Household Hazardous Waste Technician - Health Department

About the role

This position operates household hazardous waste facilities, performing on-site coordination and maintenance, as well as sampling and testing of chemicals. The role 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 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
• 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

Schedule

Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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.