Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Hazardous/Radioactive Materials Specialist to oversee receipt, storage, processing, and disposal of radioactive wastes and medical waste, ensuring regulatory compliance across campus. This role requires OSHA trainings, HAZWOPER and RCRA certifications, and a valid NC CDL with HazMat endorsement.

The Specialist will maintain warehouse operations, participate in Emergency Response Team duties, and ensure safe handling and transport of

Qualifications

• Four year degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Some positions may require specific certifications or licenses.
• CHMM is a management preference.

Responsibilities

• Oversee receipt, storage, processing, and disposal of radioactive liquid and solid waste.
• Oversee medical waste disposal operations and coordinate transport of hazardous waste to storage facility.
• Provide technical expertise on hazardous waste accumulation, storage, and regulatory compliance for non-laboratory areas.

Education

Four year degree in physical, biological, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or closely related science

Job description

Department:

EHS Central Account-230510

Career Area:

Environment, Health and Safety

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

No

Posting Open Date :

08/04/2026

Application Deadline:

08/18/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

EHS Professional - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC16 / GN12

Working Title:

Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

Position Number:

20077643

Vacancy ID:

P021254

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

Full-Time Permanent

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.

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$50,000 - $68,959

Pay Band Information:

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants:

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

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.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 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.

Required Licenses and 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).

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:

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