Primarily responsible for performing hazardous waste pickups and consolidating waste for disposal by 3^rd party. Collects and segregates chemical waste for proper storage. Inventories lab waste for lab pack. Collects and packages biohazardous waste streams from laboratories for proper treatment and disposal. Collects, segregates, and packages various types of universal waste such as light bulbs and batteries. Performs room decontaminations upon request. Performs quarterly lab inspections for hazardous waste collection and accumulation areas and enters findings into EH&S databases. Assists with Glassware operations as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects, segregates, packages chemicals and items for recycling from laboratories and administrative departments.
• Collects and packages biological waste from laboratories and Animal Resources for proper treatment and disposal.
• Maintains, audits, and logs accumulation areas including laboratories and central accumulation areas, ensuring clean and orderly operation, and compliance.
• Troubleshoots waste collection and disposal questions, as well as inventories chemicals and coordinates waste disposal pickups with third party vendors.
• Performs decontamination of animal use rooms as well as quarterly lab inspections.
• Maintains posting of regulatory updates, as well as Safey Data Sheet file maintenance.
• Assists with biological, chemical, and radioactive spill response.
• Provides support for Glassware operations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in biological or biomedical research environment including the handling of hazardous materials. No prior experience or training.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certificates, licenses, and registrations preferred:
  • HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response) Certification or equivalent hazardous materials management course.
  • Department of Transportation certification for transportation of hazardous materials.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
• Other skills required:

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone’s ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03 to $20.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. 

COMPETENCIES:

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• Frequently exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Additional remarks regarding work environment: Laboratory environment, hazardous waste storage areas
• Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: Air purifying respirator

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All individuals who accept a position with the Salk Institute must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment, must successfully complete the Institute’s background investigation and must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.