Waste Management Technician

LBL • $67K — $97K *
Berkeley, CA 94704In-Person
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2-5 years of related work experience in Waste Management or a similar field
  • Education in technical concepts related to waste management; experience can qualify as well
  • Strong written, oral communication, mathematical, and computer skills
  • Experience exercising judgment and initiative within defined procedures for EH&S actions
  • Advanced knowledge of waste management procedures and practices for Level 3 candidates

Responsibilities

  • Process hazardous and mixed waste according to WMG procedures
  • Utilize tracking systems and package wastes for transport
  • Assist in completing hazardous waste profiles and shipping documents
  • Conduct regular inspections of the facility and associated equipment
  • Support waste minimization efforts and identify recyclable materials
  • Oversee waste processing contractors and ensure procedural compliance
  • Maintain inventory of materials and waste supplies efficiently

Benefits

  • Full-time career appointment eligible for overtime
  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research facility
  • Engagement in a role vital for environmental health and safety
  • Support for continued education and certification opportunities
  • Involvement in critical emergency response initiatives
Full Job Description
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Waste Management Technician within the Environment, Health, and Safety division.This position reports directly to a manager in the Environment, Waste and Radiation Protection (EWRP) Department in the Waste Operations Team.

Responsible for both routine and non-routine processing of hazardous, radioactive and mixed waste at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Hazardous Waste Handling Facility (HWHF). Applying basic EH&S principles, works with general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments. Task completions are generally reviewed by supervisor or work lead. Makes limited decisions and solves basic EH&S problems with supervisor's input. Contact outside of the immediate work unit is limited to routine EH&S matters.

You will:
  • Perform a wide range of routine and non-routine processes based on WMG procedures including; waste receipt/collection, transportation, storage, labeling, treatment, consolidating, inspecting, compacting, sampling, and packaging to facilitate offsite shipment of hazardous and mixed wastes.
  • Utilize waste requisition and other tracking systems; obtains representative samples of wastes; packages and lab-packs wastes.
  • Assist in completing hazardous waste profiles, manifests, and shipping documents, and maintains waste processing records.
  • Conduct daily/weekly/monthly, etc. inspections of the facility, including vehicles, associated waste handling and safety equipment, and waste containers.
  • Assist in waste minimization efforts by doing the following: optimizing consolidation of bulk wastes and lab packs, segregating non-hazardous and non-radioactive wastes, identifying recyclable materials, and recommending additional minimization measures.
  • Process and prepare packages and documents for special wastes, such as asbestos, contaminated soil, and recyclable materials.
  • Oversee and assist waste processing contractors and transporters by following well defined procedures and checklists.
  • Assist in the development manifests and other shipping documents.
  • Contribute to the development of operations-related waste management procedures.
  • Assist with maintaining material (waste) and supply inventory in an organized, clean and safe configuration.
  • Evaluate and implements all required safety practices including; surveys, contamination control, dosimetry, posting/labeling, training, and associated documentation.
  • Use data management systems to review, update, and document waste inventories.
  • Assist with hazardous/radioactive material spill response.
  • Assist in inspecting and maintaining HWHF, vehicles, and equipment such as emergency showers, eye washes, spill kits, first aid kits, etc.
  • Maintain all Part B Permit, and position required training up to date.
  • Conduct work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
  • Perform radiological surveys (radiation, contamination, and airborne radioactive) and generate associated documents, reports and audits in support of assigned area(s).
  • Provide basic support during preparation, packaging, and shipment/transfer of hazardous materials.
  • Report processing and work order accomplishments, contractor activities, nonconformances, equipment and supply needs.


Requirements:

Level 2:
  • Two years of related work experience in Waste Management or similar field, e.g., Environmental Restoration or a combination of education and experience in which technical knowledge and principles.
  • Education, or combination of education and experience, in which advanced technical concepts and principles are acquired.
  • Good written, oral communication, mathematical, and computer skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of diverse individuals.

Level 3:
  • Five years of related work experience in Waste Management or a similar field, such as Environmental, Restoration, or a combination of education and experience in which technical knowledge and principles are acquired.
  • Education, or a combination of education and experience, in which advanced technical concepts and principles are acquired.
  • Demonstrated experience exercising judgment and initiative within defined procedures and practices and with supervisor oversight to determine appropriate EH&S action and work methods.
  • Advanced knowledge of waste management procedures and practices.


Physical Requirements:
  • Perform physical requirements of the position including: approx. 2 hours per day sitting, approx. 4 hours per day of standing and/or walking. Some duties of this position require up to 1 hour per day of the following types of hand use: fine manipulation, keyboard/mouse use, simple and/or power grasping. Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 40 lbs. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of waste handling including some routine squatting, kneeling, climbing, bending, and twisting.
  • Successfully pass a routine medical examination as well as successfully pass applicable training including Respirator Fit Testing, formal HAZWOPER training, and other related emergency response training.
  • Work across LBNL site, inside and outside buildings and at off-site locations including in the field. Access to construction and demolition sites may be required. Exposure to hazardous materials and hazardous energy sources is likely. Exposure to sources of ionizing radiation and radioactive materials is likely. Security vetting for access to nuclear materials is required. Access to permitted hazardous waste storage facilities is required. This position fulfills an WMG emergency response role.
  • Achieve and maintain status as a LBNL Waste Management Technician as detailed in the Hazardous Waste Treatment and Storage Permit.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Experience supporting assessments, audits and other measures needed regarding incidents.
  • Experience with radiation measurement and radioisotope handling principles including monitoring, analysis and radioisotope identification.
  • Previous RCRA facility operations experience.
  • Experience working in a research facility.


Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 3, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid), eligible for overtime pay.
  • Salary range:
    • Level 2: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected hourly range for this position is $32.26 - $46.95. The final hourly rate will depend upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
    • Level 3: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected hourly range for this position is $34.87 - $51.14. The final hourly rate will depend upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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