Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hazardous Waste Laborer

🎯 Role Definition

The Hazardous Waste Laborer is a vital, hands-on role responsible for the proper identification, segregation, packaging, and transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. This position forms the backbone of our environmental services operations, ensuring that all waste management activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (including EPA and DOT standards). The laborer works in various settings, from industrial plants to treatment facilities, playing a critical part in protecting community health and the environment. This role demands a strong work ethic, unwavering attention to detail, and a deep commitment to safety protocols.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Warehouse Associate
Construction Worker
Recent High School Graduate or GED Holder with an interest in a technical trade

Advancement To:

Hazardous Waste Technician / Hazmat Specialist
Field Chemist (with additional education)
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Coordinator or Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Emergency Spill Response Technician
Industrial Cleaning Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely load, unload, consolidate, and stage hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials and chemicals, using equipment like forklifts, dollies, and pallet jacks.
Accurately collect, label, and prepare waste containers for shipment, ensuring all markings comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
Perform the meticulous packaging and lab-packing of various chemicals and materials according to their compatibility and regulatory requirements.
Conduct routine inspections of container storage areas to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, identifying and correcting any potential issues.
Operate specialized equipment such as pumps, pressure washers, and hand tools for facility and equipment decontamination, tank cleaning, and material consolidation tasks.
Meticulously complete and maintain essential paperwork, including manifests, waste profiles, logbooks, and inventory records, ensuring accuracy and legibility.
Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and consistently, including respirators, chemical-resistant suits, gloves, and safety glasses, based on the specific hazards of the task.
Participate actively in emergency response operations for chemical spills, containing, cleaning, and decontaminating affected areas to mitigate environmental impact.
Sort and segregate diverse waste streams, demonstrating a clear understanding of chemical compatibility to prevent adverse reactions.
Perform general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Assist in the sampling of waste streams to support characterization and profiling efforts conducted by Field Chemists or EHS personnel.
Ensure that all waste materials are properly secured and prepared for transport, verifying container integrity and closure before loading.
Decontaminate reusable containers and equipment according to standard operating procedures to prepare them for their next use.
Adhere to all corporate, state, and federal safety policies and procedures, actively participating in safety meetings and training sessions.
Operate company vehicles to transport materials between on-site locations or to designated treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs).

Safety, Compliance, and Support Functions

Support senior technicians and chemists in large-scale projects, including site remediation, facility decommissioning, and lab moves.
Maintain a current and accurate inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment, notifying a supervisor when reordering is necessary.
Engage in continuous training to stay current with evolving safety procedures, handling techniques, and regulatory updates.
Provide excellent customer service when interacting with clients on-site, representing the company with professionalism and a commitment to their needs.
Identify and report any unsafe conditions, potential hazards, or non-compliant activities immediately to a supervisor for corrective action.
Collaborate effectively with team members to accomplish daily tasks and project goals efficiently and safely.
Assist in the bulking of compatible liquid or solid wastes into larger containers, such as tankers or roll-off boxes, following strict protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

HAZWOPER Certification: 40-hour HAZWOPER training and current 8-hour refresher are highly desired.
Forklift Operation: Certified or able to be certified to safely operate powered industrial trucks.
Chemical Handling & Segregation: Basic knowledge of chemical properties and compatibility for safe segregation.
DOT & RCRA Regulations: Familiarity with federal regulations governing hazardous waste handling and transportation.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proficiency in donning, doffing, and using various levels of PPE, including respirators.
Spill Response: Knowledge of basic spill containment and cleanup procedures.
Drum Handling: Skill in safely moving, stacking, and securing 55-gallon drums and other containers.
Manifest & Labeling: Ability to accurately complete shipping documents and apply appropriate hazard labels.
Equipment Operation: Experience with pumps, pressure washers, and other industrial tools.
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform minor maintenance on equipment.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety rules and looking out for the well-being of the team.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in handling paperwork, labeling containers, and following procedures without deviation.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and willing to work hard in physically demanding and sometimes challenging weather conditions.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to complete tasks and achieve common goals.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues, such as a leaking container or incorrect label, and take appropriate action.
Physical Stamina: Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and performing physically demanding tasks.
Adaptability: Willingness to work in a variety of environmental settings and adapt to changing project needs and schedules.
Clear Communication: Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree in a relevant field.
Completion of a vocational or trade school program in environmental technology or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Chemistry
Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a related field. This is often an entry-level position where on-the-job training is provided.

Preferred:

1+ years of experience in general labor, construction, or a manufacturing/industrial environment.
Prior experience handling chemicals or working in a regulated industry is a significant plus.
A valid driver's license and a clean driving record; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is highly advantageous.