Household Hazardous Waste Technician

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Employment Type

Job Summary

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Technician

$19.75 - $26.27 depending on qualifications

The City of Olathe is seeking a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Technician to support the safe and efficient operation of the HHW program. This position provides direct service to residents and helps protect public health, safety, and the environment through proper handling and disposal of household hazardous materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide courteous and helpful service to residents during scheduled HHW drop-off appointments and monthly Saturday collection events.
• Receive, identify, sort, and safely handle household hazardous materials, including paint, chemicals, batteries, and similar waste.
• Prepare and maintain the HHW facility for safe, organized, and efficient daily operations.
• Operate vehicles and equipment, including forklifts, in support of waste handling and facility needs.
• Follow established safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with public education related to safe household hazardous waste disposal and environmental best practices.
• Work collaboratively with staff to support safe, compliant, and efficient program operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain 24-hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 60 pounds and perform physical work involving standing, bending, walking, and material handling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in household hazardous waste operations.
• Experience with hazardous waste identification, lab packing, or bulking procedures.
• Technical training or college coursework related to environmental science, chemistry, waste management, or a related field.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and handling potentially hazardous materials. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to chemicals, odors, weather conditions, and other environmental conditions common to HHW operations. Required personal protective equipment must be worn when performing assigned duties.

Work Schedule

• Wednesday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holidays Off

• Independence Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve (half day)
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day

Benefits and Perks

• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Wellbeing Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Join the City of Olathe and help provide an important environmental service to the community.

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Technician performs a variety of tasks assisting with the activities and operations related to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program area within the Solid Waste Division. A significant portion of time is spent providing customer service to the public as they drop off HHW materials. The work requires safe handling and proper procedures in handling hazardous materials which may include chemicals, paint, batteries, and other hazardous items collected.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists the public with weekly HHW appointments & the monthly HHW collections event requiring work on Saturdays; provides information to the public regarding HHW handling and assists in educating the public on what constitutes HHW and its proper management.

• Assists with the management & segregation of HHW materials to meet state regulations for proper disposal; researches, learns about, and develops an understanding of hazardous material handling practices; implements safety practices for management of HHW materials, including wearing of the appropriate PPE for personal protection; operates a variety of vehicles and equipment, including a fork lift, in the completion of assigned work assignments.

• Organizes and prepares the HHW facility for public use; ensures that the operations and facilities associated with the HHW program are in compliance with Federal, State, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.

• Coordinates with other staff to ensure customer service requests are resolved in an efficient and timely manner; demonstrates professionalism in managing emergency situations.

Qualifications

Experience:  Experience in HHW operations and lab packing/bulking procedures is required.

Education:  A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some technical training or college level courses relevant to hazardous waste management are also required.

Licenses & Certifications: A valid driver's license and favorable driving record are required.  Must obtain a 24 hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.

Physical or Environmental Demands: Must be able to lift 60 pounds at a time regularly. Work requires bending, stooping, standing, and reaching regularly. Requires exposure to a variety of conditions which include dust, hazardous substances, and a variety of weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow.