Senior Hazardous Materials Technician (7142C)
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety's (EH&S) mission is to protect the health and safety of our community and environment.
EH&S is a highly dynamic, fast-paced, committed organization focused on promoting workplace safety and environmental protection for the campus community. We are comprised of many scientific, technical, and administrative professionals, working in an evolving, learning, and sometimes challenging environment with a unified goal of supporting the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. EH&S strives to be an inclusive, service-oriented, and operationally excellent organization and seeks highly motivated individuals who want to learn, be creative, pursue continuous competency development, and contribute to our mission.
For more information, visit http://ehs.berkeley.edu
Position Summary
The Hazardous Waste Management Program goals for this position are to operate and maintain hazardous waste management services on behalf of the campus. Under supervision, the Technician works independently to provide hazardous waste management to the UC Berkeley campus and affiliated field stations, and assists with emergency response service for the Office of Environment, Health & Safety.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is May 14, 2026. The posting will remain open for applications until the position is filled.
Responsibilities
Chemical Waste Activities
- Perform safe, efficient collection, loading/unloading, and transportation of chemicals from laboratories and shops, but also from any University property.
- Follow and train on established standard operating procedures, University policies and procedures, laws and regulations, and safety principles.
- Ensure accurate data entry and accounting of chemicals picked up, utilizing waste-specific software. Verify proper packaging, labeling, and marking. Segregate chemicals based on compatibility. Organize required supplies and equipment, and prioritize pick-up sequence.
- Communicate with campus contacts, coworkers, and customers to resolve discrepancies and to arrange pick-up times. Provide limited hazardous waste training or guidance to the campus, and direct to appropriate EH&S resources and personnel for follow-up. Utilize text, phone, email, and in-person communication to schedule, resolve, and inform customers.
- Utilize and follow safe, ergonomic practices with material handling equipment: drum carts, lab carts, debris carts, electric pallet stacker, pallet jacks, and dock levelers. Operate and use manual and power tools, in the course of managing hazardous waste, including for the disassembly of equipment, cleaning labs, and consolidating/bulking of hazardous waste.
- Drive small box trucks and golf carts on and off campus, safely transporting chemical waste to the campus Hazardous Materials Facility (HMF).
- Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as needed: uniform, lab coat, chemical-resistant coverall, safety glasses, gloves, full-face air purifying respirator.
- Share ideas for improvement, work as a team on larger jobs, and participate in regular safety meetings.
- Keep work areas clean and organized
- Support waste minimization efforts
Radioactive Waste activities
- Coordinate, collect, and transport radioactive waste and materials from campus labs to the HMF, following established procedures and regulations.
- Perform routine radiation surveys on vehicles, waste collection sites, and the HMF as required under the Waste Management Radiation Use Authorization (RUA)
- Utilize GM meter, liquid scintillation counter, and swipe techniques.
- Prepare radioactive waste shipment containers for disposal. Conduct pre- and post-shipment radiation surveys.
- Accurately update the radiation safety database(RSIS) for radioactive waste received.
Biohazardous Waste activities
- Pick up and coordinate the shipment of biohazardous waste from labs and central accumulation rooms.
Drives university vehicles to fulfill job requirements. Must maintain a valid driver's license.
Assist in maintaining supplies and equipment
- Organize and help maintain supply inventory, equipment, and tools.
- Assist in finding new equipment and vendors, coordinate service of vehicles and equipment, review invoices, and maintain other facility supplies.
- Inspect HMF facility, including fire extinguishers, safety showers/eyewash, and vehicles.
Decontamination Services
- Decontaminate, disinfect, and clean labs and equipment, and remove associated supplies, trash, chemical inventory, and contaminated debris.
Dedicated Urgent Response Team
- Provide technical support to the EH&S Dedicated Urgent Response Team (DURT) Program by serving as a 'Designated Responder' as needed during business hours. Must be accessible via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill).
- Provide technical support to the DURT Program by serving as an 'Off-hours Responder' on rotation with other responders. It is currently every 4th week, but is variable depending on staffing levels. Must be accessible via telephone and readily available to respond to on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill) around the clock during assigned periods. This is an 'unrestricted' on-call position.
- Must maintain the ability to effectively respond, and be within 50 miles or one hour of the campus.
- To serve as a designated responder, the incumbent must meet the specific requirements of the Urgent Response Program as outlined in the EH&S DURT Program Guidelines. These include occupational and physical qualifications. Medical evaluation is required initially, and every 2 years.
Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
- Perform routine maintenance activities at the material/waste processing facility.
- Maintain facilities and equipment in safe operating condition.
- Perform other duties, similar to the above-listed duties, when requested.
At the request of campus management (EH&S Director, VC Research/Administration, UCPD Chief, or designated alternate), serve in a designated role within the EH&S Emergency Support Function and be on call to the campus Emergency Operations Center in a campus-designated disaster or campus hazardous material release/threatened release. Provide appropriate emergency response role based upon expertise and, where applicable, designated departmental role.
Required Qualifications
- Familiarity with hazardous waste management requirements, including federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to proper handling, packaging, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste (see 'Governing Laws, Regulations, Policies and Procedures' below).
- Knowledge of equipment, technologies, and systems utilized in hazardous waste management
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences in English.
- Proficiency in using PC-based computers and related email, data entry, and associated software.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 40 pounds routinely (5-gallon drum) and move items exceeding 100 pounds (e.g., 55-gallon drums on a cart). See Physical/Environmental/Mental Demands Form.
- Ability to interact in a positive and team-oriented manner with a variety of co-workers and clients, maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times
- Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of experience in an environmental health and safety program, or two years of college, including appropriate science courses, and one year of experience in an environmental health and safety program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with (or can quickly build knowledge of) the following governing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures: Incumbent's responsibilities are guided by federal, state, and local laws and regulations, which include (but are not limited to): Hazardous Waste Management Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Specific requirements for UC Berkeley are outlined in UC Berkeley's hazardous waste management policies and procedures, as approved by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time, biweekly-paid (non-exempt) position eligible for UC benefits.
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $32.06 (Step 1.0) - $38.57 (Step 5.0).
Unlock this job opportunity
View more options below
View full job details
See the complete job description, requirements, and application process
