Hazardous Waste Specialist (Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona seeks a Hazardous Waste Specialist to support regulatory compliance and protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. You will join the hazardous waste team responsible for setting processes to be followed in the event of an emergency.

The role requires a relevant degree or equivalent experience, 3+ years in the field, and a valid driver’s license. The position is full-time on the Tucson Campus with strong emphasis on documentation, training, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in hazardous waste management or related field.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, segregate, and dispose of hazardous waste for University sites.
• Determine proper accumulation methods based on hazard classes and compatibility.
• Characterize unknown waste streams through testing.
• Maintain environmental compliance documentation and records.
• Respond to campus hazardous material releases using approved safety procedures.
• Advise on proper hazardous waste management and provide technical assistance.
• Contribute to training, process improvements, and responses to emergencies.
• Travel to different buildings using University vehicle.

Skills

Hazardous materials mgmt

Regulatory compliance

Environmental health & safety

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Regulatory documentation software

Job description

Posting Number req27008

Department Environmental Health & Safety

Department Website Link

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights The University of Arizona is seeking a Hazardous Waste Specialist. This position supports regulatory compliance and protects, promotes, and advocates for the health and safety of U of A students, faculty, and staff and serves as a member of the University's hazardous waste team responsible for setting processes to be followed in the event of an emergency. The prospective employee must have the proper combination of education, certification, training, and work experience to help facilitate a safe and compliant workplace for the University.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collects, transports, segregates, accumulates and performs initial disposal of hazardous waste (including chemical and biological) for all University locations and units.
• Uses technical knowledge and moderate guidance to determine proper method of accumulation and disposal based on hazard classes and compatibility of chemicals.
• Performs tests and lab analyses to characterize unknown chemical disposal waste streams.
• Leads in development and maintenance of environmental compliance documentation, including but not limited to: documents and labels for shipment to appropriate disposal facilities pursuant to disposal facility, state and federal requirements; maintains accumulation waste facility records and database on all accumulated hazardous waste streams; contributes to documentation of other environmental compliance requirements like air and water testing.
• Responds to hazardous material released on campus using appropriate clean-up and safety procedures.
• Helps to develop and maintain records of these events, protocols for safe response, and supports efforts of emergency response groups like the LEPC, CIRT, etc.
• Advises faculty, staff and students regarding proper hazardous waste management techniques and provides technical assistance upon request for campus departments.
• Contributes to improvement initiatives, process updates, and training efforts related to departmental or University operations.
• Participates in workgroups to support system and process enhancements.
• Uses an University of Arizona vehicle to drive to different buildings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations on hazardous materials management; hazardous materials management practices and techniques; chemical compatibilities and hazard classes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/stand nearly continuously for work shift.
• Ability to utilize, hearing protection, safety eye wear, safety toe shoes, long-sleeved pants and shirts while working.
• Ability to utilize and wear respiratory protective equipment such as N95, PAPR, and half/full face respirator.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Protection and Safety

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $65,687 - $85,393

Compensation Type hourly rate

Grade 9

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level PC2

Job Family Environmental Health & Safety

Job Function Protection & Safety

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 10/12/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates [e-mail]

Open Date 9/8/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].