Laboratory Assistant - Waste Handler

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

"For Planet and Progress" is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you're not just forging a career, you're joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

The Lab Assistant (- Waste Handler) in our Orange, CA laboratory is responsible for the routine waste collection handling and disposal across a laboratory site of approximately 100-120 employees. This role supports safe and compliant operations by ensuring materials are managed properly from point of generation through to disposal and is 100% on site at the Orange Laboratory.

This is a hands-on, task-focused role that follows established procedures and supports safe, compliant waste operations. The position works under directions and escalates non-routine situations as needed.

The compensation for this position is $17.25.

Schedule:

To thrive in this role, you'll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

Waste Handling, Disposal & Laboratory Support

• Perform routine collection of waste, including solvent and chemical waste streams from laboratory departments, and designated accumulation areas (not general refuse)
• Communicate and coordinate with lab personnel to ensure waste materials are properly prepared, identified, and ready for compliant pickup, and support tracking in LIMS
• Ensure materials are ready for pickup and support tracking of samples in LIMS
• Identify and correct improperly labeled, stored, or non-compliant hazardous waste containers, ensuring adherence to regulatory and internal EH&S requirements
• Transport waste safely to central storage areas following established safety and compliance procedures
• Ensure all waste containers are properly closed, labeled, and in good condition during prior to and during collection
• Support proper segregation of waste streams (e.g solvents, acidic/basic ) based on defined guidelines
• Perform routine waste treatment activities in accordance with established procedures ; identify unknown materials, isolate them and escalate to the appropriate team.
• Prepare waste containers for shipment and disposal, including container selection, labeling, and staging for vendor pickup
• Assist with waste consolidation activities following predefined processes, maintaining accurate waste inventory and tracking logs
• Monitor waste volumes and report capacity or storage concerns
• Maintain accurate documentation related to handling and disposal activities
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of waste storage areas

Safety & Compliance Support

• Follow all OSHA, EPA, site-specific, local, and site hazardous waste procedures.
• Utilize appropriate PPE and safe handling practices at all times.
• Participate in required safety programs including respiratory protection (medical clearance, fit testing, and training).
• Support readiness of waste areas for inspections and audits.

Scope of Role

• Site-specific role supporting laboratory operations.
• Responsible for execution of waste handling and treatment activities.
• Training will be provided; does not make regulatory, classification, or disposal determinations.
• Operates strictly within established procedures and instructions.

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

Required

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work safely in an environment with hazardous chemicals and solvent waste
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks in a laboratory and industrial environment.
• Ability to wear a respirator and comply with respiratory protection program requirements.

Training Provided

• On-the-job training will be provided on hazardous waste handling, laboratory safety procedures, regulatory requirements, and proper use of equipment

Preferred

• Experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or waste handling environment.
• Familiarity with hazardous waste handling practices (RCRA awareness).
• Experience handling chemicals or regulated materials.

Skills & Competencies

• Reliable and consistent in task execution.
• Strong attention to detail and procedural compliance.
• Good hazard awareness and safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently on routine routes.
• Communicates issues clearly and escalates appropriately.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what's typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

• This role requires routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Including but not limited to gloves, safety glasses/goggles/face shield, lab coat or other protective clothing, and additional chemical protective equipment as required.

Must be able to wear and work in a respirator in accordance with the company's respiratory protection program.

• Ability to safely lift and handle materials individually up to 50-lbs, including:

5-gallon containers (carboys).

Handling and movement of 55-gallon drums using appropriate safety equipment.

• Perform frequent walking, standing, bending, and working in laboratory and waste storage environments.

• Work is performed in a laboratory setting where there is regular exposure to chemicals and solvent waste, managed under strict safety and regulatory controls

Scope of Role

• Site-specific role supporting laboratory operations.
• Responsible for execution of waste handling and treatment activities.
• Training will be provided; does not make regulatory, classification, or disposal determinations.

Operates strictly within established procedures and instructions.

#LI-SG1

Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients' resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.