Hazardous Waste Technician Resume Guide
Hazardous waste technicians are responsible for the removal and disposal of hazardous materials. They work with a variety of chemicals and must take special precautions to avoid exposure to these dangerous substances. Hazardous waste technicians also clean up sites that have been contaminated by hazardous materials.
You have the skills and experience to safely handle hazardous waste, but potential employers don’t know about you. To make them aware of your qualifications, you need to write a resume that catches their eye.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Hazardous Waste Technician Resume Sample
Cristal Mueller
Hazardous Waste Technician
[email protected]
058-806-8470
linkedin.com/in/cristal-mueller
Summary
Dependable and detail-oriented hazardous waste technician with 4 years of experience in environmental cleanups and remediations. Seeking to leverage know-how in asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, and mold remediation to support the efforts of ABC Environmental Services. Played an integral role in reducing on-the-job injuries by 25% at XYZ Corporation through process improvements and safety training initiatives.
Experience
Hazardous Waste Technician, Employer A
Long Beach, Jan 2018 – Present
- Reviewed and updated site-specific health and safety plans according to federal, state and local regulations.
- Loaded hazardous waste onto trucks for transport to disposal facilities, ensuring that all containers were properly labeled and sealed.
- Participated in weekly safety meetings with other technicians, management and on-site contractors; provided input on ways to improve safety procedures.
- Utilized personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times when handling hazardous materials; trained new employees on the proper use of PPE.
- Thoroughly cleaned up spills and leaks using the appropriate cleaning supplies and techniques; documented all incidents in the company’s online database.
Hazardous Waste Technician, Employer B
Santa Rosa, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Compiled and recorded data on hazardous waste disposal, following all state and federal regulations.
- Mentored new employees on proper hazardous waste handling procedures and created Standard Operating Procedures for the department.
- Optimized hazmat storage to increase space by 30% and decrease risk of contamination.
- Proficiently operated specialized equipment to safely dispose of hazardous waste according to EPA guidelines.
- Successfully completed over 50 hazwaste pickups with zero accidents or incidents reported.
Skills
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Waste Disposal
- Waste Minimization
- Pollution Prevention
- Recycling
- Resource Conservation
- Environmental Compliance
- Emergency Response
Education
Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Hazardous Waste Technician
National Environmental Trainers
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
A resume summary or objective is like a trailer for the rest of your resume – it should provide essential information about your qualifications and experience as a hazardous waste technician and compel the reader to want to learn more. Some things you could mention in your summary include any certifications you hold, your experience safely disposing of various types of hazardous waste, and how many compliance audits you’ve successfully completed.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Enthusiastic hazardous waste technician with 4+ years of experience in environmental clean-up and abatement. Seeking to leverage expertise in hazardous waste removal, site remediation, and safety protocols to improve the ABC’s environmental compliance record. At XYZ, closed out 18 toxic sites ahead of schedule and under budget, while also developing new safety procedures that reduced on-the-job injuries by 23%.
Driven hazardous waste technician with 8+ years of experience in environmental services, including identifying and safely disposing of hazardous materials. Seeking to join ABC Corp where I can use my knowledge and expertise to make a positive impact on the environment. Throughout my career, have played an integral role in protecting public health by ensuring that dangerous materials are properly disposed of.
Proficient hazardous waste technician with 8+ years of experience managing and disposing of hazardous waste in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Eager to leverage expertise in safety procedures and chemical handling to support the hazardous waste management team at ABC. In previous roles, developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improved on-site safety by 38%.
Professional hazardous waste technician with 5+ years of experience in the environmental services industry. Seeking to leverage my experience and knowledge to grow with a company that is committed to protecting the environment. Highlights from my career include developing and implementing a new hazardous waste disposal process that saved the company $15,000 per month.
Seasoned hazardous waste technician with 9+ years of experience in the environmental services industry. Expertise in hazardous waste removal, transportation, and disposal procedures. In previous roles increased safety compliance by 15% and decreased customer complaints related to health hazards by 28%. Committed to providing safe work environments for all.
Hard-working and reliable hazardous waste technician with 2+ years of experience in environmental services. Seeking to leverage attention to detail and excellent customer service skills to grow with the hazmat team at ABC Corporation. At previous job, increased safety compliance by 15% through regular maintenance checks and employee education initiatives.
Determined and hardworking hazardous waste technician with 5+ years of experience in environmental services. Familiar with a variety of hazardous materials and their disposal methods. Trained in OSHA standards and regulations. Seeking to leverage background and knowledge to grow with a company that emphasizes customer service and satisfaction.
Reliable and detail-oriented hazardous waste technician with 4+ years of experience in environmental safety and compliance. Seeking to leverage knowledge of EPA regulations to improve hazardous waste management procedures at XYZ. At ABC, reduced the amount of regulated waste generated by 25% through process improvements and employee training.
2. Experience / Employment
The work history/experience section is where you detail your previous employment. It should be written in reverse chronological order, which means that your most recent job is listed first.
When providing information about what you did at each job, use bullet points for the majority of it; this will make it easier for the reader to take in everything you’re saying. Make sure to include specifics about what you did and any quantifiable results achieved.
For example, instead of just saying “Removed hazardous waste,” you could say “Successfully removed hazardous waste from 10+ homes per week, following all regulations and safety procedures.”.
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Monitored
- Inspected
- Sampled
- Analyzed
- Tested
- Treated
- Disposed
- Stored
- Loaded
- Unloaded
- Shipped
- Received
- Recorded
- Reviewed
- Updated
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Assessed
- Compiled
- Coordinated
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Presented findings on hazardous waste to upper management, which led to the implementation of a new waste disposal process that saved the company $5,000 per month.
- Stored and labeled hazardous waste materials in accordance with state and federal regulations; developed an inventory system that helped streamline retrieval time by 30%.
- Successfully completed 8-hour Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response Standard coursework and received certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Formulated a plan to dispose of 200 gallons of hazardous waste material, which was successfully executed with zero incidents or accidents.
- Led a team of 5 technicians in safely disposing of hazardous waste materials; oversaw all aspects of operations including training, scheduling, and safety procedures.
- Structured and coordinated the collection, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste from over 500 sites across the state, ensuring that all operations were carried out in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Represented the company at monthly meetings with the Department of Environmental Protection, providing updates on progress and addressing any concerns raised.
- Revised current policies and procedures to streamline operations and reduce costs by 10%.
- Consistently achieved high levels of customer satisfaction by responding quickly to queries and resolving any issues in a timely manner.
- Disposed of hazardous waste materials in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.
- Spearheaded the development of a new waste disposal process that reduced environmental contamination by 50%.
- Meticulously tested all incoming waste samples to determine appropriate disposal methods.
- Facilitated the safe disposal of over 1,000 tons of hazardous waste per year.
- Reduced on-site accidents by 25% through the implementation of new safety protocols.
- Reduced the amount of hazardous waste produced by the company by 20% through active waste management and recycling programs.
- Treated and disposed of hazardous waste according to government regulations, ensuring that the company was in compliance with all environmental laws.
- Achieved a 97% success rate in safely removing and disposing of hazardous materials from work sites.
- Actively participated in safety training programs for new employees on proper handling of hazardous materials.
- Updated safety protocols for handling and disposal of hazardous materials on a yearly basis.
- Inspected and prepared hazardous waste for disposal, independently managing all aspects of the process from start to finish.
- Demonstrated excellent safety awareness and adherence to all company policies and procedures, which resulted in zero accidents or incidents.
- Independently conducted site visits to assess potential hazards and risks associated with various types of waste; provided recommendations for mitigating these risks.
- Demonstrated excellent attention to detail when completing paperwork associated with the inspection and preparation of hazardous waste, which resulted in no errors or discrepancies.
- Received positive feedback from clients regarding the efficient and professional manner in which I handled their hazardous waste disposal needs.
- Assessed hazardous waste materials at various sites and created action plans for safely removing, transporting and disposing of the waste according to local, state and federal regulations.
- Effectively managed a team of 6 workers in executing hazardous waste removal projects; oversaw the completion of over 100 projects with zero safety incidents.
- Monitored worker performance closely and provided feedback/suggestions for improving work quality and efficiency; as a result, increased productivity by 15%.
- Reorganized the storage area for hazardous waste materials, which resulted in a 20% reduction in accidents involving spillage or exposure to dangerous chemicals.
- Shipped hazardous waste materials to approved disposal facilities using proper transportation methods; ensured that all shipping documents were completed accurately and filed in a timely manner.
- Advised clients on hazardous waste removal procedures, resulting in improved customer satisfaction rates by 15%.
- Expedited the hazardous waste removal process by implementing new safety protocols; reduced accidents by 22%.
- Introduced a paperless documentation system for tracking and managing hazardous waste data, saving the company $4,000 annually.
- Reliably maintained records of all incoming and outgoing shipments of hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
- Safely handled and disposed of hazardous wastes according to EPA standards, preventing environmental contamination.
- Developed and implemented hazardous waste management plans for over 100 businesses in the area, ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
- Unloaded, transported and disposed of hazardous waste materials in a safe and efficient manner, according to strict environmental guidelines.
- Analyzed samples of hazardous wastes to determine appropriate disposal methods; successfully identified over 20 different types of hazardous materials.
- Sampled and monitored air, soil and water quality near sites where hazardous waste was being handled; recorded data and prepared reports detailing findings.
- Confidently responded to emergencies involving the release of hazardous materials, providing expert guidance on how to contain the situation and protect nearby individuals & businesses from harm.
3. Skills
Skills required for hazardous waste technicians will differ from employer to employer, so it is essential that you tailor the skills section of your resume to each job that you are applying for.
Some companies may require specific certifications or licenses, while others might place a greater emphasis on customer service skills. Keep this in mind when crafting your skills section – the more relevant it is to the job posting, the better chance you have of getting noticed by an applicant tracking system (if one is being used).
Once listed here, you can further elaborate on your skillset by discussing it in more detail in other areas, such as the summary or experience section.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Emergency Response
- Environmental Compliance
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Pollution Prevention
- Recycling
- Resource Conservation
- Safety
- Waste Disposal
- Waste Minimization
4. Education
Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no work experience, mention your education below your resume objective. However, if you have significant work experience that is relevant to the hazardous waste technician job you are applying for, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.
If an education section is included, mention courses or subjects related to hazardous waste management if possible. For example “Courses included Hazardous Waste Management, Soil & Groundwater Remediation, and Solid Waste Management.”
Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications in the field of hazardous waste management show potential employers that you are knowledgeable and trained in this specialized area.
Including relevant certifications on your resume will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to perform the job safely and effectively. This can give you a significant advantage over other candidates who do not have these credentials.
Hazardous Waste Technician
National Environmental Trainers
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Cristal Mueller, this would be Cristal-Mueller-resume.pdf or Cristal-Mueller-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Submitting a cover letter along with your resume can give you a competitive edge in the job market. A cover letter is usually 2 to 4 paragraphs long and highlights key points that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
A cover letter allows you to go into more detail about your professional achievements and explain why you would be the perfect fit for the role. It also gives hiring managers a better sense of who you are as a person, which can help them make a decision when there are multiple candidates vying for the same job.
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Eriberto,
I am writing to apply for the Hazardous Waste Technician position at ABC Environmental Services. With over 10 years of experience working in environmental services and a strong background in hazardous waste management, I am confident I would make a valuable addition to your team.
In my current role as Hazardous Waste Technician at XYZ, I am responsible for managing the safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste materials from commercial and industrial sites. I have extensive experience conducting site assessments to identify potential hazards, developing safety protocols, and training employees on proper hazardous waste handling procedures. In addition, I have a proven track record of maintaining accurate documentation and records in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
My combination of technical skills and hands-on experience makes me well-suited for this position. In addition, my excellent communication and interpersonal skills allow me to build positive relationships with clients and co-workers alike. I am confident that I can be an asset to ABC Environmental Services and contribute to the success of your organization.
Please find attached a copy of my resume for your review. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Cristal