Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Hazardous Radioactive Materials Specialist to oversee receipt, storage, processing and disposal of radioactive waste generated on campus, collaborating with Hazardous Materials Technicians for decay-in-storage and off-site disposal.

The role requires maintaining training on HAZWOPER, RCRA, and related regulatory requirements, with duties spanning emergency response, warehouse management, and compliance across non-laboratory areas.

Qualifications

• Four year degree with a preference for a related major in physical or environmental sciences.
• Relevant certifications or licenses may be required; CHMM preferred.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of hazardous waste management and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee receipt, storage, processing and disposal of radioactive waste generated on campus.
• Coordinate with Hazardous Materials Technicians for waste transport and disposal.
• Maintain warehouse operations and inventory for waste management supplies.
• Serve on the Emergency Response Team and respond to chemical spills and incidents.
• Ensure compliance with 40 CFR 270.14(b)(12) and 40 CFR 264.16 training requirements.

Skills

Hazardous Materials Handling

Safety Compliance

Waste Management

Education

Four year degree

Tools

CDL HazMat endorsement

HAZWOPER 40-hour

RCRA Training

Job description

Posting Information

• 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.

Position Summary Information

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 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.

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

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323420

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.