Torchora
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E-Waste Specialist

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

OperationsEnvironmental ServicesInformation TechnologyLogistics & Supply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

As an E-Waste Specialist, you will be the cornerstone of our sustainable electronics management program. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of retired IT assets, from receiving and inventorying to data sanitization, testing, dismantling, and preparing materials for responsible recycling or resale. This position requires a hands-on approach, a keen eye for detail, and a deep commitment to environmental regulations and data security protocols. You will work within our operations team to ensure that all electronic waste is processed safely, securely, and in full compliance with industry standards like R2 and e-Stewards, directly contributing to our company's circular economy goals and protecting sensitive client data.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • IT Support Technician / Help Desk Technician
  • Environmental Technician

Advancement To:

  • E-Waste Operations Team Lead / Supervisor
  • IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Program Manager
  • Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Officer
  • Compliance Manager (R2/e-Stewards)

Lateral Moves:

  • Logistics and Inventory Coordinator
  • Data Security Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive, unload, and meticulously sort incoming shipments of electronic waste, including computers, servers, networking equipment, and mobile devices.
  • Perform detailed inventory and asset tracking of all incoming electronics using barcode scanners and inventory management software to maintain a clear chain of custody.
  • Execute secure data destruction procedures on all data-bearing devices, utilizing industry-standard data erasure software and physical destruction methods like shredding or degaussing.
  • Test, diagnose, and grade the functionality of various electronic components and complete systems to determine their potential for refurbishment, resale, or harvesting of parts.
  • Carefully dismantle electronic equipment by hand or with power tools to separate materials like circuit boards, plastics, metals, and hazardous components for proper downstream processing.
  • Identify, sort, and segregate different commodity grades (e.g., motherboards, RAM, CPUs) to maximize material value for recycling partners.
  • Prepare, palletize, and securely package processed materials and refurbished equipment for shipment to certified recycling facilities or end-users.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and dollies, in a safe and efficient manner to move materials throughout the facility.
  • Maintain strict adherence to all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies, including the proper handling and storage of hazardous materials like batteries and CRT monitors.
  • Generate and maintain accurate documentation and reporting for all processed assets, including certificates of data destruction and bills of lading.
  • Visually inspect and audit processed materials to ensure they meet quality standards and compliance requirements before leaving the facility.
  • Perform regular maintenance on processing equipment and tools to ensure operational readiness and a safe working environment.
  • Assist in conducting regular facility audits to ensure continuous compliance with R2, e-Stewards, and other relevant certifications.
  • Identify and segregate non-conforming materials and report any process discrepancies or potential compliance issues to the team lead or manager.
  • Manage the secure storage and handling of high-value or data-sensitive assets within a designated secure area of the warehouse.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with the logistics team to coordinate inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timely and efficient movement of materials.
  • Provide support for special projects, such as client-site pickups or large-scale IT asset clean-out initiatives.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying and suggesting enhancements to workflow, safety procedures, and processing efficiency.
  • Assist in training new team members on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and equipment use.
  • Support the sales and account management teams by providing accurate information on available inventory for resale.
  • Participate in regular team meetings to discuss production goals, safety topics, and operational challenges.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in line with 5S or similar lean manufacturing principles.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • E-Waste Regulations Knowledge: Strong understanding of environmental regulations, including EPA universal waste rules, and industry standards like R2 and e-Stewards.
  • Data Destruction Methods: Proficiency with data sanitization software (e.g., Blancco, KillDisk) and physical destruction equipment (e.g., hard drive shredders, degaussers).
  • Hardware Identification & Testing: Ability to identify, test, and troubleshoot a wide range of computer hardware components, including CPUs, RAM, hard drives, and peripherals.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Experience using WMS (Warehouse Management System) or specialized ITAD software for asset tracking and inventory control.
  • Material Handling Equipment Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse machinery.
  • Technical Dexterity: Skill in using both manual and power tools for the disassembly of electronic devices.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting, documentation, and communication.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in handling tasks like inventory, data entry, and quality inspection to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues in the workflow or with equipment and proactively find effective solutions.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment with shifting priorities.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and dedicated to completing tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other team members to achieve collective production and safety goals.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
  • Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or technical degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Electronics Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, IT, or recycling environment.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of direct experience in the E-Waste or IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) industry.
  • Prior work in an R2 and/or e-Stewards certified facility is highly desirable.
  • Verifiable experience with secure data erasure and destruction processes.
  • Forklift certification is a significant plus.
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