Hazardous Waste Inspector
Date Posted: Aug 30, 2025
Requisition ID: 464718
Location:
Valparaiso, IN, US, 46385
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Environmental Management:
Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.
Role Overview:
Graduate degree is preferred in environmental science, environmental policy, or a related area, or a baccalaureate degree with field experience
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of hazardous waste management, and the ability to apply these principles as they relate to program areas
Thorough knowledge of the sciences related to hazardous waste
Knowledge of federal and state regulations as they apply to hazardous waste and the ability to interpret and apply these in a variety of conditions and situations
Ability to think critically and in an analytical manner
Experience conducting environmental inspections
Ability to effectively interact with local, state and federal groups, and government representatives
Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to author documents in a clear and concise manner
Ability to develop and prepare schedules to accomplish set objectives within established deadlines
Ability to work well both independently and in a group
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Work well under pressure
Valid IN driver's lecense
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Provide environmental compliance expertise by interpreting federal and state rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines pertaining to hazardous and solid waste management and provide technical and regulatory guidance to internal and external customers
Conduct compliance inspections at a variety of commercial and industrial locations (includes pre-inspection file reviews and preparation), including the largest and most complex hazardous waste facilities
Document inspection findings and compliance determination in reports
Meet all established timeframes for conducting inspections and submitting reports
Support inspection findings that may be subject to administrative, civil, or criminal legal proceedings
Resolve informal actions within established timeframes by issuing a Return to Compliance Letter or a referral to the Land Enforcement Section
Develop and coordinate new and existing programs within the section and modify existing state programs to adapt to changes in legislation, policy, or internal priorities
Monitor assignments and plan schedule to maintain a balanced workload
Train and mentor team members on protocols, procedures, and regulations
Perform related duties as assigned
In addition, the incumbent will perform various duties detailed below:
Serve as the program lead or backup for niche programs or specialized rules (e.g., episodic generation, used oil marketers/ processors/ burners, electronic waste, pharmaceuticals, air emission standards (AA/BB/CC))
Review and evaluate documents generated within the section for accuracy, consistency, and conformance with laws, regulations, and standard operating procedures; provide guidance to peers and lower-level staff members during this review process
Provide input to develop and revise policies, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures relevant to the section
Assist the section chief with updating internal documents (e.g., checklists, inspection procedure guidelines) for new and existing staff
Review current inspection tools for usability, applicability, and output quality; offer suggestions for improvement
Represent the section in internal and external workgroups
Process inspection reports to ensure timeliness metrics are met
Job Requirements:
A graduate degree is preferred in environmental science, environmental policy, or a related area, or a baccalaureate degree with field experience
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of hazardous waste management, and the ability to apply these principles as they relate to program areas
Thorough knowledge of the sciences related to hazardous waste
Knowledge of federal and state regulations as they apply to hazardous waste and the ability to interpret and apply these in a variety of conditions and situations
Ability to think critically and in an analytical manner
Experience conducting environmental inspections
Ability to effectively interact with local, state and federal groups, and government representatives
Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to author documents in a clear and concise manner
Ability to develop and prepare schedules to accomplish set objectives within established deadlines
Ability to work well both independently and in a group
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Work well under pressure
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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