Household Hazardous Waste Technician - Health Department

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

 

Operates household hazardous waste facilities. Performs on-site coordination and maintenance of household hazardous waste facilities. Performs sampling and testing of chemicals. This position works with a team of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Technicians, a Lab Pack Chemist, and an Environmental Health Supervisor to operate and maintain a new state-of-the-art HHW Facility in Sandy City. Some shifts may also include work at the Salt Lake County Landfill - HHW Facility and/or the Trans-Jordan Landfill - HHW Facility.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Two (2) years of experience in hazardous waste management or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

 

Must complete Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER) training within two (2) months of hire date.

 

Must pass a Salt Lake County Respirator Physical Exam.

 

A valid Driver’s License accepted by the State of Utah is required at the time of hire. A valid Driver’s License issued by the State of Utah must be obtained within six (6) months of hire to operate a County vehicle.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

• Uses knowledge of chemistry to accurately separate and bulk a wide range of chemicals according to their chemical composition.
• Collects Household Hazardous Waste from private individuals and small businesses, and surveys each customer.
• Screens and segregates chemicals to ensure reactive materials do not come into contact with incompatible substances.
• Uses knowledge of chemistry to lab-pack materials collected at the facility according to hazard category, DOT, and EPA regulations.
• Assesses fees and determines management and disposal methods for industrial waste brought in by Conditionally-Exempt Small Quantity Generators (Small Businesses).
• Inventories and packages chemicals.
• Processes samples of unknown chemicals that are brought to the household hazardous waste facility by homeowners, businesses, or the health department as abandoned waste.
• Cleans, maintains, and inspects specialized waste-processing equipment for damage or wear, and removes excess dirt, oil, paint, flammable materials, and toxic substances from the equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, inspects for damage, and properly stores specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and repairs or replaces damaged PPE.
• Selects and diverts usable products through the material reuse exchange center for public availability.
• Assists contractors with the shipping of hazardous waste and other recyclable waste streams at the facility.
• Performs scheduled safety inspections of the household hazardous waste facility.
• Performs inventories of tools and equipment.
• Inspects and secures the hazardous waste facility before leaving.
• Attends periodic training and maintains current environmental, safety, and transportation certifications. Remains current on all state and federal regulations pertaining to OSHA, EPA, and DOT by reading and studying regulatory information.
• Coaches and trains junior environmental staff in the safest and most efficient manner to perform hazardous materials duties.
• Assesses generator status of incoming commercial and residential loads and accepts or rejects waste according to applicable hazardous waste laws and regulations.
• Documents illegal waste shipments brought to the household hazardous waste facility.
• Recommends alternate disposal options to customers with illegal or rejected materials.
• Notifies the proper authorities to initiate an investigation into the proper disposition of rejected loads.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)

 

Knowledge of: 

• Chemistry - As related to hazardous materials
• Classification, identification, and verification of various hazardous materials
• Use of specialized Personal Protective Equipment
• Specialized hazardous material containment techniques
• Decontamination procedures
• Federal and State regulations relating to RCRA, OSHA, and DOT
• Solid and hazardous waste management
• EPA Subtitle “C” and “D” criteria
• Universal waste rules
• Field sampling methods

Skills and Abilities to:

• Operates hand and power tools and machinery
• Operate a forklift
• Evaluate emergency situations and make appropriate decisions
• Perform physically demanding activities for extended periods of time in an outdoor environment while wearing respiratory equipment and other protective gear
• Work effectively with people from various backgrounds
• Coach and train less senior environmental staff in job functions
• Assist in the development of a site safety and control plan for emergencies
• Learn and apply new training and information
• Perform effectively as a team member
• Conduct and participate in team field work
• Record information accurately
• Follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures
• Act independently when appropriate
• Work with computer software related to job-specific duties

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Must be able to stand, sit, walk, bend, stoop, reach, push, and/or pull objects. Must be able to lift up to 65 lbs frequently.

May be required to carry bulky equipment necessary to perform various tasks.

Must be able to work in personal protective equipment around hazardous chemicals.

Additional Information

This position is scheduled to work Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.