Hazardous Materials Associate

Cornell University

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Cornell University is widely admired as one of the world’s most respected research and teaching institutions. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) provides comprehensive programs and services to support healthy, safe, and environmentally responsible practices for our world class faculty, staff, students and university community. EHS assists the campus community with compliance and promotes health, safety, and environmental stewardship. With oversight from EHS's Environmental Engineer, the Hazardous Materials Associate performs duties and provides services related to the University's hazardous materials and solid waste programs (eg, chemical waste, radioactive waste and regulated medical waste). The primary function of the position is to enable the safe, effective and efficient management of hazardous materials and wastes in a manner that is compliant with applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations. S/he will provide services and implement procedures and programs that promote a safe, responsible, healthful and compliant work environment for the University. The position will have responsibilities that oversee programs, procedures and policies that support and maintain regulatory compliance regarding hazardous waste, including:Collection, segregation and overall management of hazardous wastes (Chemical, Radiological, Regulated Medical) Adhere to proper waste handling, packaging, labelling and disposal methods Coordinate with disposal vendors to arrange logistics for waste removal Update and maintain records and documentation related to hazardous wastes Lead or participate in the generation of reports related to hazardous wastes to maintain regulatory compliance Lead or participate in the management of hazardous waste storage facilities Serve as a technical resource for the campus community on hazardous waste procedures Provide training to faculty, staff, students, vendors and others, as necessary Conduct weekly inspections, audits, self-assessments and risk analyses Provide support, as necessary, to the operations, maintenance and monitoring activities required for inactive hazardous waste disposal sites Respond to hazardous materials emergencies during and after normal working hours While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or other formal four-year training program in chemistry, health physics, science, engineering, safety, industrial hygiene, environmental or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Up to 2 years of experience in hazardous waste management programs, including at least 6 months experience with laboratory related Radioactive, Regulated Medical (biohazardous) or Hazardous Chemical waste handling operations.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and mentor colleagues.
• Demonstrated use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Proven record of completing work on time and within budget
• Ability to meet hazardous materials response criteria, including HAZWOPER training, medical clearance, demonstrating technical proficiency, and on-call availability both during and after normal working hours
• Must have a valid NYS driver license and a good driving record
• Ability to obtain a valid commercial driver license with hazardous materials endorsement within 3 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more
• Ability to pass a background check, as required by Cornell.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hazardous waste management programs, including laboratory-related waste handling operations, and hazardous materials response.
• Strong working knowledge of USEPA and NYSDEC regulations for hazardous waste generators
• Experience with EHS management systems
• Experience working in a University setting
• Experience working directly with regulators
• Specialty training and/or certifications in the following: Environmental regulations, including RCRA DOT hazardous materials transportation and shipping HAZWOPER Incident Command System Other safety or environmental certifications (CHMM, CIH, CSP, CPESC)

Responsibilities

• Collection, segregation and overall management of hazardous wastes (Chemical, Radiological, Regulated Medical)
• Adhere to proper waste handling, packaging, labelling and disposal methods
• Coordinate with disposal vendors to arrange logistics for waste removal
• Update and maintain records and documentation related to hazardous wastes
• Lead or participate in the generation of reports related to hazardous wastes to maintain regulatory compliance
• Lead or participate in the management of hazardous waste storage facilities
• Serve as a technical resource for the campus community on hazardous waste procedures
• Provide training to faculty, staff, students, vendors and others, as necessary
• Conduct weekly inspections, audits, self-assessments and risk analyses
• Provide support, as necessary, to the operations, maintenance and monitoring activities required for inactive hazardous waste disposal sites
• Respond to hazardous materials emergencies during and after normal working hours

Benefits

• We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level