Hazardous Waste Technician

General Description of Duties

Provide overview: ensure hazardous materials are disposed of according to established standards. Work involves identifying hazardous waste, preparing waste for disposal, and monitoring asbestos disposal.

• Manage hazardous waste received. Sort waste and place it in proper storage area within 24 hours of arrival.
• Bulk oil and latex paints when 20 or more cans accumulate.
• Bulk gasoline and fuel related products immediately upon arrival.
• Prepare and maintain batteries and mercury containing devices in good order for shipment.
• Neutralize corrosives as needed.
• Prepare propane tanks and other pressure vessels for recycling or disposal.
• Monitor used oil recycling area.
• Clear trash cans as needed, change filter screens, check for spills and respond accordingly.
• Place waste in proper containers for shipping and prepare shipping containers.

• Provide facility maintenance: maintain cleanliness and good order of Hazardous Waste Center. Ensure fire extinguishers, exits, safety wash and shower are accessible and unobstructed.
• Monitor supplies and replenish as needed or inform supervisor to avoid shortages.
• Manage electronic scrap received at Center: sort waste, place in correct storage area, shrink‑wrap CRTs and CPUs onto pallets for shipment, bulk small e‑scrap items into Gaylord boxes for shipment, load e‑scrap onto vendor trailer and arrange pickups.
• Provide information and publicity: inform facility and household drop‑off customers of proper use of the facilities, provide information about the Hazardous Waste Program to callers and visitors, greet users and assist in hazardous waste handling if necessary.
• Monitor, clean, and stock ReNew Shop recycling area and Smarter Sorting.
• Remote hazardous waste collection events: prepare truck and trailer, arrange logistics, supervise events, record number of participants and weight of waste collected, offload trucks and trailers, and sort waste on the collection day.
• Schedule appointments for business waste, prepare receipts, and deliver payment to fiscal assistant. Assist business customers with compliance to environmental regulations.
• Training and employee education: assist Hazardous Waste Manager in training Solid Waste and other County employees in the recognition and safe handling of hazardous waste.

Must recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous situations. Work is frequently interrupted to serve customers. Must manage several duties simultaneously and incorporate hazardous waste policy into landfill operating procedures with minimum disruption.

• Supervision Received: duties are generally defined; judgment required in interpreting regulations, handling unusual or especially dangerous waste, and dealing with difficult customers.
• Supervision of Others: position is non‑supervisory; occasionally may supervise lower‑level staff.
• Internal and External Customer Contact: regular contact with other departments and the general public.

Personal computer, basic calculator/adding machine, forklift; roll‑off truck or hook truck to transport containers.

Frequent exercises of high dexterity, speed and precision; prolonged operation of equipment; requires agility, stamina, strength or work requiring uncomfortable posture. Work mainly outdoors with various conditions. Exposure to hazardous materials.

Required/Preferred knowledge: none listed in JDQ; preferred hazardous material identification and hazardous materials emergency response. Acquired knowledge: federal and state regulations concerning hazardous or special waste. Acquired skill: forklift operation. Required abilities: inspire confidence of public and coworkers; manage multiple tasks; perform unpleasant tasks under adverse conditions; deal with diverse people effectively and graciously; read, understand, and complete forms.

Graduation from an accredited community college with an AA or AS degree in Chemistry or a related field and two years of job‑related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Must possess a valid Florida Driver license with a favorable driving record.

All Leon County employees are required to work before, during, and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is a condition of employment.

Position is Non‑exempt.