Waste Management Technician

The Waste Management Technician is responsible for receiving, processing and management and of hazardous waste materials (radioactive and non-radioactive) under the direction of the Lead Hazardous Waste Technician, Supervisor EHS or Hazardous Waste Management.

The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of wide variety of waste handling, analyzing and processing activities. Additionally, this position conducts personnel training to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Work at this level is distinguished by the application of technical knowledge of hazardous chemical and radiation safety, regulatory requirements and guidance as well as interpretation of chemical and radiological analyses. May perform similar and related duties as assigned. The use of respirators may be necessary.

• Must maintain operational compliance with US and international regulatory agencies and guidelines (i.e. FDA, EU, HC, TGA, PIC/S, ISO, USP, NRC, cGMP, etc.).
• Coordinate day-to-day tasks and/or schedules to support operations.
• Operate, as prescribed by procedures, assigned EHS department analytical testing equipment per documented procedures and/or manufacturers recommendations
• Ensure a safe and quality working environment through training, awareness, communication to management and compliance with company standard operating procedures (SOP's).
• Conduct instrument calibration checks, environmental sampling, and analysis of radiological samples.
• Generate and maintain appropriate documentation and record keeping in accordance with program documentation requirements.
• Promote safety programs to maintain a safe working environment through training, awareness, and compliance to policies, programs and procedures.
• Assist with the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures relative to the safe use of hazardous materials and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain compliance to federal, state, local, and industry hazardous waste and radiation protection regulations.
• Assist with lead reclaim functions by following decay-in-storage practices and processing of expired finished goods (EFG) and returned safes with sources intact.
• Process and dispose of site EFG materials and rejected lots in accordance with applicable plant policy and QA Department policies.
• Perform "free release" of waste materials from the site according to applicable regulations and approved work instructions.
• Ensure all assigned training is completed on time.

• High school diploma or GED required AND one year of hazardous/toxic waste management experience; OR, High school diploma or GED required AND any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Have or complete within six months: OSHA 24 hour HAZWOPER training.
• Have or complete within three months:
  
  
  
  • Hazmat Ground Shipper (DOT) Certification.
  • Air Shipper (IATA) Certification.
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Certification.
  
  
  
  
• Experience with handling industrial waste and/or compliance with industry environmental regulations.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials, basic radiation and math.
• Basic knowledge of EPA, DEQ, DOT, OSHA, RCRA and other regulations pertaining to hazardous waste.
• Basic knowledge of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations.
• Knowledge of basic software programs such as Access, Excel and Word.
• Laboratory experience.
• Basic technical writing.
• Knowledge of environmental science principles.
• Ability to use power equipment (pallet jack, walker-stacker or forklift).
• Basic knowledge of effluent and environmental sampling and analyses.
• Basic knowledge of radioactive waste management.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide quality customer service.
• Ability to maintain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to operate all tools and equipment in a safe manner consistent with procedures and training.
• Ability to apply situational awareness to ensure one's safety and the safety of all those on site during busy operations involving site equipment, hazardous materials, and emergency situations.
• Ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to perform (with or without a reasonable accommodation) the physical demands in the work environment and operate the tools and equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Willingness to work in plant producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
• Responsibilities include the ability to lift up to 70 pounds, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, must be able to physically negotiate stairs and evacuation ladders with or without accommodation, wear and operate safety equipment, enter vessels, and inspect equipment.
• Material handling devices (e.g., hand truck, fork truck, and conveyors) are used when possible, however, use of proper lifting and movement techniques is necessary to prevent injury.
• Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hearing protection as needed.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8+ hours a day while performing duties.
• Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
• Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.
• Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.