Laboratory Technician - Hazardous Waste

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. “For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

• Hazardous Waste Handling: Collect hazardous waste from laboratory departments and satellite accumulation areas. Transport waste to central accumulation areas following established procedures. Verify containers are properly closed, labeled, and in good condition. Ensure proper segregation based on predefined compatibility and classification guidelines. Maintain cleanliness and organization of waste storage areas.
• Waste Consolidation, Treatment & Disposal: Support preparation of waste containers for shipment, including container selection, labeling, and staging. Perform routine waste treatment activities, including neutralization waste streams, in accordance with established procedures and EHS direction. Assist with waste consolidation activities following predefined processes. Support scheduling and coordination of waste pickups. Maintain and assist with accurate documentation related to waste handling and disposal activities.
• Hazardous Waste Support: Routinely visit laboratory areas to collect waste and samples ready for disposal, identify improperly stored or unlabeled containers, ensure compliance with basic accumulation requirements, communicate with lab personnel to facilitate proper waste readiness for pickup, coordinate with departments to determine sample lifecycles and dispose of samples as appropriate, use LIMS to identify potentially hazardous properties in samples as they are scanned for disposal.
• Non-Routine Waste Identification & Escalation: Identify unusual, unknown, or incompatible waste materials during collection or handling activities. Segregate and hold non-standard materials without processing. Escalate non-routine waste situations to the EHS for evaluation and direction. Support implementation of guidance once waste determinations are made.
• Inventories & Tracking: Support maintenance of waste inventory and tracking logs. Monitor waste volumes and report capacity or storage concerns. Ensure accurate recordkeeping for regulatory and internal compliance.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all OSHA, EPA, site-specific, local, and site hazardous waste procedures. Use appropriate PPE and adhere to safe handling practices at all times. Participate in required safety programs including respiratory protection (medical clearance, fit testing, and training). Support readiness of waste areas for inspections and audits.

Scope of Role

This role requires routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to gloves, safety glasses/goggles/face shield, lab coat or other protective clothing, and additional chemical protective equipment as required. Must be able to wear and work in a respirator in accordance with the company’s respiratory protection program. Ability to safely lift and handle materials individually up to 50-lbs, including 5-gallon containers (carboys) and handling and movement of 55-gallon drums using appropriate equipment. Perform frequent walking, standing, bending, and working in laboratory and waste storage environments. May be exposed to chemical hazards under controlled and regulated conditions.

Required Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and work safely with hazardous materials.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks in a laboratory and industrial environment.
• Ability to wear a respirator and comply with respiratory protection program requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or waste handling environment.
• Familiarity with hazardous waste handling practices (RCRA awareness).
• Experience handling chemicals or regulated materials.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to gloves, safety glasses/goggles/face shield, lab coat or other protective clothing, and additional chemical protective equipment as required.
• Must be able to wear and work in a respirator in accordance with the company’s respiratory protection program.
• Ability to safely lift and handle materials individually up to 50-lbs, including 5-gallon containers (carboys) and handling and movement of 55-gallon drums using appropriate equipment.
• Perform frequent walking, standing, bending, and working in laboratory and waste storage environments.
• May be exposed to chemical hazards under controlled and regulated conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.