Environmental Technician (Hazardous Abatement)
Inspection Experts, Inc. (IEI)
Location: Columbia, MD
Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $24.00-$28.00
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled, disciplined, and safety-conscious Environmental Technician to join our environmental services team. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient abatement and remediation of hazardous materials—specifically asbestos, lead, and mold—as well as the controlled demolition of associated building components (such as drywall, plaster, and insulation).
This role is critical to protecting public health and ensuring our clients' built environments are safe and fully compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in containment setup, hazardous waste handling, and operating specialized abatement equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Hazardous Abatement & Remediation: Safely perform the removal, encapsulation, and abatement of hazardous materials including asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint, and mold.
- Controlled Demolition: Execute the precise and controlled demolition of contaminated building components (e.g., drywall, plaster, insulation, and flooring) using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment.
- Containment & Engineering Controls: Construct and maintain critical plastic containments, negative pressure enclosures (using HEPA air filtration units), and decontamination chambers in strict accordance with safety standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to OSHA, EPA, and state/local environmental regulations governing hazardous materials handling, personal exposure limits, and waste disposal.
- PPE Protocol: Properly use, maintain, and inspect mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including half-face or full-face air-purifying respirators (APRs), Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), and protective suits.
- Waste Handling & Disposal: Package, label, manifest, and load hazardous waste materials into approved containers for safe transport and disposal at authorized facilities.
- Site Prep & Restoration: Set up regulated work areas with appropriate warning signs and barrier tape; perform detailed wet-cleaning and HEPA-vacuuming of work areas to pass final clearance testing.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain daily logs of containment status, equipment checks, and work progress; immediately report any safety hazards, breaches in containment, or near-misses to the supervisor.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of direct experience in asbestos abatement, lead remediation, or hazardous waste cleanup.
- Certifications (Highly Preferred / Required based on location):
- Current State Asbestos Abatement Worker/Supervisor Certification.
- EPA Lead-Safe Renovator (RRP) or Lead Abatement Worker Certification.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety Certification.
- HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification is a strong plus.
- Medical Fit-for-Duty: Must be medically cleared to wear a respirator (undergo pulmonary function testing) and pass an annual respirator fit test.
- Equipment Proficiency: Skilled in utilizing containment hardware, HEPA vacuums, negative air machines, wet-shave methods, and basic hand/power tools.
- Physical Stamina: Physical strength and stamina to perform heavy labor, lift up to 50 lbs consistently, bend, climb, and work in awkward positions or confined spaces.
- Teamwork & Safety Mindset: Strong communication skills with a proactive commitment to a "Zero Accident" safety culture.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Hazardous Environment: Regular, active exposure to hazardous substances (asbestos, lead, mold, silica) requiring continuous and strict adherence to protective measures.
- Demanding Conditions: Work is physically strenuous and often performed inside hot, humid, or unconditioned containment zones while wearing full protective suits and respirators.
- Flexible Schedule: Standard shift is daytime, but projects may occasionally require evening, weekend, or overtime hours to meet client deadlines and minimize building occupant disruption.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary paired with a robust, comprehensive benefits package.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid federal holidays.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities in specialized federal environments.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Inspection Experts Inc. (IEI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.