What Does a Materials Technician Do

Practical Adult Insights; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Practical Adult Insights is seeking a materials technician responsible for identifying and disposing of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, and more. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with various safety standards and utilize appropriate protective gear while performing inspections and material removal.

A high school diploma or GED is typically required, along with specific training for certification. The position emphasizes safety and adherence to regulations related to hazardous materials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is usually required.
• Minimum on-the-job training is needed.
• Training requirements may include at least 40 hours of on-the-job training.

Responsibilities

• Identify hazardous materials based on various factors.
• Inspect buildings and use personal protective gear.
• Remove hazardous materials with appropriate tools.
• Specialize in asbestos disposal or decontamination of radioactive waste.
• Work under relevant federal and state standards.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

A materials technician determines, removes and disposes of harmful materials and substances. Other titles include hazardous materials technician and hazardous materials removal worker. Common hazardous materials include asbestos, lead, arsenic, mold, mercury, noxious gases, airborne particles, and nuclear and radioactive waste.

Responsibilities

• Identify whether a material is hazardous based on factors such as flammability, deterioration, chemical reactivity, and toxicity.
• Inspect buildings or structures and use protective gear including goggles or safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, helmets or hardhats, respirators or face shields, and chemical-resistant clothing.
• Remove hazardous materials using appropriate tools such as scrapers, vacuums, water sprayers, and sandblasters.
• Specialize in asbestos identification and disposal, emergency and disaster response, or decontamination of radioactive and nuclear waste at facilities such as nuclear plants.
• Work under relevant federal, state, and local standards with on-the-job training requirements.

Qualifications

• Usually require a high school diploma or GED; formal education beyond that is not typically required.
• Minimum on-the-job training; specific standards vary by jurisdiction and specialization.
• In the United States, training requirements may include at least 40 hours of on-the-job training to be licensed, with oversight by OSHA and related agencies.