Hazardous Waste Management Technicians

If you are interested in exploring careers in hazardous waste management, you should get involved in local chapters of citizen watchdog groups and become familiar with nearby Superfund sites. Ask yourself the following questions: What is being done at those sites? Who is responsible for the cleanup? What effect does the site have on nearby communities?

Additionally, understanding the problems of hazardous waste management and the controversy surrounding some of the limitations of Superfund will provide a more detailed picture of careers in this field. Ask your librarian or teacher to refer you to resources or visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site, https://www.epa.gov/hw. You might also try to arrange an information interview with a hazardous waste management technician. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Ask your school counselor to help arrange an interview.