Hazardous Waste Management Technicians

Participating in an internship during college will be provide useful experience. To work at some nuclear facilities, hazardous waste management technicians need at least two years of related work experience.

Hazardous waste management technicians work with toxic and volatile materials. To ensure their own safety, and that of others, they must be extremely alert and accurate. They also must be able to follow orders. Some, but not all, positions require technical and scientific aptitude. Hazardous waste management technicians usually work in teams, so they must be able to cooperate and communicate well with others. Good reasoning skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to respond to unexpected conditions are also important.

Technicians must be rule followers, and they must be careful listeners. Regulations drive this industry; there are standards and guidelines that must be followed for every part of the hazardous waste management technician's job. If a standard requires the hazardous waste management technician to collect a half-liter sample, he or she must get exactly that. When hazardous waste management technicians do not follow regulations, the price can be high. They can cost their employers or clients a great deal of money in fines, or, worse, they can endanger their lives and the lives of others. Good technicians also must be flexible, able to spot problems, and able to think quickly on their feet.