Waste Management Supervisor - HAZWOPER Site

VNS Federal Services; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

VNS Federal Services is seeking a proactive HAZWOPER Supervisor to oversee safety and operations on a hazardous waste cleanup project in Kentucky. You will lead field teams, enforce the HASP, and coordinate emergency response activities to protect workers, the public, and the environment.

The role requires extensive HAZWOPER training, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to manage regulatory compliance. A broader project management or engineering background is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 40-hour HAZWOPER training is required.
• 8-hour Site Supervisor training is required.
• Annual 8-hour refresher training is required.
• OSHA 30-HR General Industry Training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise field teams during hazardous operations.
• Ensure HASP oversight and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate emergency response and spill containment procedures.
• Deliver HAZWOPER and emergency response training to site personnel.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate safety records and report performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

HAZWOPER 40-hour training

OSHA 30-HR General Industry Training

8-hour Site Supervisor training

Annual 8-hour refresher training

First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification

ICS/NIMS Training

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Supervisor to directly oversee safety and operations at a HAZWOPER cleanup project site. This role is critical in ensuring regulatory compliance, managing emergency response efforts, and fostering a culture of safety. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background, leadership capabilities, and excellent interpersonal skills to protect workers, the public, and the environment. A HAZWOPER Supervisor is specifically trained and certified under OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65) to oversee hazardous waste operations and emergency response activities. Their responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

• Execute job description and daily routine job functions
• Assist in identifying and removing barriers that prevent technicians from doing their job
• Assist in monthly goal setting / performance measurement areas
• Serves as the front line supervision in the field and is a knowledgeable resource to crews working with him
• Assigns work to HAZWOPER Technicians, based upon skill, training and experience
• Supervises tasks to ensure project objectives area met without incident or undue risk
• Implement and enforce the Health and Safety Plan (HASP)
• Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant standards
• Monitor use of PPE and ensure proper donning/doffing procedures
• Conduct safety briefings and hazard communication
• Coordinate emergency response and spill containment procedures
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions
• Lead and supervise field teams during hazardous operations

Training Expectations

40-hour HAZWOPER training

8-hour Site Supervisor training

Annual 8-hour refresher training May require HAZWOPER Supervisor-level training if directly overseeing hazardous waste operations

OSHA 30-HR General Industry Training

Often has broader project management or engineering background

Key Responsibilities

• Training & Certification - Verifies work force is qualified and current in
  • Completed 40-hour HAZWOPER training
  • Completed 3 hours OJT training is complete
  • Up-to-date on annual 8-hour refresher training
  • Familiar with site-specific hazards and operations
• 2. Health and Safety Plan (HASP) Oversight
• Ensure the HASP is understood and implemented, within daily work briefings and accessible
• Communicates and reinforces HASP operations requirements:
• Organizational structure and communication protocols
• Site-specific safety and health plan
• Work plan and SOPs, work authorization
• Medical surveillance program, triggers for monitoring strategy
• Emergency response procedures, contingency plans
• Receives feedback from work force for continuous improvement
• Site Safety Leadership
  • Conduct daily safety briefings
  • Monitor and enforce PPE usage
  • Identify and correct unsafe conditions or behaviors
  • Ensure spill containment and decontamination procedures are in place
• Emergency Preparedness
  • Coordinate with Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC)
  • Ensure emergency response plan is current and rehearsed
  • Maintain communication systems for emergencies
• Site Control & Hazard Communication
  • Maintain site control zones (exclusion, contamination reduction, support)
  • Ensure proper labeling and handling of hazardous materials
  • Conduct hazard communication training
• Medical Surveillance
  • Confirm workers are enrolled in medical surveillance if exposed >30 days/year
  • Maintain health records per OSHA 1910.1020
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Keep daily logs of safety activities and incidents
  • Document training records, inspections, and corrective actions
  • Submit reports to regulatory agencies as required
• Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct regular audits and inspections
  • Update HASP and procedures based on new hazards or incidents
  • Provide ongoing training and refreshers
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and other applicable regulations.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the Site Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
  • Lead emergency response efforts including chemical spills, fires, and medical emergencies.
  • Serve as Incident Commander or Safety Officer during emergency events.
  • Conduct site inspections, risk assessments, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
  • Deliver HAZWOPER and emergency response training to site personnel.
  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain accurate safety records and report performance metrics.
  • Collaborate with site supervisors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

Preferred Certifications

• Prior experience with hazardous materials clean up
• Prior supervisory experience
• First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification
• ICS/NIMS Training

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Leadership:Ability to lead personnel effectively.
• Communication:Clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• Problem-Solving:Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve safety issues.
• Teamwork:Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams.
• Adaptability:Calm and flexible in dynamic or emergency situations.
• Attention to Detail:Thorough in inspections, documentation, and compliance.
• Empathy & Coaching:Supportive in mentoring staff and promoting safe practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities