Regulated Medical Waste Technician, Office of Environmental Health and Safety

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) Technician. This position plays a vital role in supporting the University's mission by promoting the safe and compliant conduct of research, education and patient care services across the UVA community.

The RMW technician role is ideal for individuals who are self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Reporting to the Hazardous Materials Technician Supervisor, the RMW Technician serves as the primary RMW operations staff member. This position supports RMW operations through the safe collection, transportation, and management of RMW from facilities across Grounds and select off-site clinics. The incumbent ensures all activities are conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and established safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates regulated medical waste (RMW) management for research, education and patient care facilities including waste collection, documentation, inventory management, and coordination with external waste disposal vendors.

• Oversee inventory levels and distribution of RMW containers and related supplies for designated research and medical facilities.

• Support the broader Hazardous Materials Program by assisting with operational activities, special projects, and program initiatives as needed.

• Operate and safely transport regulated and hazardous materials using EHS fleet vehicles, including box trucks, cargo vans, and passenger vehicles, in accordance with applicable safety, transportation, and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in and maintain flexibility to provide operational coverage during holidays, for service needs.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental goals and operational requirements.

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

• Experience with regulated medical waste handling procedures
• Relevant work experience in a laboratory, health care, 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, dependability, reliability, and commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. They possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders. Highly organized and detail-oriented, this individual can successfully manage multiple priorities while working both independently and part of a team. The successful candidate exhibits strong mechanical aptitude, keen observational and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to maintaining accurate records and documentation. They consistently demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and a dedication to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

This position involves a combination of physically active materials handling and administrative responsibilities. Candidates must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull loads of up to 125 pounds. Field-based duties require frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling, as well as occasional ladder use.

The successful candidate must be able to perform assigned duties safely and effectively while consistently adhering to established safety procedures and regulatory requirements. This includes the proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when necessary. The position also requires the ability to work safely in environments where chemical, biological, radioactive, and other potentially hazardous materials may be present, while maintaining compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards.

This position supports a diverse range of university operations and may require work in a variety of settings, including office environments, research laboratories, makerspaces, patient care areas, animal research and care facilities, outdoor locations, and other areas where hazardous materials, elevated noise levels, non-ionizing radiation sources, and specialized equipment may be present.

Work conditions may involve exposure to atmospheric contaminants and chemical hazards associated with hazardous materials and waste management operations. Responsibilities may also include work in environments where there is potential for occupational exposure to biological materials, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, radioactive materials, and other regulated hazards. The position requires the ability to safely perform duties in accordance with established health, safety, and environmental requirements, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, sometimes on concrete or industrial surfaces.

Anticipated Hiring Range: Compensation is up to $22.00 per hour, commensurate with the selected candidate's education and 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.

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.
• Must be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and safely perform work involving hazardous materials.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with university vehicle-use requirements.
• 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 - must be included to be considered. 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 theUVA 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.