Job Details

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Position Number: 7199135
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Requisition Number: 72370
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 22-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Hazardous Materials Specialist! This position supports the hazardous materials/waste program by performing the collection, packaging, transport, storage, classification, record keeping and disposal of hazardous waste according to UCB policies and procedures. This position also performs a multitude of other regular duty functions when needed.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

EH&S provides comprehensive safety oversight, training, compliance assurance and hazardous material management/disposal services to all campus operations. We coordinate with University Risk Management regarding campus safety liabilities/risks and develop programs to proactively address issues; develop and implement occupational safety programs that work to reduce risk management liabilities and claims, and coordinate responses to critical campus incidents and ensure appropriate hazard mitigation and remediation for hazardous materials incidents in full compliance with state, federal, and/or local regulations.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Implement, supervise and evaluate the collection, packaging and transport of hazardous materials/waste in accordance with local, federal, and state regulations and established UCB procedures and policies. Make independent operational decisions regarding the classification of hazardous waste/materials; this requires a technical evaluation of the chemistry, compatibility, toxicity and reactivity of chemical wastes and the regulatory requirements for disposal. Perform hazardous materials/waste processing operations in the Treatment Storage & Disposal Facility (TSDF), including: packaging of chemical wastes for disposal and transport; consolidation of compatible chemicals into profiled waste streams for disposal. Ensure the most efficient means of transport and disposal is used for each type of waste.
Perform offsite shipment procedures including: preparation of containers for transport, coordinating with waste disposal vendors to ensure safety and compliancy of disposal of wastes, review shipping paperwork and provide proper data management to ensure cradle to grave tracking ability of wastes. Prepare documentation for shipments including preparation of manifests, Land Disposal Restrictions and other documentation.
Maintain and inspect the TSDF in accordance with Part B permit. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for specific operations performed in the TSDF and other aspects of duties where relevant. Assist in training new or less senior EH&S employees on hazardous waste management methods, waste handling procedures specific to the work unit, and operations within the TSDF.
Maintain the campus-wide biohazardous waste program including: collection of wastes, maintenance of collection areas and receptacles, preparation of waste manifests for shipment. Study and interpret applicable federal, state and local regulations and implement appropriate day-to-day compliancy procedures for collection, classification, packaging, transportation, storage and disposal of biohazardous wastes. Inspect biohazardous waste collection areas to ensure materials are properly packaged, labeled and stored; ensure wastes meet specifications of the waste disposal profile and good housekeeping practices are being maintained at collection areas. Consult with biohazardous waste generators in the proper procedures, program guidelines, and rules and regulations pertaining to bio-hazardous waste management. Advise the campus Biosafety officer of any issues of non-compliance and help facilitate operations.
Perform duties not otherwise specified, including operation of distillation unit (serves to recycle widely used solvents on campus reducing waste generation and costs to labs); battery recycling to include collection, sorting, taping and packaging for shipment to offsite vendor; cylinder evaluation, devalve and disposal; container reuse program; brown glass collection for recycling (partnership with Green Labs), chemical redistribution, etc.
Address questions/concerns from waste generators to facilitate safe and effective hazardous waste management. Assist in attaining regulatory compliance by performing onsite inspections when visiting generator sites during waste pickups. Provide guidance to hazardous materials/waste generators in the proper procedures, program guidelines and rules and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials/waste management.
Be a member of EH&S Emergency Response team. Make operational decisions regarding safe and regulatory compliant mitigation of hazardous chemical releases and situations. Provide spill remediation/containment expertise and specialized hazmat support to other emergency responders. Be after-hours primary contact (in EH&S staff pool) for emergencies involving chemical spills, health complaints, biohazards, radiation exposure and other types of hazards involving the health and safety of the Campus community. Inventory and maintain (own) protective equipment to ensure personal safety. Maintain necessary supplies and perform or update required trainings to perform all aspects of job.

What You Should Know

This in-person position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $55,100 - $83,200 annually.
A signing bonus is available according to department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for the education and year of experience.
40 hour Hazardous Waste Operator certification upon hire or within two months of hire date.
Ability to acquire and maintain a Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months of employment.
Ability to pass a motor vehicle background check and be authorized to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
Must satisfactorily complete a pre-placement physical and a medical evaluation for the operation of a CMV.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently, and maneuver up to 600 lb drums on occasion using a drum dolly.
Must live within one hour of campus under normal driving conditions, within twelve (12) months of hire.
Ability to respond to emergency situations at all times, including non-working hours, weekends and holidays.
Must be medically certified to wear respirators (SCBAs and air-purifying) within 3 months of hire.

What You Will Need

Excellent customer service skills.
Working knowledge of Macintosh or Windows computer, word processing and database applications (Microsoft Office).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by June 22, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Hazardous-Materials-Specialist/72370