Occupations in the Hazardous Waste Industry protect people and the environment by investigating the occurrence of hazardous waste, designing remediation (cleanup) plans, and cleaning up and disposing of hazardous waste.

JOB DUTIES

Workers in these occupations may:

Conduct special studies to obtain technical environmental information regarding planned projects to identify, solve, or alleviate environmental problems

Collect and prepare samples for analysis or examination

Analyze samples of water, air, soil, or waste to determine the identity of toxic compounds and develop technology to treat the problem

Use sophisticated equipment such as magnetometers and ground penetrating radar to look underground without digging to assess ground water contamination

Assess environmental impact and prepare impact statements required for final evaluation of proposed actions

Assemble temporary buildings at cleanup sites

Incinerate hazardous waste at high temperatures on the cleanup site, with approval

Provide on-site treatment of ground water, surface water, and pond liquids, if possible

Haul hazardous waste to an approved treatment and/or disposal site

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Hazardous Waste Industry Workers may specialize in handling and disposing of waste currently produced by industry. Others may clean up existing sites identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the country's most hazardous and subject to "Superfund" priority.

Occupational specialties include:

005.061-014 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS identify, solve, or alleviate environmental problems by using knowledge of chemical, civil, mechanical, or other engineering disciplines.

022.061-010 POLLUTION CONTROL CHEMISTS analyze hazardous wastes and devise technologies or processes to treat them.

041.061-094 STAFF TOXICOLOGISTS study the effects of toxic substances on the physiological functions of human beings, animals, and plants to develop data for use in consumer protection and industrial safety programs.

024.161-010 SOILS ENGINEERS investigate how contaminants affect soils and how they are transported through soils.

024.061-034 HYDROLOGISTS assess ground water and surface water contamination by studying the distribution, disposition, and development of waters of land areas.

168.267-086 HAZARDOUS-WASTE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS conduct studies on hazardous waste management projects and provide information on treatment and containment of hazardous waste.

199.364-014 LABORATORY RESEARCH ASSISTANTS collect samples, prepare them for analysis, and perform routine laboratory tests.

859.683-010 HEAVY-EQUIPMENT OPERATORS run power construction equipment such as compressors, pumps, hoists, cranes, back-hoes, bulldozers, and motor graders to excavate, move, and grade the earth at hazardous waste sites.

869.664-014 CONSTRUCTION LABORERS, also called hazardous waste removers, work in a utility capacity at cleanup sites; mixing materials, erecting temporary buildings, setting up concrete forms, and cleaning up.

905.663-014 HEAVY TRUCK DRIVERS secure cargoes (hazardous materials) and transport them to facilities for treatment and disposal. They may pour concrete or operate sprinklers from specialized trucks.

Other occupations include construction managers, risk assessment specialists, analytical chemists, incinerator operators, and biologists.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Professional and technical workers usually work as part of a team in industry or government agencies. Those working in consulting, design, or research spend much of their time in offices or laboratories which are comfortable, modern, and well equipped. Professionals often have management or supervisory responsibilities.

Workers at industrial or cleanup sites often resembles heavy construction. Heavy equipment and hazardous wastes can create a dangerous work environment. Work may be done in hot, cold, or bad weather. Most workers in this industry work a 5-day, 40-hour week. However, when hazardous spills occur or deadlines approach, longer hours may be necessary. Management staff, unlike other workers who punch a time clock, may be on call 24-hours a day. Workers in this industry must travel to various job sites.

Workers at cleanup sites are required to wear protective clothing such as safety shoes, protective glasses, gloves, and hard hats. They may wear protective body suits, respirators, or fresh air supply apparatus provided by the employer.

There are many organizations which professional and technical workers in this industry may join, depending on their specialty. These organizations have membership fees, usually paid by the worker. Construction trade workers usually belong to unions and must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Working with your hands, tools, and machines

• Working outdoors

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason, make judgements, and follow specific directions

• Perform mathematical operations

• Understand drawings of three-dimensional objects

• Plan, direct, and control the activities and work of others

• Evaluate information using personal judgment

• Evaluate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Communicate well, both verbally and in writing

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You are testing a water sample 100 parts per million benzene. How many micrograms of benzene per liter of water are there?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

If we assume that we know the dependencies on temperature, pressure, and concentration of the chemical potentials of the components in all of the phases involved, the purpose of the thermodynamic analysis is to predict the characteristics of the equilibrium state.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an analysis report of the research conducted for a sample of water.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, and be detail oriented in assessing and researching hazardous waste.

Federal law requires every worker at a hazardous waste site to have received safety training. A minimum of 40 hours is required of cleanup workers. The Environmental Protection Agency has developed its own curriculum called Hazardous Materials Incidents Response Training Program. As many as 200,000 Workers will receive this training. Drivers of heavy trucks or vehicles carrying hazardous materials must have a chauffeur's license and obtain special "vehicle group designation" and "endorsement", if needed.

All states and the District of Columbia require the licensing (registration) of engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public. There are many certifications for various technicians, some mandatory and some voluntary, offered by state agencies and professional associations.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: Because of the diversity of the occupations in this script, there is a wide range of education and training requirements depending on the occupational specialty. Environmental Engineers, Pollution Control Chemists, Staff Toxicologists, Soil Engineers, Hydrologists and Hazardous-Waste Management Specialists need at least a Bachelor's degree for entering this occupation. Laboratory Research Assistants usually need an Apprenticeship, but may enter with on-the-job training. Construction Laborers and Heavy Truck Drivers may enter this occupation with on-the-job training or by earning a Certificate from a private Vocational School.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

029 CHEMISTRY

Programs in Chemistry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment using the science of Chemistry. Chemists generally do research on the properties, composition, and reactions of substances in order to formulate and develop new materials for both industrial and consumer markets. Individuals who teach Chemistry at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.  

     Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

029 OPERATING ENGINEER

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALISTS

Each military base is a small community. The health and well-being of the residents and surrounding land is a major concern of the services. Keeping military work places and living areas sanitary helps to prevent illness. Environmental health specialists inspect military facilities and food supplies for the presence of disease, germs, or other conditions hazardous to health and the environment.

What They Do

Environmental health and safety specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Monitor storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste

• Analyze food and water samples to ensure quality

• Conduct health and safety investigations of living quarters and base facilities

• Provide training on industrial hygiene, environmental health, and occupational health issues

• Monitor noise and radiation levels at job sites

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include algebra, biology, chemistry, and general science. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in gathering information

• Preference for work requiring attention to detail

• Interest in protecting the environment

Work Environment

Environmental health specialists work indoors while inspecting food facilities and buildings. They work outdoors while inspecting waste disposal facilities and field camps.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to inspect foods for quality and freshness.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 11 to 19 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in making health and sanitation inspections. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Identification of health hazards

• Inspection of food products and food service operations

• Inspection of wastewater and waste disposal facilities

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Special Requirements

Some specialties require a minimum age of 18 to enter this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Most civilian environmental health and safety specialists work for local, state, and federal government agencies. Their duties are similar to the duties of military environmental health specialists. They may be called food and drug inspectors, public health inspectors, health and safety inspectors, or industrial hygienists.

Opportunities

The services have about 2,700 environmental health and safety specialists. On average, they need about 250 new specialists each year. After job training, environmental health and safety specialists help to make inspections. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise other environmental health and safety specialists. Eventually, they may become superintendents of environmental health programs at large military bases.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Professional and technical jobs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Although experience is preferred, shortages in some fields (such as geophysics) allow new college graduates good prospects. Usually, jobs with federal and state government serve as first steps for professionals to gain the three or more years of experience sought by private engineering, consulting, and cleanup firms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the federal agencies which participates in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to school. Technicians often gain experience in postsecondary programs in chemistry and engineering where they learn their skills. Heavy-Equipment Operators and Construction Laborers can gain experience through summer or part-time work with small construction companies. Military service can provide experience for technicians, Heavy-Equipment Operators, and Construction Laborers. Heavy Equipment Operators can gain experience through a formal apprenticeship also.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Occupation in Hazardous Waste Industry employer

internships

volunteer work with a Occupation in Hazardous Waste Industry employer

community service work with an agency

Direct application to employers is the most common method of entry. Newspaper want ads, local unions, and listings in professional publications are also sources of jobs. Technical institutes, universities and community colleges provide placement assistance for professional, technical, and technician jobs.

Offices of Michigan Works! have information about professional and technical jobs with federal and state agencies and private firms, as well as information about the jobs of Heavy-Equipment Operator or Construction Laborer. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

JobOptions

The Building Industry Exchange (http://www.building.org)

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Hazardous Waste Industry Workers depend on education, experience, field of specialization, and job responsibilities. Engineering consulting firms and cleanup contractors usually pay more than government, but require more experience.

Nationally, recent college graduates in Environmental Engineering had average earnings of $37,458 per year in 1998. Environmental Engineers with some experience earned between $37,700 and $66,100 annually in early 1998. Those with considerable experience who direct major projects may earn in excess of $100,000 per year.

Professional engineers are those who have a degree from an accredited engineering school, have at least four years of acceptable experience after graduation, and have successfully completed an examination. Nationally, licensed professional engineers in environmental engineering, earned average annual salaries of $70,499, in early 1998. Those working in Michigan averaged $62,760 (early 1998).

Many Workers in the hazardous waste industry work for various units of government. As federal workers, Environmental Protection Agency engineers with a bachelor's degree started at either $26,762 or $33,151 (1999). Those with a master's degree started at $40,555. Environmental Engineers with the State of Michigan earned from $37,521 to $66,419 (mid 1999), depending on experience and level of responsibility. Environmental quality analysts earned from $28,668 to $66,524; and environmental technicians earned from $23,511 to $45,602.

In Michigan, hourly wage rates including fringe benefits, for various unionized construction workers at cleanup sites were (early 1999):

Depending on the employer, employees in the Hazardous Waste Industry may receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and retirement plans. Some receive tuition reimbursement, use of a company car, and expense accounts.

Career advancement opportunities are available to those willing to put together education, training, and experience. The career ladder for a professional worker may look like this: junior engineer; Environmental Engineer; senior Environmental Engineer; project manager; administrator. A career ladder for construction trades workers may be: apprentice/trainee; Heavy-Equipment Operator; crew leader; supervisor or contractor. Experienced professional and technical workers may become self-employed consultants. Workers in construction trades such as Heavy-Equipment Operator may work on their own as contractors using their own or rented equipment.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The growth in the number of hazardous waste industry jobs can be illustrated by looking at the number of federal superfund-related professional and technical jobs. Growth is expected to be much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006.

Thousands of jobs will be created by firms which dispose of hazardous waste currently produced by industry and by firms which clean up existing sites. Many of these jobs are at the technicians or blue-collar level. Many workers with construction skills move into or out of this industry as local needs demand.

Spending on hazardous waste management and remediation, which includes products, consulting and engineering services, and costs involved in litigation, should stabilize from an actual $14.7 billion in 1995 to an estimated $14.6 billion in 1998, according to one environmental consulting research report.

It is not known how many people work in the hazardous waste industry in Michigan. Michigan does have a larger share of these workers than most states because it has a special cleanup fund in addition to the federal funds. Industrial redevelopment has added to the number of sites which require cleanup. Almost all industries generate some waste which required special handling and disposal.

Job opportunities in the hazardous waste industry in Michigan are expected to grow much faster than the average for all jobs. Most openings will be due to rapid growth in the industry.

The Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) estimates that American industry produces more than 260 million tons of hazardous wastes annually. Until recently, much of this waste was not handled and disposed of properly.

The identification and cleanup of hazardous waste sites have been spurred by the $9.0 billion federal superfund. Michigan has added additional state funds to its share of the federal money, so there will be even more activity in Michigan than in most other states. Between 1993 and 1996, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded (35) Site Assessment Grants totaling $7.7 million. Grants aid local governments with environmental investigations of property that may be contaminated and has redevelopment potential. Likewise during this period, DEQ has awarded (22) Site Reclamation Grants totaling $15 million. These assist local governments in investigating and remediating known sites of contamination that will be used for identified economic development projects.

In addition to the chemical treatment and burning (incineration) of hazardous waste, technologically advanced "superbugs" (microbes) are being developed to eat and break down contaminants, rendering them harmless. Additionally, medical waste treatment/disposal techniques, including plasma arc torch and electron beam technologies have the potential to destroy and convert infectious medical waste, while leaving a clean, reusable by-product that can be recycled or used as fuel to produce electric power.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.