Hazardous Materials and Waste Manager

University of California - Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of California - Santa Cruz is seeking a Hazardous Materials and Waste Manager to serve as the technical expert for hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and dangerous goods shipping. The role oversees three WAAs, coordinates waste collections, and manages related billing and imports/exports of hazardous materials.

The position involves auditing, reporting, and developing programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and university policies.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of EH&S fields and related standards.
• Ability to interpret local, state, and federal regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead hazardous materials and waste management operations.
• Manage hazardous and universal waste shipments and waste manifests.
• Coordinate inspections, audits, and regulatory reporting.
• Design training and outreach on hazmat topics.
• Develop and maintain procedures for compliance and safety.

Skills

EH&S expertise

Regulatory interpretation

Communication

Project management

Inspection coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job ID: 89441

Location: Santa Cruz

Full/Part Time: Full Time

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Administratively located within the Finance, Operations, and Administration (FOA) division, our primary duties are to promote, facilitate, and provide expert consultation for EH&S programs in support of university operations. We are responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental, health and safety programs intended to minimize or prevent occupational injuries and illnesses in the workplace and to protect the quality of the surrounding environment. EH&S advises the campus community on responsibilities with respect to health, safety and environmental issues; recommends appropriate corrective actions; and helps implement new health and safety programs. EH&S also acts as liaison between UCSC and various external agencies and regulatory bodies. Our actions and decisions have the potential for high visibility and serious consequences to the campus and the community. EH&S programs include a broad and complex range of disciplines including areas such as laboratory and research safety, industrial hygiene, food safety, environmental management, diving and boating safety, radiation safety, hazardous materials control, ergonomics, biosafety, and fire safety.

More information can be found at: https://ehs.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

The Hazardous Materials and Waste Manager serves as the technical expert for Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste, and Dangerous Goods Shipping. The position is responsible for three Waste Accumulation Areas (WAAs); coordinates chemical, medical, and universal waste collections; manages waste billing and manifest fees; and directly executes dangerous goods shipments. This position is highly active in auditing and reporting, it requires conducting weekly WAA inspections, annual non-lab hazmat inspections, and annual SPCC inspections; processing technical information to produce regulatory reports, such as California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) business plans, annual e-waste reports, and biennial waste reports; and delivers outreach and training to campus waste generators. The position oversees problems that are complex and may require creation of new methodologies by applying professional EH&S knowledge and expertise. They will also serve as the technical expert in the development and implementation of programs within these fields. Decision-making is based on established procedures, integration and interpretation of relevant laws, regulations and organizational policy; professional best practices; relevant science methodology, impact on other EH&S programs; and senior management approvals. Decisions may impact other EH&S programs, departments, segments of the organization and / or organization-wide.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $100,100 - $107,674/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: EHS SPEC 4 (000358)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Hazardous Waste Program Management

Performs complex technical work in hazardous materials control, hazardous waste management, and shipping.

• Chemical Waste Collection and Management: Weekly consolidation pick‑ups, supporting offsite shipments, combined waste management, and chemo waste.
• Medical Waste Management: Manage weekly waste pick‑ups.
• Universal Waste Management: Organize battery pick‑ups and shipping.
• Dangerous Goods Shipping: Execute dangerous goods shipments; complete shipper's declaration; review package compliance.
• Waste Manifests Management: Organize and maintain official waste manifests.
• Taxes and Fees: Ensure all waste manifest taxes and fees are allocated and paid appropriately.

Drafts reports and other documentation.

• Waste Biennial Reporting: Gather data and write biennial waste reports.
• Hazardous Materials Business Plan: Draft annual report, including its detailed inventories and maps.
• E‑waste Annual Report: Coordinate data collection and drafting the annual report on electronic waste.
• Hazardous Materials Business Plan: Manage CERS (California Environmental Reporting System) compliance and program requirements.

20% - Outreach and Education

Performs outreach and communication to UCSC affiliate populations.

• Waste and Hazmat Training: Design and provide training on related topics - Waste Generator and Manifests, WAA training, and Hazardous Materials Management.
• Billing and Invoice Management: Handle billing, invoices, and consolidated billing for chemical waste, medical waste, and batteries.

Writes and updates manuals and procedures.

• Maintain accurate and approachable online resources for hazardous materials and hazardous waste safety.

Provides expert counsel by evaluating, interpreting and applying laws, regulations, codes and standards.

• Waste Evaluations: Provide evaluations of waste types and properties to determine proper handling and disposal protocols.

20% - Inspections and Compliance

Monitors compliance and prevents hazards, and may serve as organization liaison with regulatory agencies.

• CUPA Inspection Liaison: Coordinate and manage agency inspection and corrective action follow‑ups.
• WAA (Waste Accumulation Area) Management: Oversee WAA operations, ensuring a clean, functional, and well‑maintained facilities.

Inspects, investigates incidents and complaints, and recommends corrective action as needed.

• Non‑Lab Hazmat Inspections: Carry out inspections on non‑research facilities that store hazardous chemicals, validate chemical inventories, monitor and support corrective actions.
• SPCC Plan Annual Inspections: Perform annual inspections required for Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plans.

15% - Program Improvement

May represent EH&S regarding hazardous materials and waste, and dangerous goods shipping at meetings and conferences involving academic compliance committees, campus, system wide, local government, state and federal levels of authority.

• Participate in the systemwide Hazardous Waste Action Group (HWAG).
• Review of Systemwide and CHWMEG Reports: Independent audits and environmental risk assessments of third‑party waste disposal and recycling vendors.
• Maintain DOT and IATA shipper training.

Develops procedures using a combination of original and standard professional approaches / techniques to solve substantive, complex problems with multiple variables.

• Vendor Management: Manage waste vendor relations and ensure accurate waste profiles.

Applies appropriate scientific and professional standards to recommend organization / university policies and programs and, as needed, create new methodologies.

• Waste Minimization Compliance: Evaluate and structure processes to ensure compliance with Waste Minimization (SB 14) regulations.

5% - Incident Response and Support

Participate as a member of the EH&S incident response team. Provides support to campus disaster preparedness activities, responds to hazardous materials releases and serves in the appropriate response role based on training and expertise.

• Inventory management of response equipment, ordering consumable spill response materials, and keeping the emergency response truck stocked.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Advanced or expert knowledge / understanding of broad range of EH&S fields and familiarity with all EH&S fields.
• Advanced or expert knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards, guidelines and, as appropriate, recommend organization policy.
• Strong written, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment.
• Advanced skill to effectively represent the organization to state and federal authorities, and community groups.
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within budget and time constraints.
• Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated background in chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Dangerous Goods Regulations certified.
• Advanced skill in mentoring or overseeing the work of other EH&S technical and professional staff.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfil the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in‑person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed‑toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Employees whose positions are designated as Category 1 or Category 2 for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must receive the Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a Hepatitis B vaccination declination statement. Initial and annual Bloodborne Pathogens training is also required.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic