Hazardous Materials Specialist

Job Summary

CU Boulder encourages applicants for a Hazardous Materials Specialist ! This position performs the collection, packaging, transport, storage, classification, record keeping, and hazardous waste disposal according to UCB policies and procedures.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides comprehensive safety oversight, training, compliance assurance and hazardous material management/disposal services to all campus operations (research, general fund operations, auxiliary operations, events, etc.). We coordinate with University Risk Management regarding campus safety liabilities/risks and develop programs to proactively address issues; develop and implement occupational safety programs that work to reduce risk management liabilities and claims, and coordinate responses to critical campus incidents and ensure appropriate hazard mitigation and remediation for hazardous materials incidents in full compliance with applicable state, federal, and/or local regulations.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Collection, Packaging & Transport

• Implement, oversee, and evaluate in accordance with federal, state/local regulations and established UCB policies/procedures. Decide on the classification; this requires a technical evaluation of the chemistry, compatibility, toxicity and reactivity of chemical wastes and the regulatory requirements for disposal.
• Perform processing operations in the Treatment Storage & Disposal Facility (TSDF) which include packaging for transport/disposal and consolidation of compatible chemicals into profiled waste streams for disposal.
• Ensure the most efficient means of transport and disposal is used for each type of waste. Prescreen incoming waste streams for possible treatment verses off-site disposal. Consult with fellow group members on methods of waste treatment and chemicals approved for treatment.
• Exercise process level decision making with regard to this program, determining the operations needed to successfully complete the regulatory treatment of hazardous material and waste. Implement quality assurance analytical testing operations to ensure that treated waste meets the permitted standards for drain disposal or non-hazardous waste disposal.

Offsite Shipment Procedures

• Prepare containers for transport, coordinate with waste disposal vendors to ensure the safe and compliant disposal of wastes, review shipping paperwork and provide accurate data management to assure cradle to grave tracking ability of wastes.
• Prepare documentation for shipments including preparation of manifests, Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) and other documentation, when required.
• Maintain & Inspect the TSDF following the Part B permit. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for specific operations performed in the TSDF.
• Assist in the training of new or less senior EH&S employees on the methods of the waste handling procedures specific to the work unit and the operations within the TSDF.

Operations, Safety & Compliance

• Operation of distillation unit which serves to recycle widely used solvents on campus reducing waste generation and costs to labs, cylinder evaluation and disposal, container reuse program, brown glass collection for recycling, chemical redistribution, etc.
• Address questions/concerns from waste generators to facilitate safe and effective hazardous waste management.
• Assist hazardous waste generators in attaining regulatory compliance by performing onsite inspections when visiting the generator sites during waste pickups. Provide mentorship in the proper procedures, program guidelines, rules and regulations.

EH&S Emergency Response

• Make operational decisions regarding safe and regulatory mitigation of hazardous chemical releases and situations. Provide spill remediation/containment expertise and specialized hazmat support to other emergency responders.
• Serve as after-hours primary contact for emergencies involving chemical spills, health complaints, biohazards, radiation exposure and other types of hazards involving the health/safety of the CUB Campus community.
• Inventory and maintain protective equipment to ensure personal safety. Maintain all vital supplies and perform or update any required trainings to perform all aspects of job.

What You Should Know

• All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to follow the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement .
• New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.
• This role is expected to work the normal University core hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm May - August; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm August - May.
• Must respond to emergency situations at all times, including non-working hours, weekends and holidays.
  

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for this position is $51,000 - $54,000 annually.
• A signing bonus is available according to department guidelines.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

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Be talented. Be visionary. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Substitution: work experience demonstrating competencies equivalent to those learned through completion of the required education. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for the education and year of experience.
• 40 hour Hazardous Waste Operator certification upon hire or within two months of hire date.
• Must:
• Obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License with a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months of employment.
• Pass a motor vehicle background check and be authorized to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
• Satisfactorily complete a pre-placement physical and a medical evaluation for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Lift up to 50 pounds frequently, and maneuver up to 600 pound drums on occasion using a drum dolly, with or without an accommodation.
• Arrive at Boulder campus within one hour under normal driving conditions, within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Be medically certified to wear respirators (SCBAs and air-purifying) within 6 months of hire.

What You Will Need

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Have a proven understanding of Macintosh or Windows computer, word processing and database applications (Microsoft Office).

What We Would Like You To Have

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the natural sciences (chemistry, earth science, physics, geology, biology).
• At least 1 to 3 years of experience within the hazardous materials/waste industry - preferably dealing with lab-packing and disposal of hazardous materials/wastes generated from research institutions.
• A current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a Hazardous Material endorsement.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by September 4, 2022, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu