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Hazardous Materials Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join UAB's Environmental Health & Safety team as a Hazardous Materials Technician I and gain hands-on experience in hazardous materials response, chemical handling, and safety operations across ...

Job Summary Hazardous Materials Officer plans and supervises staging, collection, management, and disposal of hazardous wastes and controlled substances; develops and provides chemical safety ...

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Hazardous Materials information

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$11

$23

$45

How much do hazardous materials jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hazardous materials in the United States is $23.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is hazmat cdl worth it?

A hazardous materials (hazmat) CDL is valuable for drivers seeking specialized transportation roles involving dangerous goods, often offering higher pay and job opportunities. However, it requires additional training, background checks, and security clearances, which can increase certification time and costs. The certification can enhance employability in the trucking industry but involves strict safety and compliance standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In hazardous materials roles, high-paying positions such as specialized hazardous materials removal or remediation technicians can reach around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and certifications like HAZWOPER. These jobs often require safety training, physical stamina, and adherence to strict safety protocols but may not require a college degree.

Is hazmat a good career?

Hazardous materials jobs involve handling, storing, and transporting dangerous substances, requiring safety training and certifications such as HAZWOPER. These roles often offer competitive pay, job stability, and opportunities for advancement, especially in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and emergency response. However, they also involve exposure to risks and require strict adherence to safety protocols.

How do you become a hazmat worker?

To become a hazardous materials (hazmat) worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in hazardous materials handling and safety procedures. Certification such as the OSHA HAZWOPER certification is often required, and workers must pass background checks and health screenings; experience with safety protocols and proper use of protective equipment is also important.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a Hazardous Materials position?

Professionals in Hazardous Materials positions often face challenges such as managing the risks associated with handling toxic or flammable substances, adhering to strict safety protocols, and responding effectively to emergency situations. The work frequently requires wearing specialized protective gear for extended periods and staying vigilant to prevent accidents or environmental contamination. Teamwork is crucial, as coordination with other safety personnel and first responders is common, especially during incidents. Staying updated with regulatory changes and ongoing safety training also plays a significant role in this dynamic work environment.

What is a Hazardous Materials job?

A Hazardous Materials (HazMat) job involves handling, transporting, disposing of, or managing hazardous substances that could pose risks to people, property, or the environment. Workers in this field follow strict safety regulations and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Common roles include HazMat technicians, waste disposal specialists, and emergency responders. These professionals may work in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, environmental services, or government agencies. Specialized training and certification are often required for safe handling and response to hazardous incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Hazardous Materials position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Hazardous Materials role, you need a solid understanding of chemical safety, emergency response, and hazardous material handling protocols, often supported by certifications such as HAZWOPER. Familiarity with material safety data sheets (MSDS), personal protective equipment (PPE), and specialized containment or cleanup equipment is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this field. These qualifications are critical to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and effective management of hazardous substances in high-risk environments.

What cities are hiring for Hazardous Materials jobs? Cities with the most Hazardous Materials job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hazardous Materials jobs? The most popular types of Hazardous Materials jobs are:
What states have the most Hazardous Materials jobs? States with the most job openings for Hazardous Materials jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hazardous Materials job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,754 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Hazardous Materials Technician

Hazardous Materials Technician

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19.11 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 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

179th of 553 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

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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