Hazardous Materials Technician Job Lawrence area,Kansas USA,Engineering

Position Overview

This position assists the Hazardous Materials Supervisor in the Hazardous Materials & Waste Disposal Program, performing day-to-day activities and supporting other EHS staff as needed.

Responsibilities
80% – Surplus Chemical and Hazardous Materials Waste Management

Perform all tasks using best safety practice and within your capabilities, notifying supervisor of any limitations or concerns.
Complete required regulatory, safety, and KU‑specific training annually or as required.
Collect and remove surplus chemicals and/or hazardous materials waste from university facilities and return to EHS facilities for further processing.
Answer questions from and aid in the training of faculty, staff, and students concerning the surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste management program. Provide informal instruction and guidance to campus personnel so they may properly dispose of hazardous materials.
Transport hazardous materials between university facilities.
Identify and characterize solid waste, used hazardous materials, and hazardous waste.
Handle, label, package for disposal, and transport identified hazardous materials waste to the KU‑EHS Hazardous Materials Waste Accumulation Facility.
Apply local and federal regulations (KDHE, EPA, DOT, etc.) pertaining to the storage, surplus, and disposal of solid waste, universal waste, used hazardous materials, and hazardous waste.
Assist with documentation and record‑keeping of surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste activities.
Assist in cost‑saving disposal procedures, such as bulking into drums or elementary neutralization of strong acids and bases.
Evaluate quality, inventory, segregate, and redistribute surplus hazardous materials as appropriate.
Utilize knowledge of chemistry to determine the identity of unwanted materials that are labeled with chemical structures, chemical formulas, or abbreviations.
Handle highly hazardous materials: water reactive, air reactive, highly toxic, spontaneously combustible, strong oxidizers, unknowns.
Work with the Asbestos Program to dispose of unwanted materials that are suspected to be made of asbestos‑containing material.
Work with the Radiation Safety Program to dispose of materials that are suspected to present a radiological hazard.
Perform weekly hazardous waste inspections of the EHS accumulation facilities.
Assist in maintaining, evaluating, improving, and recommending new procedures for the minimization and management of hazardous materials/waste generated by the University.
Interact with personnel from contracted off‑site hazardous waste disposal firm while they are on‑site.
Assist in non‑emergency response of chemical spills and/or releases.

10% – HMEP Vehicle and Space Maintenance

Perform activities associated with maintaining HMEP vehicles and spaces in good condition and working order.

5% – EHS Haz Mat Response Team Participation

Respond to hazardous materials releases, as called upon, and aid with spill control/cleanup within personal capabilities and limitations of protective equipment available.
Assist the Hazardous Materials Supervisor and HMEP Programs Manager in maintaining appropriate spill response control/cleanup equipment and materials.

5% – Other EHS Duties

Perform other EHS duties as appropriate and assigned.

Position Requirements

Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds frequently and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.

Ability to bend, stoop and/or kneel frequently.

Ability to traverse steps, ladders, & outdoor uneven terrain.

Work location is onsite – Lawrence campus & affiliate properties.

Valid driver’s license by time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Successfully complete OSHA/EPA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training within 180 days of initial employment.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in appropriate science or related field; or HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant work experience.

Valid driver’s license by time of appointment.

Experience with Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office or other standard office software as evidenced by application materials.

Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

Ability to handle filled hazardous materials containers and safety PPE/equipment as demonstrated by past experience, certifications and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, industrial hygiene, or Safety.

Previous work experience involving RCRA Compliance, hazardous materials/waste disposal, safety, and emergency response.

Previous work experience in a university environment.

Experience with applicable Federal and State Regulations as evidenced by application materials.

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