Regulated Waste Compliance Specialist - Division of Research Safety - 1025694-6689

at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Under the direction of the program manager, management of program elements associated with regulated waste that are conducted by DRS staff members to ensure the program conforms with government regulations and professional standards. This includes waste collection, transportation, storage, comingling, and shipment for disposal and facility-related maintenance, repair, and improvements.
• Proactively communicate deficiencies, revised procedures, and other changes to the Regulated Waste Compliance Manager or Regulated Waste Operations Manager, as appropriate.
• Work under the direction of the program manager to implement comprehensive regulatory oversight programs.
  Facilitate the development and growth of a culture among the campus community to ensure compliance for disposal practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to gain alignment on compliance and safety issues.
• Conduct site gap assessments and develop action plans to ensure regulatory compliance of regulated waste generation and disposal.
• Review and apply federal, state, and local regulations, campus policies, and DRS programs.

• Perform and coordinate services related to waste characterization, analytical testing, recordkeeping, and other activities necessary for compliance with regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Assist manager in preparing reports, permit applications, and maintain all necessary documentation required to demonstrate compliance with internal policy and government regulations.
• Provide assistance to waste generators on campus, including consultation for non-routine waste streams or circumstances.
• Communicate regulatory requirements to campus in written and oral form.
• Communicate processes to improve compliance with regulations and campus policy.
• Assist the program manager in communicating with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Assist the program manager in coordinating and communicating with regulated waste vendors or applicable contractors.
• Participate as a member of the DRS team providing support through open communication and professionalism. Support strategies that foster teamwork and interdependence. Assist DRS staff as needed in related and/or overlapping duties.

• Support EPA inspections, correspondence, and help to ensure site readiness.
• Monitor the progress of the scientific, professional, and regulatory environments related to regulated waste management.
• Maintain knowledge base related to these environments.
• Perform duties as needed to further enhance the mission and goals of DRS.

• Bachelor's degree.
• 1+ year demonstrated hands-on experience working with chemicals or hazardous waste.
• 1+ year demonstrated experience in an environment that handles hazardous waste (chemical, PIMW, radioactive).

• Three years of hands-on experience working with chemicals or hazardous waste.
• Experience providing compliance oversight of federal and state regulations relevant to the duties of this position.
• Experience effectively communicating with regulators and hazardous waste contractors.
• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to synthesize detailed information and provide critical insights across functional areas.
• Detail oriented.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, including handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of RCRA regulations and an understanding of the research culture in a University setting.
• Knowledge of making hazardous waste determinations in accordance with RCRA.
• Ability to apply requirements and regulations to a variety of settings.
• Knowledge of the sensitive nature of research, equipment, and data.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and the capability to respond to emergencies promptly.
• Exemplary communication, personal relations, team, and presentation skills.
• The ability to perform with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems.