Hazardous Waste Management Specialists


Overview

Introduction

The title hazardous waste management specialist encompasses a group of people who do one or more of the following: identify hazardous waste, ensure safe handling and disposal, and work to reduce the generation of hazardous waste. Because their duties vary so widely, hazardous waste management specialists may work for a number of different employers, from producers of hazardous waste such as industry, hospitals, and utilities to government agencies that monitor these producers. They may also work for the solid waste or public health ...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$107,272

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


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Experience

Internship, part-time, or volunteer experience


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Skills

Math|Organizational|Scientific


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Personality Traits

Organized|Realistic|Scientific|Technical

Earnings

Salary.com reports that in January 2020, waste management managers had median annual incomes of $98,156, with salaries starting at $79,507 and ranging to $113,977 and higher. 

Specialists in the public and private sectors enjoy benefits such as full health plans, vacation time, and subsidized travel arrangements. Employer-paid training is a common benefit in this field, as regulations an...

Work Environment

The complexity of regulations often makes remediation work painstakingly slow, but it also provides a measure of job security. High-publicity sites may bring considerable political and social pressure to bear on those responsible for their cleanup, especially if work appears to be moving very slowly. Competition for lucrative contracts can be fierce, and considerable effort must be made by empl...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment of hazardous materials removal workers will grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2028. Those with advanced degrees, specific technical skills and knowledge, and success in past cleanup and remediation projects will have the best opportunities to find work. As with some other highly skilled environmental professions...