Hazardous Waste Specialist - Environmental Health and Safety - UTK

The primary function of this position is to provide support to the Hazardous Waste Program within EHS for collecting, segregating, overpacking, storing, and offering up hazardous waste for disposal that is generated by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The responsibilities also include performing satellite accumulation area inspections and central accumulation areas maintenance and weekly inspections. Primary duties will involve managing chemical waste and biological waste, mixed waste, and radiological waste as assigned. This position will prepare and complete inspection reports, waste profiling and corrective actions for findings encountered. The position may also provide other support, including spill response, hazardous material shipping, training, and support in the resolution of other hazardous material, chemical and waste issues on campus. The position responsibilities include performance of duties at UTK, UT Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM), and UT College of Medicine (COM). The Hazardous Waste Specialist will contribute to the preparation of the annual report to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and preparing the annual hazardous waste reduction plans for IAMM and UTK campuses. This position will keep all Central Accumulation Areas (CAAs) clean, orderly, and well stocked. The Hazardous Waste Specialist must be able to obtain RCRA Hazardous Materials Management, DOT Hazardous Material Shipping, 40-Hour HAZWOPER, and IATA Certifications within the first year after hiring. This position may also be assigned to activities not described above which fall into the category of other EHS duties.

Responsibilities

• Support hazardous waste management programs for UTK, IAMM, and COM.

• Collect, transport, package, store, and coordinate disposal of hazardous waste.

• Coordinate hazardous waste shipments and maintain required regulatory records and documentation.

• Conduct required weekly inspections of Central Accumulation Areas (CAAs) and perform routine hazardous waste collections.

• Inspect Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs), student housing, laboratories, and other campus facilities for regulatory compliance.

• Respond to chemical spills and coordinate spill response, cleanup contractors, and vendors.

• Perform and assist with laboratory chemical cleanouts.

• Conduct incident assessments, document findings, and track corrective actions through closure.

• Develop environmental procedures, guidelines, plans, and Safety Manual documentation.

• Prepare required hazardous waste, Tier II, waste minimization, and regulatory reports.

• Interpret and communicate applicable TOSHA, TDEC, EPA, and other environmental regulatory requirements.

• Provide hazardous waste management and compliance training to faculty, staff, students, and vendors.

• Provide hazardous materials shipping and receiving training and support DOT-compliant shipments.

• Deliver CPR/AED/Basic First Aid training or other as assigned.

• Collect, store, and coordinate disposal of biological, sharps, mixed, and radiological waste.

• Provide technical assistance for environmental programs, including SPCC, SDWA, CAA, CWA, EPCRA, FIFRA, and TSCA.

• Assist with development and maintenance of Hazardous Waste Contingency Plans.

• Provide 24/7 EHS One Call emergency response coverage as assigned.

• Support a professional, respectful, and collaborative workplace and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree in one of the following areas of study – chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, environmental engineering, hazardous materials management, environmental management, industrial hygiene, toxicology, or similar program.

• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in safety and health, or environmental field experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Working knowledge of RCRA hazardous waste and applicable OSHA/TOSHA requirements, familiarity with DOT hazardous materials transportation requirements, knowledge of hazardous material handling, spill response, PPE, and basic sampling/monitoring equipment, ability to safely handle, maneuver, and assist with movement of 30- and 55-gallon containers using appropriate material-handling equipment, proficiency with standard computer applications and electronic recordkeeping systems, strong written and verbal communication, documentation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, ability to work independently and respond effectively during emergency situations, valid driver's license, and ability to participate in the University's respiratory protection program and wear required respiratory protection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in field of study described above.

• Experience: 5+ years of work experience in safety and health, or environmental field experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: All the above, including knowledge of other environmental programs to include, SPCC, SDWA, CAA, CWA, EPCRA, FIFRA, and TSCA (PCB, Asbestos, Lead) is preferred. Current 40-hour HAZWOPER training, RCRA hazardous waste training, DOT/IATA hazardous materials shipping training, and/or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) certifications are preferred.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite work only; office to be located at 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 119, Knoxville, TN 37921

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR08

• Starting Salary: $50,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 31, 2026.

About The College/Department/Division

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is committed to providing the safest, most healthful, and environmentally responsible learning and work environment in higher education. EHS serves the entire UTK community through a range of program areas, including Fire and Life Safety, Chemical and Laboratory Safety, Biological Safety, Radiation Safety, Research Safety Compliance, Industrial Worker Safety, Environmental Programs, and Occupational Health & Campus Risk Management. The department also supports Program Effectiveness, Accessibility, Culture & Engagement to foster a strong safety culture across campus.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!