Environmental Tech II

WM; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WM is seeking a Safety‑minded technician to support Sustainability Services onsite, performing labor tasks related to chemical handling and waste management. Responsibilities include drum movements, bulking, labeling, packaging, and assisting on hazardous and non-hazardous waste projects.

The role requires an associate degree (or equivalent), a high school diploma, and a 24‑hour HAZWOPER certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).

Qualifications

• HAZWOPER certification (24‑hour) required or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Associate’s Degree or higher; or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and 2 years relevant work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure waste types are properly segregated, labeled, and containerized.
• Maintain regulatory shipment windows and accurate tracking logs.
• Identify practices to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and cut costs.
• Handle and package solid, liquid, and sludge waste materials safely.
• Perform labor-intensive tasks such as drum bulking, trash sorting for recyclables, and loading trucks.
• Operate within ISO 14001/9001 policies and follow safety procedures.

Skills

HAZWOPER certification

Waste handling experience

Drug/alcohol testing readiness

Education

Associate degree or higher

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

I. Job Summary

Supports Sustainability Services onsite program, including manual labor associated with chemical handling, lab pack duties, drum movements within the facility, drum bulking, drum crushing, assisting when extra personnel are needed and other duties as assigned. This is a support position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste related projects.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure waste types are properly segregated, regulatory shipment windows are met, proper container labeling is adhered to, good housekeeping is maintained and accurate tracking logs are kept.

• Identify best practices that assist customers in reducing waste volumes, increasing operational efficiencies, identifying optimal equipment usage and generating cost savings.

• Segregate, label, mark and package waste materials in a safe and compliant manner.

• Collect, pour, transfer, consolidate, repackage and package solid, liquid and sludge material.

• Perform labor intensive activities such as container or drum collection, drum bulking, sorting trash for recyclables and loading of trucks.

• Transfer waste into containers of different size.

• Provide labor support at 90‑Day Hazardous Waste Pad, when applicable.

• May provide support or direction to less experienced Technicians.

• Wears required personal protective equipment.

• Participates and cooperates in safety process, including following written procedures, attending required training and scheduled meetings.

• Immediately reports any unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries or property damage to supervisor.

• Follows Environmental and Quality Management System (ISO 14001/9001) policy, procedures and operational controls related to job responsibilities.

• Maintains compliance with applicable environmental, safety and transportation regulations (EPA, OSHA and DOT).

III. Qualifications

A. Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree (accredited), or in lieu of degree

• High School Diploma or GED (accredited and 2 years of relevant work experience.

• 24‑hour HAZWOPER certification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain such within 30 days of employment

• Manifesting hazardous and non-hazardous waste experience preferred

• Pre‑assignment and/or pre‑hire customer‑specific drug and/or alcohol testing may be required by certain customer‑contract requirements. Such testing may include urinalysis, oral swab, drug hair follicle testing and/or alcohol testing.

B. Preferred Qualifications

• RCRA and DOT regulatory compliance experience preferred

IV. Physical Requirements

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Lifting

• Carrying

• Pushing

• Pulling

• Climbing

• Stooping

• Kneeling

• Crouching

• Reaching

• Feeling

• Standing

• Walking

• Handling

• Grasping

• Talking

• Hearing

• Repetitive Motions

• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

Combination: This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.

This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing—including pre‑employment screening, post‑incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing—in accordance with government regulations and company policies.

V. Benefits

At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short‑term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran