Hazardous Materials Specialist

University Of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho is seeking a Hazardous Materials Specialist to assist in managing hazardous waste and used oil programs, interpreting state and federal laws, and supporting handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

This essential role responds to emergencies and ensures compliance with safety procedures, training requirements, and medical surveillance for personnel involved with hazardous materials on campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Chemical Science or other scientific discipline with at least 10 chemistry credits.
• EPA/OSHA 40-hour hazardous waste operations/emergency response training or ability to complete within 6 months.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet driving requirements.
• Ability to travel for training and off-campus sites.
• Must live within 15 miles of University of Idaho or relocate within 15 miles of Moscow within six months.
• Must meet OSHA-compliant medical surveillance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing hazardous waste and used oil programs and interpret state and federal regulations.
• Respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials in a timely manner.
• Support handling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials following procedures and regulations.
• Collect, prepare for transport, and dispose of hazardous materials and assess hazards.
• Interpret and apply complex manuals, regulations, and reference materials while managing multiple projects.

Skills

Hazardous materials handling

Emergency response

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical science

Job description

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Hazardous Materials Manager, this position will assist in managing the university’s hazardous waste and used oil programs, including interpreting state and federal laws and regulations relating to hazardous waste management; providing assistance in the handling, use, storage, and characteristics of hazardous materials, maintaining compliance with procedures for collecting, preparing for transport, and disposal of hazardous materials; and responding to emergencies involving hazardous materials in a timely manner.

This is an essential position that will be called upon in the event of an emergency and/or university closure.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Chemical Science or other scientific discipline that includes a minimum of 10 credit hours in Chemistry.

Required Other Requirements

• Completion of an EPA / OSHA approved 40‑hour hazardous waste operations/emergency response training course and/or DOT Hazmat Employee Training Course, or ability to complete this training within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and adhere to university driving requirements.
• Ability to travel when necessary for training and providing service to off‑campus sites.
• Must live within 15 miles of the University of Idaho or be willing to relocate to within 15 miles of Moscow within six months of initial hire for the purpose of emergency response.
• Must meet the requirements for and participate in the U of I’s OSHA‑compliant medical surveillance program.

Preferred Additional Education

• Master’s degree in a chemical science or other scientific discipline that includes a minimum of 30 credit hours in chemistry.

Experience

• Responding to emergency situations.
• Working with chemistry principles and analytical techniques.
• Working with hazardous waste handling operations and/or a chemical science discipline, preferably in an institution of higher education.
• Following state and federal laws and regulations relating to hazardous waste management, transportation of hazardous materials, PCB management and used oil management.
• Collecting, preparing for transport and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Assessing hazards and interpreting technical data.
• Interpreting and applying complex written materials such as technical manuals, regulations, and reference materials.
• Managing multiple projects and appropriately prioritizing a heavy workload and client needs.
• Dealing effectively with all members of the university.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift, carry and/or otherwise move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push, pull and/or otherwise move objects weighing up to 500 pounds, using material handling equipment as necessary.
• Ability to sit, stand or use computers for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment including respirators and Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs).
• Must be able to work with hazardous materials.
• Work in adverse locations and weather conditions.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.