Waste Management Specialist (Summer 2026-2027) - Palmer Station

Antarctic Program•Centennial, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Act as point of contact for Waste Management and attend weekly staff meetings and weekly teleconferences Collect and package for shipment all solid and hazardous wastes on station Follow all SOPs associated with position duties Ensure proper documentation and filing of all paperwork on time Review/update JHA and SDS binders and computer folders Using the proper PPE for various tasks (correct gloves, respirator, safety glasses, etc.) Quality check all shipping containers and correct discrepancies immediately Process hazardous and radioactive waste per SOPs. This includes marking, labeling, weighing, and storing the drums or items into a shipping container. Perform certain classification qualitative testing on items (pH testing, flash point testing, etc.) Consolidate and lab pack wastes as required per profile and classification Safely operate various pieces of equipment on station (SkyTraks, ATVs, etc.) Store processed hazardous wastes according to segregation requirements Keep waste inventory records updated and accurate Perform quality-assurance checks on inventory database and files Provide hazardous waste, solid waste and spill briefings Act as Spill Team Lead for entire station, write spill reports, and conduct trainings and drills Organize, orient, and train members of Spill Team for outside spill response. Coordinate with staff of the visiting vessels as applicable Maintain inventory of spill supplies in the two spill-vans and satellite spill kits Assist station mechanic with weekly station fueling activities Maintain / deploy spill-boom supplies for station fueling Assist with general station needs, including snow removal, radio communications on assigned day, mini-GASH, GASH, and House Mouse activities Conduct community Waste Briefs or other informational sessions if necessary Collect and process Resale Items as needed Maintain Maximo Resale work orders and provide end of season Maximo report to McMurdo Resale Admin and ASC Property Manager Maintain a flexible schedule based on Vessel Operations, unusual hours, and other station-wide activities Ensure seasonal replacement receives proper training, and maintain a log of this information Troubleshoot any issues that arise and elevate them as needed Supply manual labor (shoveling) for several hours if needed Perform regular use of drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools and other tools Perform regular physical activity, including bending, consistently lifting and carrying, reaching and gripping Display self-motivation in physically challenging and atypical work environment; position is comprised of approximately 70% outdoor tasking Maintain flexibility and positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced work setting Perform duties in support of Operations Division metrics (as provided by supervisor) Support the achievement of ASC metrics, whether metrics are directly or indirectly, effected by this position's work activities Comply with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety, and Quality Assurance, requirements and goals. Provides documentation to these divisions as necessary to ensure adequate and legal documentation Work to achieve ASC goals and contractual commitments Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace Perform other duties as required Reports to Hazardous Waste Manager and Solid Waste Manager

Requirements

2 years (or Antarctic seasons) of USAP Waste Management experience
College degree (2 additional years of experience will substitute)
Strong computer software experience
Able to lift 50 pounds consistently and wear a respirator
Valid Driver's License and Passport valid for six months after contract end
Physically able to be active for 9 hours daily
Must be able to lift the safety regulation maximum
Must pass physical qualification assessment
Able to deploy to Antarctica for length of contract
US citizenship or permanent residency required
A prerequisite of employment for this position is to successfully gain a favorable Tier 1 - Elevated Background Investigation (EBI) result prior to deployment. Candidates hired for this position will be required to complete; online forms, written forms, fingerprint cards and provide additional details and information as requested by NSF Personnel Security.

Nice To Haves

1 year of Hazardous Materials shipping/characterization or reporting experience ' OR ' 2 years of Environmental remediation
1 year of supervisory experience
1 year of High School Chemistry or equivalent
1 quarter of college General Chemistry
College degree in Chemistry or Environmental Science
OSHA HazWOPER 40-Hour, current
Familiarity with power tools and machinery
Equipment operating experience
Previous management or supervisory experience

Responsibilities

Act as point of contact for Waste Management and attend weekly staff meetings and weekly teleconferences
Collect and package for shipment all solid and hazardous wastes on station
Follow all SOPs associated with position duties
Ensure proper documentation and filing of all paperwork on time
Review/update JHA and SDS binders and computer folders
Using the proper PPE for various tasks (correct gloves, respirator, safety glasses, etc.)
Quality check all shipping containers and correct discrepancies immediately
Process hazardous and radioactive waste per SOPs. This includes marking, labeling, weighing, and storing the drums or items into a shipping container.
Perform certain classification qualitative testing on items (pH testing, flash point testing, etc.)
Consolidate and lab pack wastes as required per profile and classification
Safely operate various pieces of equipment on station (SkyTraks, ATVs, etc.)
Store processed hazardous wastes according to segregation requirements
Keep waste inventory records updated and accurate
Perform quality-assurance checks on inventory database and files
Provide hazardous waste, solid waste and spill briefings
Act as Spill Team Lead for entire station, write spill reports, and conduct trainings and drills
Organize, orient, and train members of Spill Team for outside spill response.
Coordinate with staff of the visiting vessels as applicable
Maintain inventory of spill supplies in the two spill-vans and satellite spill kits
Assist station mechanic with weekly station fueling activities
Maintain / deploy spill-boom supplies for station fueling
Assist with general station needs, including snow removal, radio communications on assigned day, mini-GASH, GASH, and House Mouse activities
Conduct community Waste Briefs or other informational sessions if necessary
Collect and process Resale Items as needed
Maintain Maximo Resale work orders and provide end of season Maximo report to McMurdo Resale Admin and ASC Property Manager
Maintain a flexible schedule based on Vessel Operations, unusual hours, and other station-wide activities
Ensure seasonal replacement receives proper training, and maintain a log of this information
Troubleshoot any issues that arise and elevate them as needed
Supply manual labor (shoveling) for several hours if needed
Perform regular use of drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools and other tools
Perform regular physical activity, including bending, consistently lifting and carrying, reaching and gripping
Display self-motivation in physically challenging and atypical work environment; position is comprised of approximately 70% outdoor tasking
Maintain flexibility and positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced work setting
Perform duties in support of Operations Division metrics (as provided by supervisor)
Support the achievement of ASC metrics, whether metrics are directly or indirectly, effected by this position's work activities
Comply with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety, and Quality Assurance, requirements and goals. Provides documentation to these divisions as necessary to ensure adequate and legal documentation
Work to achieve ASC goals and contractual commitments
Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace
Perform other duties as required