Hazardous Waste Manager - Environmental Programs Division

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) provides the focus for the administration of all safety programs to Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke University Health System. OESO has the responsibility for developing institutional safety plans and policies; providing information and training to meet all regulatory requirements; providing technical consultation and guidance; conducting exposure and risk assessments; conducting safety audits; monitoring compliance with all safety policies; and investigating accidents, injuries, and reported unsafe conditions.

 

Specific to the Environmental Programs Division:
The Environmental Programs Division supports the University’s policy to minimize the environmental impact of its activities through the development, implementation, and tracking of a number of management programs and services. Services and programs include compliance assistance, training,    and hazardous chemical and radiological waste management.

 

Primary Purpose of Position:
This position has responsibility for managing the chemical and radiological waste programs, associated environmental compliance programs, and other assigned environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a number of tasks related to environmental management functions in the Waste Management Programs and Environmental Management Programs.  Duties include the on-site management of hazardous chemical, pharmaceutical, and radiological wastes, hazardous waste treatment or recycling, and managing environment compliance with those and associated programs.
• Serves as the chemical waste manager, Contingency Plan emergency coordinator, and provides technical support to the Main Campus as well as off-site facilities including research facilities, Duke University Marine Laboratory and other facilities, as needed.
• Serves as the technical expert on chemical waste management processes and provides support when needed in the collection, processing, packing and preparation of waste for transport.
• Manages the collection, accumulation, storage, shipment and recycling of Universal Wastes, including fluorescent lamps, batteries, computer CRTs and other substances deemed Universal Wastes by US EPA or other implementing agencies, generated across the campus, including the medical center and on-campus hospitals.
• Manages, to closure, a number of environmental compliance cases, as needed.
• Provides technical guidance and leadership to operating technicians to ensure that applicable standards, practices, and rules are being followed.
• Executes quality control procedures to improve processes and procedures.
• Keeps informed on all existing and proposed changes in EH&S regulations related to responsibilities.
• Leads or participates in program initiatives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost   management of waste collection, processing, treatment, shipment or disposal of wastes.
• Leads or participates in initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Chemical Waste data management system.
• Act as liaison with various officials internal and external to Duke.  Coordinate contract agreements with outside agencies.
• Serve as a member of the OESO spill response team, which may also include response on weekends and after regular business hours on a rotating schedule.

Other Position Characteristics:

• Accuracy Required in Work:  Failure to manage environmental programs properly as required by local, state, or federal regulations could result in significant monetary fines to the institution.
• Consequence of Error:  Same as 1 above.  Personal civil and criminal liability for gross errors is a possibility. Additionally, errors or oversights may present risk of injury and long-term health effects.