Hazardous Materials Technician

Position Overview

This individual will report to the Hazardous Materials Supervisor in HMEP program of the KU Department of Environment, Health & Safety (KU-EHS). This position has the primary responsibility of assisting the Hazardous Materials Supervisor in carrying out the day-to-day KU-EHS hazardous materials/waste disposal program activities. This position may also aid other EHS staff/programs on an as needed basis per the direction of the Hazardous Materials Supervisor.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
WORK LOCATION: Onsite – campus properties & affiliates

Job Description

80% - Perform activities associated with the University's surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste management program, which include:

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

5% - Participate as a member of the EHS HazMat Response Team.

• 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% - Perform other EHS duties as appropriate and assigned.

Position Requirements

1. 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.
2. Ability to bend, stoop and/or kneel frequently.
3. Ability to traverse steps, ladders, & outdoor uneven terrain.
4. Work location is onsite – Lawrence campus & affiliate properties.
5. Valid driver’s license by time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
6. Successfully complete OSHA/EPA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training within 180 days of initial employment

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in appropriate science or related field; or HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant work experience.
2. Valid driver's license by time of appointment.
3. Experience with Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office or other standard office software as evidenced by application materials.
4. Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
5. Ability to handle filled hazardous materials containers and safety PPE/equipment as demonstrated by past experience, certifications and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, industrial hygiene, or Safety.
2. Previous work experience involving RCRA Compliance, hazardous materials/waste disposal, safety, and emergency response.
3. Previous work experience in a university environment.
4. Experience with applicable Federal and State Regulations as evidenced by application materials.