HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN I

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 31,354; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is hiring a Hazardous Materials Technician I. This position involves handling hazardous materials and ensuring safety protocols across the campus environment. Candidates will gain invaluable hands-on experience essential for a career in environmental health and safety.

The role includes responsibilities such as collecting and delivering hazardous materials, performing radiological surveys, and responding to spills. With a supportive work schedule Monday to Friday, the starting pay ranges from $16.00 to $22.76 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience required related to hazardous materials.
• Completion of relevant safety courses required within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, and deliver hazardous materials safely.
• Complete transfer records and perform radiation measurements.
• Respond to chemical/radiological spills as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of hazardous waste packing requirements

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Join UAB’s Environmental Health & Safety team as a Hazardous Materials Technician I and gain hands‑on experience in hazardous materials response, chemical handling, and safety operations across campus. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to build a career in environmental health and safety.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Hazardous Materials Manager, the Hazardous Materials Technician I is responsible for collecting, transporting, and delivering hazardous materials to and from research and clinical laboratories in a safe manner. The role includes completing transfer records, segregating radioactive materials from non‑radioactive materials, performing measurements of radiation and contamination levels as necessary, documenting surveys, maintaining Universal Waste Accumulation Areas on campus and the hospital, delivering chemicals and packages from the warehouse to appropriate labs daily, handling and transporting radiological, universal, and/or chemical hazardous waste, responding to hazardous chemical/radiological spills as needed, and performing critical customer service duties.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Performs all duties concerning universal, hazardous chemical, and/or radiological material removal, transport, delivery, inspection, labeling, and storage. Separates hazardous waste, universal and radioactive materials according to hazardous classifications for interim storage at the Support Facility. Escorts vendors to universal waste sites for proper collection and disposal.
• Cleans up chemical spills using containment supplies, hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high‑pressure sprayers. Keeps all storage, loading dock, offices, corridors, supply rooms, hazardous waste storage area, and radioactive storage clean and orderly.
• Loads and unloads materials into containers or onto trucks using hand‑trucks, hoists, or forklifts. Performs all duties related to the shredding and recycling program at the Support Facility.
• Complies with all Local, State, and Federal rules and regulations regarding the safe collection, transportation, and storage of hazardous material. Commonplaces with departmental policies and procedures regarding health and safety and must observe and support good health and safety practices. Enters data into computerized hazardous waste tracking systems.
• Responds to after‑hours calls including evenings, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather conditions. Works overtime as needed and on emergency on‑call rotation as scheduled. Reports problems to the manager as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Driving records should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive a vehicle in the performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession of a valid driver’s license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintaining an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience required. Successful completion of Universal, Hazardous, Biological, and Radiation Safety courses within six (6) months of employment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Specific knowledge in hazardous waste packing requirements, including DOT and disposal site packing requirements for hazardous wastes.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to hazardous chemicals, universal and radiological waste management, transportation and disposal.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of and the ability to select, use and maintain specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for working with hazardous materials. Must be able to determine the proper and appropriate method necessary for carrying out job assignments.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods.
• Interpersonal skills with all levels of customers and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of computer systems, tools and programs.
• Ability to work under limited supervision and perform assigned tasks from written instructions and established policies and procedures.

PERSONAL

Must be able to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform tasks requiring sitting and staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting between 20 to 50 pounds, and extensive walking and significant distances between and within buildings on campus.

STARTING HOURLY RATE OF PAY

$16.00 - $22.76 per hour (commensurate with experience & qualifications)

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (subject to change to meet the needs of the University).

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.