Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

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  Construction and Extraction Occupations

Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

Also Called: Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Worker, Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator (D and D Operator), Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician), Waste Handling Technician, Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Worker, Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator (D and D Operator), Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician), Waste Handling Technician

What they do

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

$35,550
Starting Salary (2023)
$47,280
Median Salary (2023)
0.8%
Projected Job Growth
49,960
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Common Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

More Info

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