Environmental Technician

Northeastern University seeks an Environmental Technician to support its Environmental Compliance & Occupational Safety Team. This entry-level role involves regulatory compliance support, environmental inspections, hazardous waste management, and training. Candidates should have a relevant degree or experience, HAZMAT certification, and the ability to apply environmental regulations. The position requires communication with regulatory agencies and working in various environments, including labs and industrial settings.
JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Technician (ET) supports the Environmental Program Manager (EPM) within the Environmental Compliance & Occupational Safety (ECOS) Team. This entry-level role focuses on assisting with the implementation of the university's environmental compliance programs, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.

Under the guidance of the EPM, the ET will help provide environmental guidance to university personnel and gain a strong understanding of the environmental impacts of university operations. Key responsibilities include regulatory compliance support, environmental site inspections, hazardous waste management, spill prevention training, and environmental reporting. The ET will also assist in communications with regulatory agencies as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, applied health sciences, or a related field OR at least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental compliance, hazardous materials management, or a related field in lieu of a degree.
• Must hold HAZMAT DOT Ground Shipper Certification and Hazardous Waste Management Training Certification or achieve certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to understand and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations and best management practices.
• Capable of working in a variety of environments, including laboratories, storage areas, and industrial settings where hazardous materials or equipment are present.
• Prepared to follow standard operating procedures and maintain compliance documentation.
• Skilled at communicating clearly with internal teams and regulatory agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with environmental data management systems (e.g., GIS, EHS software).
• Knowledge of sampling, laboratory procedures, or chemical handling.
• Experience in regulatory reporting or environmental risk assessment.
• Familiarity with spill response procedures or waste management best practices

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Regulatory Compliance Support
• Assist the EPM in preparing for and responding to inspections by agencies such as the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Support data collection, recordkeeping, and reporting for environmental compliance programs, including: Wastewater permits & reporting; hazardous waste reporting (RCRA Biennial Reporting); spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) compliance; Clean Air Act (CAA) compliance; Tier II, CERLCA, & greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting
• Assist in addressing compliance violations and supporting corrective actions as needed.

Environmental Site Management
• Support hazardous waste management operations, including: Assisting in hazardous waste accumulation area (CAA) inspections, preparing and coordinating hazardous waste shipments and maintaining accurate hazardous waste tracking records.
• Conduct routine inspections of oil storage areas and assist in maintaining the SPCC Plan.
• Assist in pH neutralization system operations, ensuring compliance with MWRA permits, monitoring flow and pH levels, and coordinating system maintenance.

Training & Communications
• Support Facilities Operations personnel by providing guidance on: spill prevention & response andhazardous waste handling as well as environmental compliance requirements.
• Assist in reviewing environmental aspects of new facilities projects, conducting research on potential environmental impacts, and providing recommendations.
• Help analyze inspection data and identify areas for compliance improvement.
• Program Development & Improvement
• Assist the EPM in developing and maintaining environmental compliance programs related to: Air quality regulations, waste & wastewater permits and hazardous waste & chemical storage management
• Conduct gap analyses to assess environmental risks, identify areas for performance improvement, and recommend corrective actions.