at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Environmental Health and Safety Technician I - Division of Research SafetyThis position requires in-person work on campus and follows a compressed schedule (Monday-Thursday 7am-4pm and Friday 7am-10:30am)
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.
Job Summary
Provide technical support services primarily to the University's Division of Research Safety (DRS) Regulated Waste (RW) program by performing required environmental health and safety tasks, including hazardous materials management. Duties involve exposure to and proper handling of highly hazardous chemicals (including explosive, flammable, toxic, reactive, infectious, and radioactive materials) and operating heavy equipment, laboratory instruments, and pumps.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Waste Management
- Safely transport and transfer waste to storage facilities
- Operate and maintain equipment at storage facilities
- Maintain necessary records associated with waste management
- Transport/store materials for final disposal.
- Waste Collection
- Collect waste and samples from campus facilities
- Receive, organize, and schedule collections/waste pick-ups
- Prepare waste prior to disposal
- Perform general waste management tasks
- Maintain all necessary documentation
- Collect, enter, and maintain data for regulatory compliance
- Prepare standard reports
- Safety Testing
- Assist with laboratory safety programs
- Test safety devices, such as emergency showers and eye washes
- Administrative Operations
- Perform routine tasks for CW program
- Order supplies
- Respond to pick-up/scheduling questions
- Prepare documentation of procedures and program elements, including recommendations for improvements and updates, as needed
- Perform other duties as needed to enhance the mission and goals of DRS
- Facility Maintenance
- Assist with maintenance of the hazardous waste storage facilities, including general housekeeping duties
The incumbent must have the ability to wear a work uniform, steel toe shoes/boots, eye, face, and hand protection, respiratory protection (negative pressure full face respirator), and other protective equipment or clothing, if required by position. The incumbent will be expected to transport and manipulate 55-gallon drums weighing from 50 to 500 pounds with the aid of a drum dolly, handle packages (bags, barrels, boxes) weighing up to 100 pounds, and lift containers weighing up to 50 pounds. The incumbent will qualify for these demands during a pre-employment physical. The incumbent must be willing to work in physically stressful situations, cope with seasonal weather changes, and handle dangerous and hazardous materials.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any one or any combination totaling eighteen (18) months from the following categories:
- College course work in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
- Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
- Work experience that required environmental health and safety knowledge and skills.
- College course work in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- Possession of a State of Illinois Class D driver's license required.
- Eligible to obtain approval by a medical practitioner to wear a respirator required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to understand the conceptual framework of microbiology and chemistry, which would be obtained through college course work in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
- Ability to operate vehicles up to 28 feet long and 8 feet wide.
- Ability to accurately use computerized record systems and standard office programs.
- Ability to follow-up on projects and use initiative and sound judgment.
- Ability to operate large vehicles/machinery.
- Good communication, personal relations, time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3988 - Environmental Health & Safety Technician I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $40,000 to $45,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1032147
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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