Job Details

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Job no: 535943
Work type: Classified Staff
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Operations/Infrastructure, Planning/Project Management

Department: Safety and Risk Services
Classification: Radiation Protection Technologist 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $26.20 - $40.03 per hour (updated)
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

October 12, 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application that includes (1) an online application, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a resume that addresses how they meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications--use your application to let us know what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

Department Summary

Safety and Risk Services' (SRS) mission is to collaborate with all campus constituents (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) and the surrounding community, to safeguard life and health and mitigate threats to the university's core mission of academic excellence, research, and public service. Safety and Risk Services comprises Emergency Management and Continuity, Environmental Health and Safety, Campus Mapping, Risk & Insurance, and the University of Oregon Police Department. SRS fulfills its mission by providing a variety of professional services, technical assistance, training, and regulatory oversight. The total Safety and Risk Services portfolio includes around 125 employees and a current annual operating budget of approximately $15 million.

Safety and Risk Services also supports, and the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) leads, the University's strategic Enterprise Risk Management and Organizational Resilience Framework to cultivate leadership, staff engagement, effective partnerships, situational awareness, innovation, and proactive problem solving to create a more resilient and agile university.

Position Summary

As part of the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department at the University of Oregon, the Hazardous Materials Specialist uses broad and technical knowledge of hazardous materials to operate and to provide training on multiple hazardous materials-related programs and services that EHS provides to the university. Inclusive of materials and wastes that have biological, chemical, infectious, and/or radioactive characteristics; regulatory compliance assessment of material users' operations, including use of analytical equipment; hazardous materials receiving, handling, and shipping procedures; and provides assistance with collection, documentation, and disposal of regulated hazardous material wastes. The Hazardous Materials Specialist provides regular feedback to campus partners and EHS management, enabling continued regulatory compliance. Collaboration and communication with campus and department partners are key daily interactions. Work is frequently independent and required to be proficient within multiple areas of assignment.

Special Requirements
• This position requires 40-hour HAZWOPER training or the ability to complete training within 6 months of hire.
• This position requires RCRA subject matter specialist training or the ability to complete training within 6 months of hire.
• This position requires successfully completing DOT and IATA subject matter specialist training within 12 months of hire.
• This position requires passing a background check to allow access to controlled substances and radioactive materials of concern.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain UO Drivers Certification.

Work location is in-person at the Eugene campus with a typical schedule of M-F, 8-5 pm.

This position provides essential services to university operations, both routine and emergency, and must be available for 24-hour call-back response to incidents involving hazardous materials, or other incidents as necessary.

Minimum Requirements

Two years of experience in radiation safety or in testing and repairing electronic equipment; OR
an Associate's degree with courses in Electronics or Radiation Safety Management; OR
a Bachelors degree with courses in Electronics or Radiation Safety.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work effectively in support of an education & research environment and cultivate effective relationships for problem-solving and positive interactions.
• Ability to make independent decisions in alignment with department objectives.
• Ability to operate specialty equipment, including analytical and bulk material handling apparatus.
• Computer skills necessary to work within a variety of database applications to accurately enter, maintain, and query information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education research environment.
• Experience handling radioactive materials.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals.
• Experience handling hazardous wastes.
• Experience shipping or receiving hazardous materials.
• Experience using analytical instrumentation or monitoring equipment.
• Experience performing compliance assessments or audits.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
• Current RCRA subject matter specialist training certification.
• Current IATA and/or DOT shipper training certification.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-###-####.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: September 25, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: