knowledge to segregate materials and assist other staff in preparing wastes for shipment.
• Bulk paint and other materials into drums. Use personal protective equipment as necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness of facility and equipment. Practice good housekeeping at all times.
• Transport materials from collection satellites to main facility. Inspect and maintain satellite collection sites and equipment.
• Sort and manage compressed gas cylinders (i.e. Freon, propane) t or extract gases according to established safety procedures.
• Conduct load inspections at the landfill in compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act subtitle D regulations.
• Assist with responses to hazardous materials spills and incidents at Solid Waste Authority facilities.
• Provide technical guidance to the public and other agencies on disposal of special wastes and other hazardous waste management related information within scope of knowledge.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Ability to learn and perform activities in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and Authority procedure
• Commitment to observe safety guidelines and carry out duties with established safety practices at all times.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, perform strenuous activity wearing PPE, and list up to 75 pounds is required.
• Ability to pass yearly Hazmat physical
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person with management and field staffs.
• Ability to operate straight truck, fork lift, drum dolly, hand tools and heavy equipment.
• Experience operating and maintaining machinery and equipment.
• Ability to use computers to input data.

The ideal candidate possesses the education and experience listed below.

• Associate's degree (A.
  
  A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of small spill and emergency response techniques.
• Any combination of training, education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• OSHA 40 hours Hazardous Materials Site Worker certificate preferred.
• Class B CDL is required with hazardous materials endorsements. DOT certified driver.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception. Ability to lift 75 pounds and performs strenuous activities wearing PPE.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions.

The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, explosives, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.