Summary This position collects, processes, packages and prepares regulated medical wastes (Biohazard, chemotherapy, sharps, pathology, pharmaceuticals), solid medical wastes (regular trash) and recycle materials (plastics, glass, cardboard) for temporary storage, transportation, treatment and disposal. Monitors all medical waste, confidential, recycle materials and incompatible waste in the Medical waste storage area; ensures proper segregation, consolidation, labeling and operates waste equipment. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Collects, processes, packages and prepares regulated medical wastes for temporary storage and disposal. Performs routine operator maintenance on transfer pumps, and other waste and recyclable equipment Under the technical direction of a supervisor or waste manager, the incumbent segregates hazardous waste by repacking, consolidating, and/or mixing waste. Checks regulated medical waste materials to ensure proper containment and physical separation of incompatible wastes. Ensures that all items transported and/or stored have proper regulated medical waste labels. Verifies identification labels including: the generator information, dates, categories, and @type of waste. Operates computer terminals to access databases for processing, storing, and shipping requirements. Operates manual and power lifting devices and motor vehicles to pick up, transport and temporary storage of solid medical wastes, confidential, recycle and other @types of hazardous waste. Makes initial identifications and assessment of routine hazardous wastes to segregate the waste correctly. Visually examines regulated medical waste containers for leakage and other indications of deterioration. Performs safety and operational checks on inventories of regulated medical waste, handling equipment such as pumps, mixing tanks, and automatic sampling devices, and eye wash stations. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday, 3:00pm-11:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Hazardous Waste Disposer/PD9945O Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/25/2026. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Attention to Detail Dexterity and Safety Follow Directions Hazardous Materials Materials Mechanical Mechanics Motor Vehicles Operating Systems Physical Strength and Agility Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The work requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time; the use of hand trucks and other @types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas; frequent lifting, moving, carrying, and loading of items and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds; and occasional lifting and movement of items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers. The Medical waste disposer must follow specific safety procedures and use appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots. etc. The work is performed in facilities that are usually well lit, heated and ventilated. The Medical waste disposer is exposed to all kinds of weather conditions when working outside. The work may be dirty and greasy. The incumbent is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations; and to chemical vapors, skin irritants, and caustic or poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, the Medical waste disposer may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. Education There are no educational requirements for this position. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
