The Rise of HAZWOPER related positions
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) jobs are on the rise, and many AEC professionals are now considering switching to this career or beginning a career in this field. HAZWOPER is an essential career that identifies and removes hazardous waste, such as radioactive waste or asbestos. They’re also involved in construction projects where they handle and clean up dangerous or toxic materials.
HAZWOPER professionals work according to strict guidelines for treating, storing, and disposing waste. These guidelines are dictated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You’ll work in highly trained teams to ensure no toxic materials are left behind following a cleanup.
In addition to structural and building cleanups, HAZWOPER jobs involve working in any environment with hazardous waste that could harm people or the environment. These jobs are essential for keeping cities clean and free from dangerous and toxic materials that could lead to severe injuries.
HAZWOPER jobs are essential for every city, and though the job is challenging, many AEC professionals are rising to it. They also work on cleaning up after natural and human-made disasters and emergencies, such as accidents. HAZWOPERs are therefore necessary for safeguarding lives and properties in high-risk and disaster-prone areas such as California. These individuals may also take records and conduct reports on the contaminant levels of particularly harmful waste like radioactive materials.
Work Environment
HAZWOPER jobs are field related with hardly any desk time. Depending on the type of cleanup, you’ll either work in confined spaces or out in the open in different weather conditions. Many workers find the continuously changing work site exciting and varied. It’s not uncommon to work in heavy rain on one day and work in a crawl space or attic on another.
Work environments may vary from building projects to incinerators or nuclear power plants. The work can be challenging and dangerous, but it’s also rewarding. Hazardous waste workers must remain safe and protect themselves by wearing protective gear.
You’ll need to be in coveralls, glasses, respirators, gloves, and other protective equipment to keep from coming in direct contact with the dangerous contaminants you’ll be working with. This is a vital part of the job, and employers will often only consider hiring candidates who can wear protective equipment for a long time. Working in line with guidelines and following your supervisor’s instructions reduces the risk of injuries and workplace accidents.
Training
Training requirements for HAZWOPER jobs are limited, and anyone can get started in this role. There’s no formal education required to become a hazardous waste operator; however, you’ll need to have at least a high-school diploma. A bit of formal training also leads to HAZWOPER certifications awarded by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These courses cover knowledge on staying safe at work sites and take little time to complete.
Most of the training you’ll get as a HAZWOPER is by learning on the job. You’ll gain experience by watching others work and following instructions from supervisors and teammates.
HAZWOPER Jobs in California
HAZWOPER workers are in high demand in many cities in California. The job outlook is promising for any AEC professionals looking to enter this career in the golden state. The rules for training and working as a HAZWOPER in California are in line with federal regulations with a few additions.
Working as a HAZWOPER in California will mean you’ll be adhering to stricter rules on personal safety equipment and have more health and safety plans. These are set in place by CalOSHA, California’s division of OSHA to enforce workplace safety in both the private and public sectors.
If you choose to work in California, you’ll need to take the initial HAZWOPER training. This could either be the HAZWOPER 40-hour training course or the 20-hour course. You’ll also need to take additional courses each year with an 8-hour course as a HAZWOPER refresher, and the lessons you take will be in line with your HAZWOPER field.
HAZWOPER Salaries in California
According to ZipRecruiter, California’s hazardous waste operations and emergency response workers make $19.88 an hour or $41,237 annually. This is promising news for anyone looking to practice in California as HAZWOPER workers located here earn higher than the national average salary for HAZWOPER workers at $39,120.
There’s also room for higher salary options based on skills and level of experience, and location. Some cities in California, such as San Francisco and Bolinas, pay as much as $45,778. The salary outlook for HAZWOPER workers is promising, as experts project it’ll grow by 11 percent over the next five years.
Hiring for HAZWOPER in California
American Integrated Services (AIS)
American integrated services was founded in 1998 and has its headquarters in Wilmington, with locations scattered around California. They provide turnkey environmental construction services. Their skilled teams offer excellent work and have worked on complex projects providing support for environmental challenges. You can find current job openings on their careers page.
Some of their services include:
- Environmental remediation and construction
- Waste management
- Emergency and disaster response
- Industrial demolition and abatement
Essel Environmental
Essel is hiring a HAZWOPER certified environmental technician. Essel was founded in 2003 with the vision of providing an alternative to large conglomerates by helping public sector clients manage hazardous materials. The company is based in Oakland, California and provides various environmental and emergency response services. You can find their current job openings on their careers page.
some of their services include:
- Asbestos testing
- Wildfire recovery services
- Lead testing
- Soil Testing
- PCB removal and caulking
AllTech Environmental Services
Alltech is hiring a HAZWOPER technician to join their team for ongoing projects. The company is located in Long Beach, California and was founded in 1995. They pride themselves on providing environmental and project field support services to the entire western region. You can find their current job openings here. Their services include:
- Field support services
- Engineering
- Emerging technologies
Certis Solutions connects you with opportunities to work with AEC firms with different specializations. Our team of recruiters is focused on setting you up with the right team to make the most of your abilities and qualifications. Contact us today to get started on finding your dream role.