Hazardous Waste & Compliance Specialist

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Hazardous Waste Specialist to support the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. Responsibilities include managing chemical, biological, mixed, and radiological wastes, inspections, and regulatory reporting.

The role may involve spill response, training, and assisting with compliance across UTK, IAMM, and COM. The position requires an Associate degree in a related field and 2–3 years of safety/environmental experience, with future certifications encouraged

Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, or similar program.
• 2-3 years of safety/environmental field experience required.
• Working knowledge of RCRA, OSHA/TOSHA, and transportation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support hazardous waste management for UTK, IAMM, and COM.
• Collect, transport, package, store, and coordinate disposal of hazardous waste.
• Coordinate hazardous waste shipments and maintain regulatory records.
• Conduct weekly inspections of Central Accumulation Areas and routine collections.
• Inspect Satellite Accumulation Areas and campus facilities for compliance.
• Respond to chemical spills and coordinate cleanup with vendors.
• Perform and assist with laboratory chemical cleanouts.
• Document incident assessments and track corrective actions to closure.
• Develop environmental procedures, guidelines, and Safety Manual docs.
• Prepare hazardous waste reports (Tier II, waste minimization, regulatory).
• Interpret TOSHA, TDEC, EPA requirements and train staff/faculty.
• Provide hazardous materials shipping training and DOT-compliant shipments.
• Deliver CPR/AED/First Aid training as assigned.
• Coordinate disposal of biological, sharps, mixed, and radiological waste.
• Assist with SPCC, SDWA, CAA, CWA, EPCRA, TSCA programs.
• Provide 24/7 EHS One Call emergency coverage as assigned.
• Support professional, respectful workplace and other duties as needed.

Skills

RCRA knowledge

OSHA/TOSHA knowledge

Hazardous material handling

Spill response

Waste management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Associate degree in chemistry or environmental health

Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Hazardous Waste Specialist to support the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. Responsibilities include managing chemical, biological, mixed, and radiological wastes, inspections, and regulatory reporting.

The role may involve spill response, training, and assisting with compliance across UTK, IAMM, and COM. The position requires an Associate degree in a related field and 2–3 years of safety/environmental experience, with future certifications encouraged