Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Hazardous Materials Technician

Collects, transports, and processes hazardous and potentially hazardous chemical and biological materials or waste from University labs and facilities. 

 Air & Water Quality Technician

Conducts opacity testing on equipment, storm water discharge, monitoring, and construction site inspections for air quality and storm water management.

Qualifications

High school graduate with two years of experience in a field related to organic/inorganic Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or Engineering, or on-the-job training in environmental protection compliance or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Working knowledge of computer programs and applications. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required.

 Applicants must have the ability to lift 50 pounds and traverse rough terrain in a variety of weather conditions.

 Additional consideration will be given to applicants with two or more years of college education in the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or Engineering, and who have completed an accredited hazardous materials management or construction site storm water inspector curriculum.  Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding hazardous and regulated waste management, transportation, air quality, and storm water management is also preferred.  

 Depending on the area of assignment, incumbents will be required to complete the following within six months of their hire date: pass a baseline medical examination with annual checkups and be cleared to wear negative and positive pressure respirators and personal protective equipment; obtain and maintain a valid Utah commercial driver's license with a hazardous materials endorsement; obtain a Visible Emissions Observer (VEO) certification; and complete 24 hour emergency operations training as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), unless in possession of a current certification in OSHA 24-hour Emergency Responder or 40 hour HazWOPER.

 This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Hazardous Materials Technician 

1. Collects, transports and processes hazardous and potentially hazardous chemical and biological materials or waste
2. Assists researchers and staff with lab moves and lab clean-outs
3. Coordinates with waste transporters, disposal sites and vendors supplying equipment and/or materials
4. Performs field analysis to classify unknown chemicals for transportation and disposal
5. Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment (carts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, fume hoods, etc) according to standard protocols
6. Processes requests for the Chemical Exchange Program and maintains appropriate inventory and delivers requested items
7. Maintains and updates the hazardous and regulated waste cradle-to-grave database management system and ensures appropriate documentation
8. Maintains the Regulated Waste Management facility and supporting equipment as directed
9. Performs weekly, monthly, and annual surveys
10. Interprets and applies Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines
11. Responds to and assists with mitigation of emergencies and spills involving chemical and biological materials 

Air & Water Quality Technician 

1. Performs biweekly construction site inspections for storm water pollution prevention
2. Performs opacity observations
3. Conducts dry weather field screening with personnel from Plant Operations and/or Salt Lake City municipal employees
4. Conducts storm water discharge monitoring associated with Industrial storm water discharge permit
5. Prepares Discharge Monitoring Reports for final review by the Environmental Affairs Manager
6. Compiles and enters monitoring data into spreadsheets, tables, and forms using a computer or by hand
7. Interprets and applies Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines
8. Responds to and assists with mitigation of emergencies and spills involving chemical and biological materials

Problem Solving

Incumbents generally follow an extensive set of rules and regulations while performing work.

Comments

The work environment involves regular exposure to hazardous and potentially hazardous wastes and materials, which requires following basic safety precautions and wearing appropriate protective gear.