Hazardous Waste Specialist

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

1d • $27 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Hazardous Waste Specialist, reporting to the Regulated Waste Program Manager, conducts the safe handling and processing of chemical, infectious, and universal waste. This position ensures compliance with all relevant regulations by collecting, managing, and coordinating waste disposal with internal teams and external vendors. The Hazardous Waste Specialist supports the waste services team in managing hazardous, regulated chemical, universal, radiological, and biological wastes safely and compliantly. This role emphasizes operational efficiency and effective group communication.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED. Certification or vocational training may be required. Associate degree in relevant field may be preferred.
• 2 years of relevant experience required
• Knowledge of RCRA, DOT, EPA, and state environmental regulations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, accomplish multiple tasks and effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Must obtain and maintain a class B CDL license within 6 months or hiring.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical including medical clearance to wear a respirator.
• The individual must participate in a federally mandated drug testing program after obtaining the OCDL.
• Will require successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Must have the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships, mutual trust and respect with others

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Health & Safety, Chemistry, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of experience in waste management, hazardous material handling or a related field.
• Knowledge of governmental and institutional occupational safety regulations.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• Certifications such as CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager) or RCRA/DOT Hazardous Waste Training.
• Experience with electronic waste tracking systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Proper handling of hazardous chemical and infectious wastes
• Transports unwanted chemicals from generation sites to the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) storage processing facilities
• Segregates and packages unwanted and usable chemicals
• Collects and distributes surplus chemicals to requesting individuals, maintains hazardous chemical and infectious waste materials
• Acts as hazardous waste consultants related to the storage, pickup, disposal, and redistribution of hazardous chemicals
• Consults and instructs faculty and staff on ways to reduce the amount of generated waste chemicals.
• Provides support to project managers and contractors regarding the pickup and recycling of Universal Wastes.
• Use electronic systems as necessary to efficiently perform and complete assigned tasks.
• Ensure compliance with RCRA, DOT, EPA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations related to hazardous, universal, and non-hazardous waste management.
• Maintain records of waste shipments, manifests, and disposal documentation.
• Prepare reports for regulatory agencies as required.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and assist follow-up as needed.
• Provide consultation to waste generators for non-routine waste streams or unique circumstances.
• Comply with medical surveillance requirements, including medical clearance for respiratory protection, DOT physicals, drug testing and vaccination protocols.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Provide consultation to waste generators for non-routine waste streams or unique circumstances.
• Lift containers weighing up to 50 lbs, handle packages up to 100 lbs, and transport 55-gallon drums up to 300 lbs with a dolly.
• Work in physically demanding conditions, including exposure to seasonal weather changes and hazardous materials.

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED