Lab Waste Technician

The Laboratory Waste Technician is an entry-level position within the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department, responsible for the safe collection, handling, and management of laboratory waste streams in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role supports day-to-day waste management operations across laboratory and research spaces, ensuring proper accumulation, labeling, packaging, and disposition of chemical, biological, and mixed waste.

Reporting directly to the EHS Supervisor, you will work collaboratively with laboratory staff to maintain compliant and organized waste accumulation areas. You will own hazardous waste operations on the floor, gaining immediate, hands-on experience driving compliance with RCRA and DOT regulations in a fast-paced lab environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Collect, segregate, label, and transport chemical, biological, and mixed waste from laboratory accumulation areas in accordance with RCRA satellite and central accumulation area requirements.

• Monitor waste accumulation start dates, container integrity, and labeling compliance throughout laboratory and research spaces to ensure regulatory deadlines are met.

• Move and manage biohazardous waste, including regulated medical waste and sharps, in compliance with applicable biosafety and institutional guidelines.

• Support hazardous waste shipment preparation in accordance with DOT regulations, including proper packaging, labeling, and marking of waste containers prior to off-site pickup.

• Keep lab operations moving quickly and without disruption by anticipating supply needs and executing waste pickups flawlessly.

• Partner with the EHS Supervisor to drive regulatory compliance, taking active ownership of recordkeeping, waste manifests, and lab inspections.

• Step in to resolve operational bottlenecks as they arise.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.

• 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, warehouse, facilities, or environmental services role; internship or volunteer experience in EHS will be considered.

• Ability to obtain RCRA Hazardous Waste training certification within 90 days of hire (training provided).

• Ability to obtain DOT Hazmat Certification (49 CFR) within 90 days of hire (training provided).

Capabilities & Competencies

• Working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn, RCRA hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR Parts 260–270) and DOT hazardous materials transportation requirements (49 CFR).

• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical hazard communication (GHS/SDS), and biosafety procedures.

• Ability to read and interpret safety data sheets (SDS), waste labels, and regulatory guidance documents.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance and documentation accuracy.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to work cooperatively with laboratory personnel, researchers, and EHS team members.

• Executes with urgency and accuracy. You prioritize tasks independently and keep processes moving forward in a high-volume research setting.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed primarily in laboratory, storage, and loading dock environments; exposure to chemical odors, biological materials, and varying temperatures should be expected.

• This position requires the ability to lift and carry waste containers weighing up to 50 lbs, push or pull wheeled carts, and stand or walk for extended periods throughout a shift.

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety glasses, lab coat, and respiratory protection is required; training will be provided.

• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone, and read printed material.

• Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

• Travel: Up to 25%.