Waste Management Specialist (Summer 2026-2027) - Palmer Station

Season: Austral Summer (October - April)
Location: Palmer Station, Antarctica

About the role

Act as the point of contact for Waste Management, attending weekly staff meetings and teleconferences. Support Operations Division metrics and contribute to the achievement of ASC goals and contractual commitments. Maintain a safe workplace with safety as the highest priority, complying with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collect and package for shipment all solid and hazardous wastes on station, following all SOPs associated with position duties.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of all paperwork on time, including reviewing and updating JHA and SDS binders and computer folders.
• Use proper PPE for various tasks (correct gloves, respirator, safety glasses, etc.).
• Quality check all shipping containers and correct discrepancies immediately.
• Process hazardous and radioactive waste per SOPs, including marking, labeling, weighing, and storing drums or items into shipping containers.
• Perform classification qualitative testing on items (pH testing, flash point testing, etc.).
• Consolidate and lab pack wastes as required per profile and classification.
• Safely operate various pieces of equipment on station (SkyTraks, ATVs, etc.).
• Store processed hazardous wastes according to segregation requirements and keep waste inventory records updated and accurate.
• Perform quality-assurance checks on inventory database and files.
• Provide hazardous waste, solid waste, and spill briefings.
• Act as Spill Team Lead for the entire station: write spill reports, conduct trainings and drills, and organize, orient, and train Spill Team members for outside spill response.
• Coordinate with staff of visiting vessels as applicable and maintain inventory of spill supplies in spill-vans and satellite spill kits.
• Assist station mechanic with weekly station fueling activities and maintain/deploy spill-boom supplies for station fueling.
• Assist with general station needs, including snow removal, radio communications on assigned day, mini-GASH, GASH, and House Mouse activities.
• Conduct community Waste Briefs or other informational sessions if necessary.
• Collect and process Resale Items as needed, maintain Maximo Resale work orders, and provide an end-of-season Maximo report to McMurdo Resale Admin and ASC Property Manager.
• Maintain a flexible schedule based on Vessel Operations, unusual hours, and other station-wide activities.
• Ensure seasonal replacement receives proper training and maintain a log of this information.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise and elevate them as needed.
• Perform regular use of drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools, and other tools.
• Engage in regular physical activity, including bending, consistently lifting and carrying, reaching, and gripping.
• Display self-motivation in a physically challenging and atypical work environment; position is comprised of approximately 70% outdoor tasking.
• Maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced work setting.

Requirements

• 2 years (or Antarctic seasons) of USAP Waste Management experience.
• College degree (2 additional years of experience will substitute).
• Strong computer software experience.
• Able to lift 50 pounds consistently and wear a respirator.
• Valid Driver’s License and Passport valid for six months after contract end.
• Physically able to be active for 9 hours daily and lift the safety regulation maximum.
• Must pass physical qualification assessment.
• Able to deploy to Antarctica for the length of the contract.
• US citizenship or permanent residency required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of Hazardous Materials shipping/characterization or reporting experience or 2 years of Environmental remediation.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.
• 1 year of High School Chemistry or equivalent or 1 quarter of college General Chemistry.
• College degree in Chemistry or Environmental Science.
• OSHA HazWOPER 40-Hour, current.
• Familiarity with power tools and machinery.
• Equipment operating experience.
• Previous management or supervisory experience.

A prerequisite of employment for this position is to successfully gain a favorable Tier 1 - Elevated Background Investigation (EBI) result prior to deployment.