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Hazardous Material Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler - Richmond, VA

Chester, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Places hazardous materials or waste into appropriate containers. Receives, unloads and places into storage hazardous waste received from off-site generators; completes inspections and paperwork ...

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Hazardous Material Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$22

$34

How much do hazardous material inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hazardous material inspector in Virginia is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do hazardous material inspectors do?

Hazardous material inspectors evaluate and ensure compliance with safety regulations related to the handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials. They conduct inspections, review documentation, and use tools like protective gear and testing equipment to identify potential hazards and enforce safety standards. Certification and knowledge of environmental laws are often required for this role.

How to become a hazardous material inspector?

To become a hazardous material inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in hazardous materials handling and safety protocols. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER certification and experience in environmental or safety inspections, often requiring knowledge of federal and state regulations. On-the-job training is common, and inspectors must be detail-oriented and comfortable working in various environments and conditions.

What is a hazardous material inspector?

A Hazardous Material Inspector is responsible for inspecting, identifying, and ensuring the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials. They enforce safety regulations, conduct site inspections, and assess compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Their role helps prevent environmental contamination and protects public health by mitigating risks associated with hazardous substances. Inspectors may work for government agencies, private companies, or environmental organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hazardous material inspector?

To thrive as a Hazardous Material Inspector, you need strong knowledge of hazardous materials regulations, safety protocols, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications such as HAZWOPER or OSHA compliance training. Familiarity with technical equipment for sampling, detection devices, and digital reporting systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and the safety of people and the environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a hazardous material inspector?

As a Hazardous Material Inspector, your daily responsibilities often include conducting site inspections, collecting samples, reviewing safety documentation, and ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations. You may work closely with facility managers, emergency response teams, and government agencies to identify and mitigate hazards. Inspectors also prepare detailed reports on their findings and provide recommendations for corrective actions if needed. The work is a mix of field assessments and administrative tasks, offering variety and ongoing opportunities to develop technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Hazardous Material Inspector jobs in Virginia? For Hazardous Material Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Hazardous Material Inspector jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Hazardous Material Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Hazardous Material Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,104 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Hazardous Materials Technician

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19.11 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT). This position supports departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education and support services across the UVA community. The HMT role is well suited for individuals who are self-starting, hardworking, and who work well independently and as part of a team.
Working under the Hazardous Materials Technician Supervisor, the HMT serves as a resource for the University by picking up hazardous and non-hazardous materials from sites across Grounds. They consolidate hazardous and non-hazardous materials, perform emergency response duties, and answer basic materials-related questions.
Responsibilities
  • Safely collects and transports both hazardous and non-hazardous waste and Regulated Medical Waste (RMW).
  • Provides guidance to laboratory personnel on proper practices and conducts compliance inspections.
  • Performs hazardous and non-hazardous waste management activities, including logging, segregation, labeling, sorting, storage, and data entry in waste management systems, in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintains clean, organized, and safe work areas; prepares reusable containers for continued use, ensures proper disposal of non-reusable containers, and assists with spill response and containment incidents in accordance with established safety and emergency response procedures.
  • Operates and maintains environmental monitoring equipment, conducts field measurements and data analysis, and accurately records and maintains results in designated databases.
  • Operates and safely drives hazardous materials transport vehicles, including box trucks, vans, and passenger vehicles, in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Work a schedule that may include on-call responsibilities to cover holidays, weekends, and after-hours support.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience: At least one year of relevant experience.
  • Licensure: Must have a valid driver's license with zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience with hazardous materials.
  • Relevant work experience in a laboratory, the health sciences, industry or other technical field.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Work experience at an institution of higher education.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn. They are effective communicators with the ability to converse with various audiences. Highly reliable and detail-oriented, this individual manages multiple priorities, works both independently and collaboratively, and is committed to ongoing professional development. Demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude and keen observational skills, along with effective record-keeping practices.
Physical Demands
This position involves active and sedentary tasks. Candidates must have the ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds and tolerate a high heat environment for short periods of time. Active tasks during fieldwork include frequent standing, bending, crouching, reaching, and occasional ladder climbing. Perform assigned duties and responsibilities while consistently adhering to safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators. Safely handle and work in environments involving hazardous materials, including chemical, biological, and radioactive substances.
Hiring Range: $19.11 - $22.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Position Type & Work Location
  • This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
  • This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Working Environment
A variety of work settings may be encountered, including offices, research laboratories, makerspaces, patient care areas, animal research facilities, outdoor locations, and other environments where hazardous materials, loud noise, non-ionizing energy fields, and potentially harmful equipment may be present. Work conditions may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, atmospheric contaminants, and chemical hazards associated with chemical waste operations. The role may also include laboratory radiation exposure, incidental exposure or potential exposure to blood and body fluids, and physical demands such as prolonged walking or standing on concrete surfaces in facilities maintenance areas.
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
The position will remain open until filled.
Additional Requirements
  • Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
  • Employees will be required to comply with the Health System's immunization policy - OCH-002: Occupational Health Screening and Maintenance.
  • Physical examination as required to wear a respirator and work with hazardous materials.
  • This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0084351. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter - should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, fak3ph@virginia.edu
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819