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Hazardous Materials Technician


Job Location:

Lawrence, KS - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 14 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 11 September 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

80% - Perform activities associated with the Universitys surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste management program which include:
  • Perform all tasks using best safety practice and within your capabilities notifying supervisor of any limitations or concerns.
  • Complete required regulatory safety and KU-specific training annually or as required.
  • Collect and remove surplus chemicals and/or hazardous materials waste from university facilities and return to EHS facilities for further processing.
  • Answer questions from and aid in the training of faculty staff and students concerning the surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste management program. Provide informal instruction and guidance to campus personnel so they may properly dispose of hazardous materials.
  • Transport hazardous materials between university facilities.
  • Identify and characterize solid waste used hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
  • Handle label package for disposal and transport identified hazardous materials waste to the KU-EHS Hazardous Materials Waste Accumulation Facility.
  • Apply local and federal regulations (KDHE EPA DOT etc.) pertaining to the storage surplus and disposal of solid waste universal waste used hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
  • Assist with documentation and record-keeping of surplus chemical and hazardous materials waste activities
  • Assist in cost saving disposal procedures such as bulking into drums or elementary neutralization of strong acids and bases.
  • Evaluate quality inventory segregate and redistribute surplus hazardous materials as appropriate.
  • Utilize knowledge of chemistry to determine the identity of unwanted materials that are labeled with chemical structures chemical formulas or abbreviations.
  • Handle highly hazardous materials: water reactive air reactive highly toxic spontaneously combustible strong oxidizers unknowns.
  • Work with the Asbestos Program to dispose of unwanted materials that are suspected to be made of asbestos containing material.
  • Work with the Radiation Safety Program to dispose of materials that are suspected to present a radiological hazard.
  • Perform weekly hazardous waste inspections of the EHS accumulation facilities.
  • Assist in maintaining evaluating improving and recommending new procedures for the minimization and management of hazardous materials/waste generated by the University.
  • Interact with personnel from contracted off-site hazardous waste disposal firm while they are on-site.
  • Assist in non-emergency response of chemical spills and/or releases.
10% - Perform activities associated with maintaining HMEP vehicles and spaces in good condition and working order.

5% - Participate as a member of the EHS HazMat Response Team.
  • Respond to hazardous materials releases as called upon and aid with spill control/cleanup within personal capabilities and limitations of protective equipment available.
  • Assist the Hazardous Materials Supervisor and HMEP Programs Manager in maintaining appropriate spill response control/cleanup equipment and materials.
5% - Perform other EHS duties as appropriate and assigned.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.

Work Schedule
M-F 8-5pm

Contact Information to Applicants
Jennifer Phillips



  1. Bachelors Degree in appropriate science or related field; or HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant work experience.
  2. Valid drivers license by time of appointment.
  3. Experience with Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office or other standard office software as evidenced by application materials.
  4. Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
  5. Ability to handle filled hazardous materials containers and safety PPE/equipment as demonstrated by past experience certifications and/or training.


  1. Bachelors degree in chemistry biology environmental science geology industrial hygiene or Safety.
  2. Previous work experience involving RCRA Compliance hazardous materials/waste disposal safety and emergency response.
  3. Previous work experience in a university environment.
  4. Experience with applicable Federal and State Regulations as evidenced by application materials.


Position Overview
This individual will report to the Hazardous Materials Supervisor in HMEP program of the KU Department of Environment Health & Safety (KU-EHS). This position has the primary responsibility of assisting the Hazardous Materials Supervisor in carrying out the day-to-day KU-EHS hazardous materials/waste disposal program activities. This position may also aid other EHS staff/programs on an as needed basis per the direction of the Hazardous Materials Supervisor. Specific duties are outlined in detail below:

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday Friday 8:00am 5:00pm
WORK LOCATION: Onsite campus properties & affiliates

The Department of Environment Health and Safety is a unit within KU Operations. EHS helps protect human health safety and the environment in a manner that enhances the quality of education research and public service on our campus. KU Operations supports KUs mission of learning scholarship and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the universitys academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year 96 hours of sick leave earned per year nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day a retirement program medical & dental insurance life and disability insurance other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences perspectives and backgrounds of our faculty staff students and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each others success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete application includes:
  1. Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
  2. Resume/CV
  3. List of three (3) professional references
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Tuesday June 23rd and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.


  1. Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds frequently and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
  2. Ability to bend stoop and/or kneel frequently.
  3. Ability to traverse steps ladders & outdoor uneven terrain.
  4. Work location is onsite Lawrence campus & affiliate properties.
  5. Valid drivers license by time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
  6. Successfully complete OSHA/EPA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training within 180 days of initial employment

Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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Thank you for your interest in employment with the University of Kansas. If you need assistance with the application process please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 785-864-4946.

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