Summary Incumbent is responsible for the collection and preparation of Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements to include Veteran Health Administration (VHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Washington Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and local regulations. Responsibilities Major duties include but is not limited to: Works independently and acts as the Waste Management Material Handler collecting, processing, packaging and preparing solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal Provides guidance on the proper standard operating procedures for the management, handling, storage, and disposal of regulated hazardous wastes and substances under the strict control of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 1976 and subsequent amendment established by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR Part 265 Interim Status Standards For Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities Evaluate and make initial identification and assessments of routine hazardous wastes to determine their nature (e.g., flammability, toxicity), and containment characteristics (e.g., repercussions of long-term storage) Evaluate every solid waste to determine if it is a solid hazardous waste under RCRA and must determine all applicable waste codes and underlying constituents Determine if waste is exempt using regulations, knowledge of Process, and Analysis to make hazardous waste determinations Determines if F, K, P, or U-listed waste, and determines if wastes are characteristic (i.e. Ignitability, Corrosiveness, Reactivity, and Toxicity) Documents all waste collected and weights Collects waste as needed through observation, Sanitation Request or phone notification ensuring that all items transported and/or stored have proper waste identification labels Verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste Corrects incomplete or improper labels and ensure hazardous wastes are properly stored Performs specialized and nonstandard processing and disposing procedures May be required to repack, consolidate, and/or blend hazardous wastes into proper containers for containment and shipment Manages container/drum usage, labeling, and storage Ensures all RMW and hazardous waste materials shall be disposed of in containers that accept the chemical without degradation effects Ensure that containers are only to be filled to 80% of capacity, so that heat and other internal pressures will not result in a leak Wastes shall be stored safely as per their characteristics (e.g. flammable storage cabinet, refrigerator, and corrosive cabinet) Operates manual and power lifting devices, compactors, cardboard bailers, and motor vehicles to pick up, transport, and temporarily store industrial waste and other types of hazardous waste Visually examines all types of waste containers at generation sites for leakage and other indications of deterioration Performs safety and operational checks on inventories of all waste handling equipment such as pumps, mixing tanks, and automatic sampling devices Assist in the containment, treatment, and cleanup operations resulting from hazardous spills Performs other duties as assigned in the support of Health Care System mission requirements Operates computer terminals to access databases for processing, storing, and shipping requirements Properly maintains manifests, catalogs, and accounts for all hazardous, and non-hazardous waste streams for shipment and disposal Weighs waste and prepares required shipping documents in accordance with Federal and State regulations Ensures manifest originals, and destruction documents are received back from the waste hauler within 45 days Develops and implements appropriate controls for safeguarding program materials and assuring the integrity of material custody Serves as the Recycling Coordinator for location assigned, handling day-to day coordination of the recycling program Adheres to the Medical Center's Waste Management and Recycling Programs and the required compliance reporting Work Schedule: Various to include days, nights, weekend and holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler (Operating Room)/PD21598A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/16/2024. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element. The screen out for this vacancy is the ability to do the work of a Material Handler (Operating Room) without more than normal supervision performing duties such as: collects and prepares Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements; weighs waste and prepares required shipping documents in accordance with Federal and State regulation; performs weekly inspections of the Waste Storage locations to ensure proper containment and physical separation of incompatible wastes; verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste; collects, processes, packages and prepares solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The incumbent performs work that requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. He/she uses hand-trucks and other types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas. Frequently lifts, moves, carries, and load items and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Incumbent is sometimes required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers. Working Conditions: The incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, he/she may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. The incumbent works in facilities that are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. Incumbents must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste. Education There is not an qualifying education substitution for this position. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This is an open continuous announcement. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration every two weeks after the opening date. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.