What Are The Job Opportunities Available In The Hazardous Waste Disposal Industry?
Jobs in the hazardous waste management sub-sector of waste management are multi-disciplinary, since this industry requires employees with different skill sets and professional backgrounds. Occupations in hazardous waste disposal are categorized as:
Management – This category includes professional, technical & skilled trades’ occupations (engineers, technologies, and specialists).These jobs require competencies and skills involving developing and implementing waste management plans and programs, monitoring waste application, disposal, reduction programs, and activities and collecting samples and data for environmental purposes.
Other competencies that technical employees should develop are scientific aptitudes, which include environmental science, geology, biology, and chemistry. They should also learn about waste management and health-and-safety skills.
Intermediate & labor – This category requires drivers and laborers with the waste management skills and knowledge to handle heavy equipment. They should also have a complete understanding of the policies and regulations related to waste management.
Jobs in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Industry
Many people are involved in the hazardous waste disposal industry, from the local garbage collector to the analytical chemist. Choosing your career in hazardous waste disposal and management may lead you to a landfill, a lab, or to various federal agencies that deal with hazardous waste, including the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy.
You can also get a job in private industrial enterprises, such as large corporations, who have waste specialists or a team of consultants to manage their hazardous waste output.
Here is a list of some environmental jobs in Dayton, Ohio that you can choose if you want to be a part of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Industry:
1. Hazardous Waste Technician
Hazardous waste management technicians are responsible for identifying the hazardous waste sites and remediating, or cleaning up, any waste present. They tend to work on long-term planning and strategies. Most of them work on-site and take samples of contaminated soil or water while others work with emergency response teams that handle sites immediately after accidents involving hazardous waste. These technicians also do a lot of laboratory work, testing the samples they have taken and compiling and analyzing the results.
Minimum Education Level: Associate’s degree
Certification/ License: Required
2. Environmental Consultant
Did you know?
The Environmental Industry is expecting to hire 134,710 employees this year. ~IBISWorld
Environmental consultants are also known as environmental analysts and green consultants. They advise companies, industries, and other organizations on numerous environmental issues, including hazardous-waste remediation (disposal and cleanup), environmental disasters, sustainability initiatives, compliance, green manufacturing, renewable energy, and water, air, and soil quality.
Minimum Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Certification/ License: Recommended
3. Hazardous Waste Management Specialist
Did you know?
There are about 42,560 hazardous materials removal workers (including specialists) employed in the United States.
The hazardous waste management specialist identifies hazardous waste, ensures safe handling and disposal, and works to reduce the generation of hazardous waste. They may work for government agencies who monitor the producers of hazardous waste, such as industries, organizations, and hospitals. They may also work for the solid waste or public health departments of local governments.
Minimum Education Level: Associate’s degree
Certification/ License: Required
4. EPA Special Agents
These are specially trained law enforcement officers who work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helping to enforce federal environmental laws. They work in the EPA criminal enforcement program and help protect land, water, and air resources. They are authorized to carry firearms, to serve warrants, and to place known environmental violators and fugitives under arrest. The EPA has more than 350 specially trained investigators, chemists, technicians, engineers, lawyers, and support staff in its Criminal Investigation Division.
Minimum Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Certification/ License: None
5. Hazardous Waste Truck Drivers
Hazardous Waste Truck Drivers are responsible for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous substances to hazardous waste management plants. These professionals must be knowledgeable about safety regulations and protocols for transporting hazardous wastes. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for this position, as well as a commercial driver’s license with a special endorsement for transporting hazardous materials. They must have a specific license to haul hazardous materials.
Minimum Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
Certification/ License: None
If you also want to begin your career in the hazardous waste industry and need more information on environmental careers in Dayton or Mansfield, Ohio, get in touch with us at 833JOINCWE