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Hazardous Waste Management Technologist

Hazardous waste management technologists provide information and advice on the packaging, handling and disposal of toxic wastes. They conduct inspections and waste audits, investigate environmental incidents, and monitor and control the cleanup of contaminated land, water and air.

Also Known As

Environmental Technician/Technologist, Hazardous Waste Technician, Laboratory Technician/Technologist, Waste Management Specialist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety

2006 NOC-S

  • C163: Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety

2011 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2016 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2021 NOC

  • 21120: Public and environmental health and safety professionals

2023 OaSIS

  • 21120.00: Public and environmental health and safety professionals
Duties
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hazardous waste management involves preventing and reducing the use of hazardous materials, reducing or eliminating the production of hazardous waste, reusing materials and disposing of hazardous waste safely.

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, hazardous waste management technologists:

  • Survey commercial and municipal organizations to investigate waste systems and disposal methods
  • Maintain inventories of onsite hazardous materials, equipment inspection logs and facility records
  • Collect representative samples of waste material to determine characteristics and classify wastes
  • Read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Monitor occupational hygiene standards and procedures
  • Provide information and advice on ways to collect, transport, handle, store and dispose of toxic wastes
  • Oversee the testing of emergency response plans and help clean up toxic waste spills and measure the extent of damage to the land, air and water
  • Help monitor and control the cleanup of contaminated land, air and water
  • Conduct inspections and waste audits of all types of industries to ensure that wastes are properly managed (stored, handled, recycled)
  • Write inspection and technical reports for compliance with provincial and federal legislation and gather evidence for use in legal actions
  • Write certificates of approval for recycling, treatment and disposal facilities
  • Advise industry and government, and assist in drafting rules and regulations for managing hazardous wastes
  • Inform industry and the public about hazardous waste management practices

Hazardous waste management technologists often work in cooperation with environmental engineers to develop new methods of dealing with hazardous waste.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Working conditions vary. Hazardous waste management technologists may work in office environments or around dirty, noisy industrial sites. Depending on the circumstances, they may be required to wear personal protective equipment, work outdoors in all kinds of weather, travel frequently (sometimes internationally) or lift equipment weighing up to or over 20 kilograms. They may also be required to work for extended periods of time in emergency response situations.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety

2006 NOC: 2263

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in handling materials to collect water samples and other materials for analyses; and to develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing data from investigations of health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases and poisonings and from workplace accidents and illnesses

DIRECTIVE

Interest in speaking with employers, employees and the general public to deliver training and advise on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety issues; and in initiating enforcement procedures to fine or to close establishments that contravene municipal, provincial and federal regulations

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hazardous waste management technologists need:

  • Dedication to personal and public safety
  • To be alert and able to quickly recognize unsafe conditions
  • Patience
  • Organization skills
  • To be comfortable working with mechanical devices and instruments
  • An ability to understand and keep up to date regarding regulations, guidelines and environmental legislation
  • To keep accurate records and write reports
  • To work alone and with other members of a team

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work, analyzing data, finding innovative solutions to problems and directing the work of others.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2016 NOC: 2263

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 106 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 12, 2021 and Nov 07, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Inspect workplaces for safety or health hazards
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed
Tasks: Develop and implement health and safety plans
Attention to detail
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Excellent oral communication
Tasks: Investigate workplace accidents or illnesses
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Hazardous waste management technologists must be:

  • Able to operate sampling instruments
  • Skilled at using computers to manipulate and analyze data
  • Able to understand and interpret laboratory results
  • Familiar with the operation of waste management and treatment facilities (landfills, hazardous waste storage sites, processing sites) and equipment

Hazardous waste management technologists may acquire the required skills and knowledge through a variety of educational routes combined with on-the-job training. For example, they may take a related 2-year diploma program (such as environmental science or natural resource management) or a related 3 or 4-year degree program (such as a bachelor of science degree in biology, chemistry or environmental science). Hazardous waste management technologists employed in mid-level positions may require a master's or a doctoral degree.

The following hazardous material courses may be required or recommended:

  • WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training
  • H2S Alive training
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
  • Confined Space Entry training
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Concordia University of Edmonton
Yellowhead Tribal College Edmonton

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hazardous waste management technologists are employed by the following types of organizations:

  • Municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities
  • Regional solid waste management facilities
  • Public works departments
  • Health care facilities
  • Laboratories
  • Municipal engineering firms
  • Waste management companies, brokers and recyclers
  • Government environmental regulatory services
  • Pulp and paper processing companies
  • Oil and gas exploration companies and contractors
  • Petrochemical companies
  • Environmental contracting and consulting firms
  • Companies in other industries that generate hazardous waste, including manufacturing, mining and transportation

Some employers may require applicants to have a clean driving record.

Hazardous waste management technologists employed in larger organizations may advance to supervisory positions. Obtaining a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in science or environmental engineering usually is required to move into management, consulting or professional roles such as hazardous materials engineer, recycling manager or environmental auditor.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
2016 NOC: 2263

75.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Public and environmental health and safety professionals
2021 NOC: 21120
Lower
Demand
1,500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
2016 NOC: 2263
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
219
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 03, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2016 NOC: 2263
Average Wage
$42.25
Per Hour
Average Salary
$82,969.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2263 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.27 $59.14 $35.13 $34.62
Overall $20.55 $73.98 $42.25 $40.38
Top $24.41 $95.97 $47.57 $46.15

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
26%
26%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
16%
16%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: aset.ab.ca

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) website: www.pchem.ca

Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org

ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

Environmental Services Association of Alberta website: esaa.org

Alberta Construction Safety Association website: www.youracsa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 03, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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