Hazardous Materials Associate

Cornell University is widely admired as one of the world’s most respected research and teaching institutions. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) provides comprehensive programs and services to support healthy, safe, and environmentally responsible practices for our world class faculty, staff, students and university community. EHS assists the campus community with compliance and promotes health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

   

With oversight from EHS's Environmental Engineer, the Hazardous Materials Associate performs duties and provides services related to the University's hazardous materials and solid waste programs (eg, chemical waste, radioactive waste and regulated medical waste). The primary function of the position is to enable the safe, effective and efficient management of hazardous materials and wastes in a manner that is compliant with applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations. S/he will provide services and implement procedures and programs that promote a safe, responsible, healthful and compliant work environment for the University.

• The position will have responsibilities that oversee programs, procedures and policies that support and maintain regulatory compliance regarding hazardous waste, including:Collection, segregation and overall management of hazardous wastes (Chemical, Radiological, Regulated Medical)

• Adhere to proper waste handling, packaging, labelling and disposal methods

• Coordinate with disposal vendors to arrange logistics for waste removal

• Update and maintain records and documentation related to hazardous wastes

• Lead or participate in the generation of reports related to hazardous wastes to maintain regulatory compliance

• Lead or participate in the management of hazardous waste storage facilities

• Serve as a technical resource for the campus community on hazardous waste procedures

• Provide training to faculty, staff, students, vendors and others, as necessary

• Conduct weekly inspections, audits, self-assessments and risk analyses

• Provide support, as necessary, to the operations, maintenance and monitoring activities required for inactive hazardous waste disposal sites

• Respond to hazardous materials emergencies during and after normal working hours

 

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or other formal four-year training program in chemistry, health physics, science, engineering, safety, industrial hygiene, environmental or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Up to 2 years of experience in hazardous waste management programs, including at least 6 months experience with laboratory related Radioactive, Regulated Medical (biohazardous) or Hazardous Chemical waste handling operations.

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.

• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and mentor colleagues.

• Demonstrated use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.

• Proven record of completing work on time and within budget

• Ability to meet hazardous materials response criteria, including HAZWOPER training, medical clearance, demonstrating technical proficiency, and on-call availability both during and after normal working hours

• Must have a valid NYS driver license and a good driving record

• Ability to obtain a valid commercial driver license with hazardous materials endorsement within 3 months of hire.

• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more

• Ability to pass a background check, as required by Cornell.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hazardous waste management programs, including laboratory-related waste handling operations, and hazardous materials response.

• Strong working knowledge of USEPA and NYSDEC regulations for hazardous waste generators

• Experience with EHS management systems

• Experience working in a University setting

• Experience working directly with regulators

• Specialty training and/or certifications in the following:

• Environmental regulations, including RCRA

• DOT hazardous materials transportation and shipping

• HAZWOPER

• Incident Command System

• Other safety or environmental certifications (CHMM, CIH, CSP, CPESC)

  

University Job Title:

Hazardous Materials Associate

   

Job Family:

Facilities & Safety Services

   

Level:

E

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$65,447.00 - $75,632.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

Endowed

   

Contact Name:

Tonya Eiklor

   

Contact Email:

[email protected]

   

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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2026-01-26