Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist to oversee the receipt, storage, processing and disposal of radioactive waste across the campus and UNC Hospitals.

The role coordinates hazardous waste transport to storage facilities, supports medical and hazardous waste operations, and ensures regulatory compliance with HAZWOPER and RCRA requirements. It also maintains warehouse operations and serves on the Emergency Response Team.

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year degree in a physical or related science or equivalent combination of training/experience.
• Must have NC CDL with HazMat endorsement and 40-hour HAZWOPER training with annual refresher.
• RCRA hazardous waste training certification (initial and annual) required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee receipt, storage, processing and disposal of radioactive waste generated by the University and UNC Hospitals.
• Coordinate transport of hazardous waste to storage and approved off-site facilities; support emergency response and spills containment.
• Maintain warehouse operations, inventory, and housekeeping for waste management supplies and equipment.
• Serve on the University’s Emergency Response Team for environmental emergencies and ensure regulatory training is up to date.

Skills

Hazardous materials handling

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Four year degree in physical or related science

Tools

CDL with HazMat endorsement

HAZWOPER 40-hour

RCRA training

Job description

Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

Working Title Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

Position Number

Position Number 20077643

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021254

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday Business Hours
Severe Weather Essential – must report to or remain at work during periods of adverse weather
Emergency Duty – must report to work or remain at work during a university emergency if directed by supervisor.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The role of the Environment, Health and Safety ( EHS ) department is primarily environment, health and safety functions at the University. In support of the University’s core mission, EHS will provide comprehensive environmental, health and safety services to the University community. This includes education through training and consultation, maintaining a safe environment through recognizing and controlling health and safety hazards, ensuring a process of regulatory compliance and minimizing future potential liabilities. By developing EHS programs and performing various periodic inspections we can provide a safe work place, ensure a process of compliance and minimize future potential liabilities. EHS is organized into eight (8) sections: Biological Safety, Environmental Affairs, Fire Safety & Emergency Response, Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety, Workplace Safety and Business & Support.

Position Summary

The Hazardous/Radioactive Materials Specialist is responsible for overseeing the receipt, storage, processing, and disposal of radioactive liquid and solid waste generated by the University and UNC Hospitals. This position collaborates with Hazardous Materials Technicians to transport radioactive waste to the storage facility for decay-in-storage management or temporary storage prior to shipment to an approved off-site disposal facility.
This role also oversees medical waste disposal operations and coordinates the transport of hazardous waste to the storage facility. The Hazardous/Radioactive Materials Specialist provides technical expertise and operational support regarding hazardous waste accumulation, storage, and regulatory compliance requirements for non-laboratory areas across the University.
In addition, the position is responsible for maintaining warehouse operations, including housekeeping, organization, routine inspections, and inventory management of supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to support waste management activities.
The Specialist serves as a member of the University’s Emergency Response Team, providing response support for chemical spills, hazardous materials releases, and other environmental emergencies.
To ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), this position must maintain required training and certifications. Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) regulations require personnel working at a TSDF to complete a one-time 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response ( HAZWOPER ) training course, as well as an 8-hour annual refresher course. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s RCRA Part B Permit requires personnel to complete initial and annual training in accordance with 40 CFR 270.14(b)(12) and 40 CFR 264.16.

• Valid North Carolina Class C or higher Commercial Driver’s License ( CDL ) with Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement.
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification and annual refresher training.
• RCRA Hazardous Waste Training Certification (initial and annual).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Four year degree with a preference for a related major in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or closely related science; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require specific certifications or licenses. Specific jobs will require additional minimum training and/or licensing upon selection.

Management Preferences

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager ( CHMM ).

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Class C or higher Commercial Driver’s License ( CDL ) with Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement.
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification and annual refresher training.
• RCRA Hazardous Waste Training Certification (initial and annual).

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• The position requires sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing and/or pulling items of various weights throughout the workday.
• Position requires employee to be medically cleared and able to wear a respirator – general use.
• This position is exposed to Hazardous Materials.
• OSHA regulations require persons working at a hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility ( TSDF ) have a one-time 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response ( HAZWOPER ) training in addition to 8-hour annual refresher training.
• The RCRA Part B Permit for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill TSDF requires personnel to be trained in accordance with 40 CFR 270.14(b) (12) and 40 CFR 264.16 requirements on an initial and annual basis as well and receive RCRA hazardous waste training certification.
• 40 Hour HAWOPER training certification.
• NC Class C or higher valid Commercial Driver’s License with a hazardous materials endorsement.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory, Night work occasionally, Non-Healthcare TB exposure, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have experience ensuring radiation safety?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have training and/or experience in shipping and receiving biohazardous materials?
  • yes
  • no
• * Do you have experience with radioactive materials in either a laboratory or clinical environment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have experience handling and disposing of contaminated or hazardous materials?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please select the response below that best describes your highest level of hazardous materials response training and experience:
  • Awareness - Level
  • Operations - Level
  • Technician - Level
  • Specialist - Level
  • No Experience
  • None of the Above
• * This position requires the demonstrated ability to understand and apply hazardous, radioactive, mixed and universal waste management regulatory requirements and to safely transport hazardous, radioactive, mixed waste and universal waste from generator facilities to the Hazardous Material Facility, Pouring Facilities, and the Storage facility. Briefly describe your experience in this area.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * This position requires physical agility (i.e. stoop, crawl, climb ladders/stairs, move/transport heave equipment, etc.), entry into hazardous environments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and an element of personal risk during emergency responses. The ability to wear a respirator (cartridge air purifying or open-circuit SCBA) is essential. Annual medical clearance is required for Emergency Response Team. Would you be able to meet these requirements?
  • YES
  • NO (Disqualifying)
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the EHS Professional position.
  • Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and/or Doctorate
  • Associate's degree and 2 years of related experience
  • Combination of post-high school education and experience to equal at least 4 years of related experience (ex: 1 year towards a degree and 3 years of experience)
  • High school diploma/GED and at least 4 years of related experience
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 8 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 7 years of experience)
  • None of the above