Hazardous Waste Manager

About The Department

The Office of Research Safety (ORS) provides a research safety framework, subject matter expertise, emergency response, and management of research safety support activities for the University to ensure that laboratory and field research are conducted safely and in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines. The ORS leads the development of university-wide research safety standards, policies, and procedures to ensure a safe research environment and to facilitate research compliance and is guided institutionally by the Research Safety Policy Council (RSPC). The ORS works closely with counterparts in the academic Divisions, the University Environmental Health and Safety Office, the Medical Center Environmental Health and Safety Office, Facilities Services, Physical Plant, Project Management, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

Job Summary

The Hazardous Waste Manager (HWM) provides leadership for the hazardous waste program across the University of Chicago's research enterprise. The HWM provides professional expertise in University operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, best practices, and University policies as they pertain to the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Reporting to the Associate Director of Chemical Safety, this role supports safe laboratory practices in research laboratories and support areas across campus. The HWM works extensively with institutional partners to advance the University's academic and scientific mission through effective chemical hygiene and compliance with regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to hazardous materials management including laboratory compliance, hazardous materials transportation and security, hazardous waste handling and disposal.
• Conduct inspections and audits of campus facilities and work practices; recommend corrective actions and perform follow-up verification of deficiency corrections.
• Supervise and delegate day-to-day operations of the University's contracted hazardous waste vendor; ensure the vendor follows proper packaging, marking, labeling, manifesting, handling, and management of containers in compliance with regulations.
• Maintain accurate records related to hazardous waste generation, including waste determinations, waste stream profiles, uniform hazardous waste manifests, land disposal restriction forms, and waste reports.
• Complete and file reports and documentation required by regulatory agencies for hazardous waste generation (e.g., EPA Form 8700-12, Large Quantity Generator Annual Waste Report, Chicago Liquid Waste Fee).
• Develop detailed contract language and pricing structures tailored to University hazardous waste operations; collaborate with the procurement team throughout the RFP process to ensure compliance and optimal vendor selection.
• Assist University stakeholders with laboratory decommissioning to ensure hazardous waste is properly managed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Review invoices for hazardous waste shipments for accuracy and compliance; monitor expenditures against the annual budget to support cost control and financial tracking; analyze data and provide guidance to University stakeholders on budgeting and compliance.
• Provide feedback to team members, laboratory staff, students, and research leadership on safety issues, and coordinate the development of remedial action plans as required.
• Assist in assessment and cleanup of chemical spills in laboratories; provide emergency consultation during off-hours as required.
• Participate as a rotating On-Call Safety Officer on the emergency response team; respond to hazardous material releases and serve in the appropriate response role based on training and expertise.
• Collaborate with UChicago Medicine and campus Environmental Health and Safety departments to ensure safety and compliance.
• Develop and review presentation materials for briefings and trainings to engage and motivate stakeholders.
• Stay current on regulatory changes; interpret and apply relevant laws, codes, and standards and make recommendations related to hazardous materials management.
• Guides the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.
• Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree in related field.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry, environmental health, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, or one of the physical sciences or life sciences.
• Previous experience in hazardous waste management, preferably in a research or university setting.
• Strong knowledge of chemical safety and RCRA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, as well as awareness of state and federal guidelines from CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD, and FDA.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for use of respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve, remain calm in emergency situations, stay focused, and work under pressure with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people at all levels of knowledge across institutional partners.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) including database design, maintenance, query writing, and report generation.
• Ability to travel for attending and/or presenting work at regional and national scientific conferences in the field of chemical safety.

Pay

$90,000.00 - $105,000.00

Benefits

Benefits eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Schedule

37.5 hours per week

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)