HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN II

Hazardous Materials Technician II

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Description

Under minimal supervision, the Hazardous Materials Technician II will handle, transport and store hazardous chemical, radiological, pathological, bulk flammable materials and/or universal waste. To respond as needed to hazardous/radioactive material spills and perform critical customer service duties. To segregate hazardous materials according to classifications, radioactive materials from non-radioactive materials and make proper inquiries when there is any question of whether any chemicals are radioactive or hazardous. To assist in performing inspections, audits and hazardous and radiological waste training for Hazardous Materials Technician I, staff, faculty, students, etc. To assist researchers and staff to obtain waste packaging supplies and materials when available from the Support Facility. To respond to calls 24/7, to work overtime, evenings, weekends, holidays; sometimes in inclement weather conditions. Required to work emergency on-call rotation.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

* Handles/transports/stores chemical, universal, radioactive and pathological hazardous waste from laboratories, hospitals, print shops, clinics, etc. Follows established technical and safety guidelines. Ensures accuracy and quality assurance. Verifies proper packing, marking and chemical compatibility. Segregates material; completes and files associated paperwork. Performs data entry for record-keeping. Manages required supplies and equipment.

* Handles the pickup and delivery of chemicals, including radioactive materials, to principal investigators (PIs) and laboratories. Transfers bulk flammable materials into designated drums, following all safety protocols and regulatory guidelines. Completes transfer records for radioactive materials to help maintain accountability. Performs measurements of radiation levels and contamination levels as necessary during radioactive materials handling, storage and waste disposal operations. Document and store all surveys for compliance as required by the state.

* Performs survey and wipe test using the Liquid Scintillation Counter to measure radiation within vehicles and buildings. Maintains and inspects chemical waste storage and radioactive waste decay facilities, waste pick-up vehicles, and associated supplies and safety equipment. Arranges for maintenance and/or repair.

* Prepares radiological wastes for decay, and/or shipping offsite to certified TSDF and segregates chemical waste for interim storage. Conducts qualitative radiological surveys to ensure safe working conditions and appropriate maintenance of waste storage facilities.

* Prepares patient rooms prior to radiological treatment including pre-treatment survey. Performs post-treatment decontamination. With guidance from the lead tech and/or manager, provides customer and compliance assistance to research and facilities personnel.

* Serves on the Hazmat Team as a first responder for hazardous materials incidents. Cleans up hazardous materials in response to natural or human-made disasters and accidents such as those involving lab clean-up or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

* Keeps all storage, loading docks, offices, corridors, supply rooms, incineration area, hazardous waste storage area and radioactive storage clean and orderly. Loads and unloads materials into containers or onto trucks using hand-trucks, hoists or forklifts.

* Reports any issues to manager as appropriate. Assists the Office of Radiation Safety team and ADPH during inspections and trainings.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

STARTING HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $17.10 - $26.48 HOUR (Commensurate with experience & qualifications)

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Subject to change to meet the needs of the University).

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of significant experience working with hazardous and/or radioactive materials and/or completion of hazardous materials coursework required. Experience working with mechanical systems (e.g. solvent bulking and waste handling systems) required. Knowledge and training on state and federal regulations pertaining to hazardous chemicals, universal and radiological waste management/transportation/disposal and incident response required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

* Driving records should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive a vehicle in the performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession of a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintaining an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

* Radiation Safety Training Course certification from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) required.

* 40-hour Hazmat Training certification required.

* Hazardous Materials Management course required, along with an annual 8-hour Hazwoper refresher.

* Forklift Operator certification required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

* Knowledge of chemical, radiological and regulatory reference materials and ADEM/EPA rules and regulations.

* Knowledge of and the ability to select, use and maintain specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for working with hazardous materials. Must be able to determine the proper and appropriate method necessary for carrying out job assignments.

* Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance.

* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

PERSONAL: Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator, bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and sitting at computer for long periods of time.

For full consideration, please be certain application and resume showcase all related experience as it relates to the job announcement, and please list all certifications and/or licenses, if applicable. Work experience should showcase

successful progression in responsibilities and demonstrated leadership skills. Incomplete job profiles will not be processed.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.