Most solid waste technicians work as sanitary landfill operators who construct landfills and operate these facilities, and as hazardous waste technicians, who remove harmful pollution from contaminated sites. Solid waste technicians are responsible for distributing wastes, compacting the materials from trucks, and covering the trash with soil. They drive earth-moving equipment including bulldozers and large steel-wheeled compactors. Sanitary landfill operators also inspect incoming trucks for hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste technicians provide information on how to collect, transport, handle, and dispose of dangerous materials. They are responsible for establishing procedures to prevent accidents and for cleaning contaminated sites.
RELATED OCCUPATIONS
- Boiler Operator
- Gas-Compressor Operator
- Power Plant Operator
- Chemical Technician
- Agricultural Pest Control Specialist
There are no minimal education requirements for a landfill operator. Because of the hands-on nature of the work, most operators are trained on the job. However, prospective employers look for some skills and knowledge including mathematical and mechanical skills. According to the National Solid Waste Management Association (NSWMA), vocational and technical training can include specialized driver training for refuse collection trucks and mechanical training for a wide range of equipment used in the collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal of material, such as trucks, compactors, bulldozers, and balers.
Only a few community colleges currently offer specific hazardous waste management programs, but the number of schools offering these degrees is expected to increase in the near future. Students are encouraged to call their local community colleges to find out if programs are available. Hazardous waste technicians should attend a two-year community or technical college. Students can receive degrees or certificates in environment control, ecology, environmental sciences, and similar programs.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATION
There are no federal or state licensing requirements for waste technicians.
Wastewater Treatment Technician Chemical Plant Operator Petroleum Plant Operator Biological Technician Soil Conservation Technician Solid and hazardous waste technicians held approximately 100,000 jobs in the early 1990s. According to NSWMA, approximately 8,000 municipalities and private trash haulers pick up our nations garbage. In addition, there are approximately 1,000 composting projects nationwide. As the number of re-cycling and compost projects increases, the demand for solid waste specialists will also increase. They are employed around the nation, primarily in larger towns and cities where the populations are greatest. Employment of solid and hazardous waste technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. As Americans produce more garbage and hazardous waste, the demand for technicians is expected to increase. In addition, the environment cleanup project that will be conducted on former military bases and Superfund sites will increase the demand for solid and hazardous waste technicians.
While local governments are responsible for solid waste management, much of the actual work is contracted out to private firms. The largest private-sector firms are waste management companies and environmental engineering firms. These firms hire the majority of hazardous waste technicians.
SETTING
Landfills and hazardous waste sites are in every part of the country in both urban and rural areas. Landfill workers spend most of their day outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may work in rain and snow, but most drivers are protected from the elements. Sanitary landfill operators work 40 or more hours a week. Because many landfills are open on Saturday, they may also be required to work on weekends.
Hazardous waste technicians usually assist hazardous waste professionals but generally spend more time out of doors than their professional colleagues. Technicians also work in laboratories that are generally clean and comfortable. Technicians typically work a regular 40-hour workweek but may occasionally be required to work overtime. The materials with which these people work can be dangerous. Some emit toxic fumes; others will bum skin and eyes; many are poisonous, while others produce radiation or can cause cancer. Hazardous waste technicians wear protective clothing and devices to protect their eyes, lungs, and skin. As safety standards are strictly enforced, relatively few technicians are seriously injured.
SALARY STATISTICS
Annual salaries for solid waste technicians averaged about $21,000 in the mid-1990s, compared to around $25,000 for hazardous waste technicians. Entry-level hazardous waste technicians earn between $16,000 and $21,000. The salaries for hazardous waste technicians increase to between $25,000 to $30,000 after three to five years of employment. Given the relatively low educational requirements, salaries for these technicians are high compared to most other science technicians. Fringe benefits can be generous because many of these technicians are city or municipal employees. They usually receive generous health plans, sick time, and vacation time.
