HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN I

Join UAB’s Environmental Health & Safety team as a Hazardous Materials Technician I and gain hands-on experience in hazardous materials response, chemical handling, and safety operations across campus. Under the direct supervision of the Hazardous Materials Manager, this role involves the safe collection, transportation, and delivery of hazardous materials to and from research and clinical laboratories while maintaining accountability through accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, and deliver hazardous materials to and from research and clinical laboratories.
• Complete transfer records for hazardous materials to maintain accountability.
• Segregate radioactive materials from non-radioactive materials and verify chemical classifications.
• Perform measurements of radiation levels and contamination levels during handling, storage, and waste disposal operations; document surveys as required.
• Maintain all Universal Waste Accumulation Areas on campus and the hospital, including inspections, handling, collections, transportation, and storage of waste.
• Deliver chemicals and packages from the warehouse to appropriate labs daily.
• Handle and transport radiological, universal, and/or chemical hazardous waste.
• Respond to hazardous chemical/radiological spills and perform critical customer service duties as needed.
• Separate hazardous waste, universal, and radioactive materials according to hazardous classifications for interim storage at the Support Facility.
• Escort vendors to universal waste sites for proper collection and disposal.
• Clean up chemical spills using containment supplies, hand tools, or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in storage areas, loading docks, offices, corridors, supply rooms, hazardous waste storage, and radioactive storage.
• Load and unload materials into containers or onto trucks using hand-trucks, hoists, or forklifts.
• Perform duties related to the shredding and recycling program at the Support Facility.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding the safe collection, transportation, and storage of hazardous materials.
• Adhere to departmental policies and procedures regarding health and safety.
• Enter data into computerized hazardous waste tracking systems.
• Respond to after-hours calls, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather conditions.
• Work overtime and emergency on-call rotations as scheduled.
• Report problems to the manager as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of relevant experience.
• Successful completion of Universal, Hazardous, Biological, and Radiation Safety courses within six (6) months of employment.
• Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines to drive a vehicle for University business, including:
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license issued in the United States.
  • At least 21 years of age.
  • At least three years of driving experience.
  • Maintaining an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Skills

• Specific knowledge of hazardous waste packing requirements, including DOT and disposal site packing requirements for hazardous wastes.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to hazardous chemicals, universal, and radiological waste management, transportation, and disposal.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, use, and maintain specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for working with hazardous materials.
• Ability to determine the proper and appropriate method for carrying out job assignments.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods.
• Interpersonal skills with all levels of customers and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of computer systems, tools, and programs.
• Ability to work under limited supervision and perform assigned tasks from written instructions and established policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform tasks requiring sitting and staring at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift between 20 to 50 pounds.
• Extensive walking, including significant distances between and within buildings on campus.

Pay

Starting hourly rate of pay: $16.00 - $22.76 per hour.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Subject to change to meet the needs of the University).