Técnico de Operaciones con Residuos Peligrosos y Respuesta a Emergencias (HAZWOPER)

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Related roles: Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Waste Technician, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Hazardous Materials Response Technician, Environmental Remediation Technician, Environmental Cleanup Specialist, Chemical Spill Response Technician

Focos de atención

Títulos similares

Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Waste Technician, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Hazardous Materials Response Technician, Environmental Remediation Technician, Environmental Cleanup Specialist, Chemical Spill Response Technician

Descripción del trabajo

Humans have a knack for creating dangerous substances! From toxic chemicals and corrosives to medical waste, flammable materials, and explosives, the world produces about 400 million tons of hazardous materials every year. That’s about the same weight as a million Empire State Buildings!

Hazardous waste can be produced during the manufacturing of chemicals, petroleum, coal products, pesticides, fertilizer, iron, and steel. It also comes from waste treatment and disposal, radioactive elements, lead, asbestos, radon gas, arsenic, mercury—the list goes on.

With so many occurrences of hazardous materials, we need experts who know how to safely handle them. That’s where Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Technicians (or HAZWOPERs) come in!

These specially-trained pros make sure dangerous substances don’t jeopardize workers, communities, wildlife, and the environment. HAZWOPERs are also called out to respond to incidents and emergencies, where they can help clean up waste sites, manage spills, and contain or neutralize toxic materials!

Aspectos gratificantes de la carrera
  • Safely manage and mitigate hazardous material incidents
  • Protect the public, wildlife, and the environment from hazardous substances
  • Acquire valuable skills in emergency response and hazardous waste management
2021 Empleo
45,000
2031 Empleo proyectado
45,500
La primicia
Responsabilidades del trabajo

Horario de trabajo

HAZWOPERs work full time with overtime common due to emergencies or other incident response.

Tareas típicas

  • Respond to routine and emergency hazardous material incidents. Assess hazardous situations
  • When applicable, measure or test the hazard level posed by materials (such as radiation levels) using monitoring devices
  • Plan and execute procedures for safely managing and cleaning up hazardous materials
  • Work on teams to prevent exposure/contamination during emergency responses or waste operations
  • Prepare containment areas before starting work
  • Neutralize hazardous substances as needed before cleanup
  • Identify and wear the proper personal protective equipment for the situation (i.e., bodysuits, gloves, face shields, breathing apparatus, etc.)
  • Potentially work in confined spaces, at heights, or in inclement weather
  • Use detergents, chemicals, and/or tools to remove harmful materials from affected surfaces
  • Operate machines or vehicles to assist with cleaning, disposal, and transport
  • Mix concrete to encase waste that will be disposed of, as needed
  • Utilize bioremediation practices on substances that bacteria can safely break down
  • Pack, load, transport, or store waste. Follow strict hazardous waste disposal methods and laws
  • Label and track waste to be removed. Maintain documentation and records of where materials are moved
  • Sort at landfills or other sites, as directed; separate waste that could be recycled

Responsabilidades adicionales

  • Keep up-to-date on hazardous materials handling procedures and regulations
  • Comply with organizational, state, and federal policies or regulations regarding safety, ethical, and legal requirements
  1. Examples of federal agencies include the Environmental Protection 
    Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • Work closely with team leaders and members to ensure the overall job and all tasks are carried out safely and properly 
Habilidades necesarias en el trabajo

Habilidades blandas

  • Escucha activa
  • Orientado al cumplimiento
  • Coordinación
  • Pensamiento crítico
  • Orientado al detalle
  • Supervisión
  • Paciencia
  • Planificación y organización
  • Habilidades para resolver problemas
  • Seguridad:
  • Gran capacidad de comunicación
  • Buen juicio
  • Trabajo en equipo
  • Gestión del tiempo

Habilidades técnicas

  • Familiarity with chemicals including solvents and cleaners
  • Operation of hoists, forklifts, cranes, or trucks and bobcats (if needed)
  • Physical strength and stamina.
  • Safety and emergency response protocols (such as using emergency showers and eyewash stations)
  • Safe use of hand and power tools, such as vacuums, sandblasters, high-pressure sprayers, etc.)
  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and related gear
  • Use of hazardous material monitoring equipment
  • First aid/CPR
  • Incident Command System
  • National Incident Management System
  • OSHA lockout/tagout
  • Confined space entry and rescue
  • Knowledge of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Diferentes tipos de organizaciones
  • Chemical plants
  • Construction sites
  • Emergency response service providers
  • Agencias gubernamentales y medioambientales
  • Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities
    Laboratories
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Mining operations
  • Oil spill cleanup sites
  • Contratistas privados
  • Servicios de saneamiento y gestión de residuos
  • Superfund sites
Expectativas y sacrificios

Over the decades, there have been numerous environmental disasters involving toxic substances which affected the health and lives of hundreds or even thousands of people. In some cases, exposure can be so bad that it makes an area uninhabitable for years.

That’s why Hazardous Materials Removal Workers are very important jobs, which can involve responding to situations quickly. Shifts can run long when there’s a big, urgent job, and sometimes workers will try to take shortcuts during cleanup efforts. HAZWOPER Technicians, however, must take their time and ensure the job is done right, not only for safety reasons but also because violations can lead to expensive fines.

Obviously, hazardous waste is dangerous, so they also have to follow safety rules closely to avoid personal risk. They’re also expected to neutralize and clean all affected surfaces swiftly and effectively, so waste doesn’t impact other workers, the local community, nearby wildlife, or the environment in general. 

Tendencias actuales

The safe removal of hazardous material is a priority for the Environmental Protection Agency, OSHA, and many other governmental organizations. It’s also a matter of significance to private companies which can be hit with citations and massive fines for failing to comply with proper waste disposal rules.  

For example, in 2023, chemical manufacturer 3M was ordered to pay “$10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds.”

In 2021, the State of California sued Walmart for “illegal disposal of hazardous waste” such as “alkaline and lithium batteries, insect killer sprays and other pesticides, aerosol cans, toxic cleaning supplies, electronic waste, latex paints, and LED light bulbs” dumped in landfills.  

Clearly, the pressure is on companies to strictly comply with state and federal regulations designed to protect workers, the public, the environment, and wildlife.

¿Qué tipo de cosas disfrutaba la gente de esta carrera cuando era más joven...

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers may have enjoyed being outdoors or engaged in physical activities when they were younger. They may have also liked working as part of a team striving toward a common goal such as in sports. 

Educación y formación necesarias
  • Hazardous Materials Removal Workers must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED
  • Workers don’t need a college degree but must complete a training course based on OSHA standards
  • Employers determine the appropriate number of training hours (usually at least 40) covering:
  1. Site Safety and Health Personnel
  2. Hazards Identification
  3. Personal Protective Equipment
  4. Minimizing Risk Work Practices
  5. Safe Use of Controls and Equipment
  6. Medical Surveillance
  7. Safety and Health Plan Contents
  • Training programs must meet OSHA’s HAZWOPER standards. Many classes can be done online, but some might require a practical, hands-on component
  • Additional training is needed for respirator wear, nuclear materials, OSHA lockout/tagout, confined space entry and rescue, and other special areas
  1. Managers and supervisors must also complete extra training
  2. Related work experience, such as in construction, may help HAZWOPERs learn faster
  • Para trabajar o transportar determinados materiales de desecho, como amianto y plomo, son necesarios permisos o licencias expedidos por el Estado. Estos permisos o licencias suelen requerir la superación de un examen y la asistencia a clases de formación continua.
  • Workers may need to learn how to operate hoists, forklifts, cranes, or trucks. Training is usually provided
  • HAZWOPERs use various hand and power tools, such as vacuums, sandblasters, high-pressure sprayers, etc. Training is usually provided
  • First aid/CPR
  • Some positions may require knowledge of the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System
  • Las certificaciones opcionales incluyen:
  1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Hazardous Material Endorsement
  2. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management - Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
  3. International Board for Certification of Safety Managers - Certified Hazard Control Manager
Cosas que hay que buscar en una universidad
  • HAZWOPERs don’t need a college degree. Training is often provided by employers and through applicable governmental agencies, as needed. However, students can sign up for courses in hazardous materials management and waste technology at a community college or vocational/trade school if they want to pursue a certificate or associate degree. Courses and programs should meet OSHA requirements.
  • Those who want to qualify for higher-level positions may earn a bachelor’s in hazmat management or environmental science later. 
Cosas que hacer en el instituto y la universidad
  • Presta atención durante las clases de matemáticas y química del instituto, y participa como voluntario en actividades estudiantiles en las que puedas aprender sobre trabajo en equipo y gestión de proyectos.
  • Take shop classes to get used to working with hand and power tools or snag a part-time job in construction
  • Volunteer for construction projects in your community, such as with Habitat for Humanity
  • Engage in a physical exercise program to develop the strength and stamina needed for this job
  • Learn the various types of hazmat environments and career options. Try to decide which area you want to work in
  • Review job postings and look for opportunities in your area that provide training
  • Consider going a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers apprenticeship
  • Si es necesario, tome algunas clases relacionadas con materiales peligrosos o un certificado en una escuela de formación profesional o colegio comunitario para ayudar a mejorar sus credenciales.
  • Es posible que los trabajadores deban poseer un permiso de conducir válido, por lo que, si no lo tiene, le convendría estudiar y hacer el examen para obtenerlo.
Hoja de ruta típica
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Technician Roadmap
Cómo conseguir tu primer trabajo
  • Employers may provide all training necessary, but some want workers with prior experience or specialized certifications
  • Get practical work experience under your belt before applying, if possible. Jobs related to construction, cleaning, or working with tools and equipment will look good on an application!
  • Busque oportunidades de aprendizaje relacionadas con los materiales peligrosos o la construcción.
  • Check out job portals such as Indeed, Simply Hired, and Glassdoor, as well as Craigslist or the career pages of organizations you’re interested in working for
  • Let your network know you are looking for work. Many job opportunities are still discovered through personal connections and word-of-mouth!
  • Pregunta a antiguos supervisores y compañeros si pueden servirte de referencia personal.
  • You might not need a resume to apply, but check out HAZWOPER Technician resume templates to get ideas
  • Study Hazardous Materials Removal Worker interview questions to prepare for those interviews
  • The day-to-day work attire for hazmat workers isn’t fancy, but dress professionally for job interviews!
  • Si no tienes carné de conducir, es posible que lo necesites porque muchos trabajos requieren conducir un vehículo a motor.
Cómo subir la escalera
  • Habla con tu supervisor sobre las posibilidades de ascenso. Hazle saber que estás dispuesto a dar los pasos necesarios para ascender.
  • Actively seek out a mentor who can help develop your career
  • HAZWOPERs may get promoted after gaining enough experience and completing OSHA supervisor training
  • Complete advanced certifications when the time is right
  1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hazardous Material Endorsement
  2. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management’s Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
  • If you don’t have one, consider earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree
  • Acquire high-tech skills in digital tools and technologies such as 
    Geographic Information Systems or data analysis software
  • Solicite aprender a manejar cualquier herramienta, equipo o vehículo que pueda ayudarle a avanzar.
  • Volunteer to tackle a complex or high-visibility project
  • Try to work in various settings, such as government agencies, private industries, or non-profits, to broaden your experience. But also seek to specialize in a high-demand area, like industrial waste management, emergency response, or toxic materials handling
  • Build trust by taking your job seriously, following protocols, setting an example when it comes to safety, and demonstrating that you’re ready for more responsibility
  • Colaborar eficazmente en equipos y demostrar liderazgo
  • Para desempeñar algunas funciones son necesarios permisos o licencias expedidos por el Estado, por lo que debe obtenerlos lo antes posible.
  • Grow your professional network by joining unions and other organizations. Go to workshops or seminars. Write articles for industry journals
Plan B

Being a HAZWOPER means long hours, a lot of compliance with safety protocols, and potential exposure to harmful waste which can have long-term health effects. It’s an important job but may not be right for everyone.

If you want to explore a few related occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests the following:

  • Construction Laborer    
  • Bombero
  • Insulation Worker    
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator
  • Ordnance Handling Expert
  • Highway Maintenance Worker
  • Recycling and Reclamation Worker
  • Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
  • Septic Tank Servicer and Sewer Pipe Cleaner

You may also be interested in environmental careers such as:

  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist
  • Científico de la conservación
  • Inspector de construcción y edificación
  • Environmental Compliance Inspector
  • Environmental Engineering Technologist
  • Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer
  • Técnico de seguridad medioambiental
  • Científico medioambiental
  • Fire Inspector
  • Geological Technicians
  • Hazardous Waste Technician
  • Ingeniero de Salud y Seguridad
  • Hidrólogo    
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Microbiólogo    
  • Mining and Geological Engineer
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
  • Public Health Officer
  • Responsable de seguridad
  • Water/Wastewater Engineer
  • Water Resource Specialist
  • Biólogo de fauna salvaje

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