Hazardous Materials Technician

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 26,325 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia is looking for a Hazardous Materials Technician to support safe and compliant research across the campus. Responsibilities include safely transporting hazardous waste, guiding laboratory personnel on compliance, and maintaining safety protocols. The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills and at least one year of relevant experience.

This is a non-exempt position based in Charlottesville, VA, offering a pay range of $19.11 - $22.00 per hour based on experience. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Qualifications

• At least one year of relevant experience in hazardous materials.
• Valid driver’s license with positive points balance and driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Safely collect and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• Provide guidance on safe practices to laboratory personnel.
• Perform waste management activities in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Hazardous materials handling

Effective communication

Mechanical aptitude

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Overview

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is seeking applicants for the position of the Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT). This position supports departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education and support services across the UVA community. The HMT role is well suited for individuals who are self-starting, hardworking, and who work well independently and as part of a team. Working under the Hazardous Materials Technician Supervisor, the HMT serves as a resource for the University by picking up hazardous and non-hazardous materials from sites across Grounds. They consolidate hazardous and non-hazardous materials, perform emergency response duties, and answer basic materials-related questions.

Responsibilities

• Safely collects and transports both hazardous and non-hazardous waste and Regulated Medical Waste (RMW).
• Provides guidance to laboratory personnel on proper practices and conducts compliance inspections.
• Performs hazardous and non-hazardous waste management activities, including logging, segregation, labeling, sorting, storage, and data entry in waste management systems, in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains clean, organized, and safe work areas; prepares reusable containers for continued use, ensures proper disposal of non-reusable containers, and assists with spill response and containment incidents in accordance with established safety and emergency response procedures.
• Operates and maintains environmental monitoring equipment, conducts field measurements and data analysis, and accurately records and maintains results in designated databases.
• Operates and safely drives hazardous materials transport vehicles, including box trucks, vans, and passenger vehicles, in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Work a schedule that may include on-call responsibilities to cover holidays, weekends, and after-hours support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: At least one year of relevant experience.
• Licensure: Must have a valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience with hazardous materials.
• Relevant work experience in a laboratory, the health sciences, industry or other technical field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Work experience at an institution of higher education.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn. They are effective communicators with the ability to converse with various audiences. Highly reliable and detail-oriented, this individual manages multiple priorities, works both independently and collaboratively, and is committed to ongoing professional development. Demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude and keen observational skills, along with effective record-keeping practices.

Physical Demands

This position involves active and sedentary tasks. Candidates must have the ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds and tolerate a high heat environment for short periods of time. Active tasks during fieldwork include frequent standing, bending, crouching, reaching, and occasional ladder climbing. Perform assigned duties and responsibilities while consistently adhering to safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators. Safely handle and work in environments involving hazardous materials, including chemical, biological, and radioactive substances.

Hiring Range

$19.11 - $22.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Working Environment

A variety of work settings may be encountered, including offices, research laboratories, makerspaces, patient care areas, animal research facilities, outdoor locations, and other environments where hazardous materials, loud noise, non‑ionizing energy fields, and potentially harmful equipment may be present. Work conditions may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, atmospheric contaminants, and chemical hazards associated with chemical waste operations. The role may also include laboratory radiation exposure, incidental exposure or potential exposure to blood and body fluids, and physical demands such as prolonged walking or standing on concrete surfaces in facilities maintenance areas.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• Employees will be required to comply with the Health System’s immunization policy – OCH-002: Occupational Health Screening and Maintenance.
• Physical examination as required to wear a respirator and work with hazardous materials.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How To Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0084351. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter - should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, [e-mail]

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.