Job Details

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Position Number: 6516694
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Requisition Number: 66994
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 10-Sep-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Environmental Health & Safety at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Hazardous Materials Specialist! This work unit handles the CU Boulder hazardous materials and waste program, facilitating compliance with applicable State, Federal, and local regulations which govern the use, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

This position supports the program by performing the collection, packaging, transport, storage, classification, record keeping and disposal of hazardous waste according to university policies and procedures. This position also performs a multitude of other functions as needed.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

EH&S provides comprehensive safety oversight, training, compliance assurance and hazardous material management/disposal services to all campus operations (research, general fund operations, auxiliary operations, events, etc.). We coordinate with University Risk Management regarding campus safety liabilities/risks and develop programs to proactively address issues; develop and implement occupational safety programs that work to reduce risk management liabilities and claims, and coordinate responses to critical campus incidents and ensure appropriate hazard mitigation and remediation for hazardous materials incidents in full compliance with federal, state and/or local regulations.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Implement, coordinate and evaluate the collection, packaging and transport of hazardous materials/waste in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and established UCB policies and procedures.
Make independent decisions regarding the classification of hazardous materials/waste; this requires a technical evaluation of the chemistry, compatibility, toxicity and reactivity of chemical wastes and the regulatory requirements for disposal.
Perform processing operations in the Treatment Storage & Disposal Facility (TSDF) which include: packaging for transport and disposal; consolidation of compatible chemicals into profiled waste streams for disposal. Ensure the most efficient means is applied for each type of waste.
Prescreen incoming waste streams for possible treatment verses off-site disposal. Consult with fellow group members on methods of waste treatment and chemicals approved for treatment.
Exercise process level decision making with regard to this program, resolving operations needed to effectively complete the regulatory compliant treatment of hazardous material/waste. Implement quality assurance analytical testing operations to ensure that treated waste meets the permitted standards for drain disposal or non-hazardous waste disposal.
Perform offsite shipment procedures including: preparation of containers for transport, coordinate with waste disposal vendors to ensure the safe and compliant disposal of wastes, review shipping paperwork and provide accurate data management to assure cradle to grave tracking ability of wastes. Prepare documentation for shipments including preparation of manifests, Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) and other documentation, when required.
Maintain and inspect the TSDF in accordance with Part B permit. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for specific operations performed in the TSDF and other duties where relevant. Assist in the training of EH&S employees on the methods of hazardous waste management, the waste handling procedures specific to the work unit and the operations within the TSDF as needed.
Perform duties such as: operation of distillation unit which serves to recycle widely used solvents on campus reducing waste generation and costs to labs, cylinder evaluation and disposal, container reuse program, brown glass collection for recycling (partnership with Green Labs), chemical redistribution, etc.
Assist hazardous waste generators in attaining regulatory compliance by performing onsite inspections when visiting the generator sites during waste pickups. Provide support for procedures, program guidelines and rules and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials/waste management.
Serve as a member of UCB EH&S Emergency Response team. Make operational decisions regarding safe and regulatory compliant mitigation of hazardous chemical releases and situations. Provides spill remediation/containment expertise and specialized hazmat support to other emergency responders. Serves as after-hours primary contact (in UCB EH&S staff pool) for emergencies involving chemical spills, health complaints, biohazards, radiation exposure and other types of hazards involving the health and safety of the UCB Campus community. Inventory and maintain (own) protective equipment to ensure personal safety. Maintain all supplies and perform or update any required trainings to cover all aspects of job.

What You Should Know

This in-person position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $54,060 - $60,632 annually.
A signing bonus is available according to department guidelines.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be talented. Be visionary. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in a science-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
40-hour Hazardous Waste Operator certification upon hire or within two months of start date.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months of employment.
Ability to pass a motor vehicle background check and possess a valid driver's license. Training will be offered on campus to operate a CMV.
Must satisfactorily complete a pre-placement physical and a medical evaluation for the operation of a CMV.
Able to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and maneuver up to 600 lb drums on occasion using a drum dolly.
Possess the ability to arrive at Boulder campus within one hour under normal driving conditions, within twelve (12) months of hire.
Ability to respond to emergency situations at all times, including non-working hours, weekends and holidays.
Must be medically certified to wear respirators (SCBAs and air-purifying).

What You Will Need

Excellent customer service skills.
Solid understanding of Macintosh or Windows computer, word processing and database applications (Microsoft Office).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by September 10, 2025, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Hazardous-Materials-Specialist/66994