Recycling & Waste Technician
El Paso County
Friday, 08 May 2026
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and making a real difference in your community? El Paso County is looking for a motivated and safety-conscious Environmental Services Technician to join our Household Hazardous Waste Facility and Recycles Program team. This is a unique, hands-on role where no two days look the same — you'll work directly with the public, manage and safely handle hazardous materials, support community recycling initiatives, and help keep El Paso County clean and safe for generations to come. If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working both independently and as part of a team, and takes pride in doing meaningful work, this role is for you. We're looking for candidates with a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and a willingness to obtain certifications in HAZWOPER, forklift operation, and respirator use within six months of hire — prior hazardous waste experience is a bonus! Join a team that is committed to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and public safety. Apply today and be part of something bigger! Hiring Range: $46,000.00 - $53,200.00 annually. This is an in-person position and is not eligible for remote work. This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, and some Saturdays subject to change. Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. Performs a variety of duties related to the El Paso County Recycles Program, the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and various division programs. Work is both technical and administrative in a variety of areas including materials management, safe handling, bulking, lab-packing and disposal of household/business hazardous waste, and environmental education. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.
Essential Duties/ Responsibilities
Meets and interfaces with customers at the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Interacts with the public in a professional and courteous manner; responds to inquiries appropriately. Provides and clarifies information as needed. Screens and accepts household hazardous waste from program participants. Properly identifies, classifies, and takes inventory of household hazardous products. Consolidates household hazardous products using lab-packing and loose-packing methods; ensures safety precautions are followed, including wearing Level B Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Bulks compatible materials by pouring off materials into containers, bulks, packs, and properly stores household hazardous waste. Screens and accepts business chemical waste from eligible Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG) who meet Federal and State waste regulations. Properly identifies, classifies, inventories, and weighs accepted VSQG chemical products. Consolidates and packs waste in appropriate areas using approved containers while wearing Level B PPE and adhering to appropriate storage regulations. Cleans up spills according to health and safety standards at the facility, mobile collection site, or in coordination with the El Paso County Hazmat Team. Prepares hazardous waste for transport and disposal or recycling. Maintains facility cleanliness, adheres to proper health and safety standards, and abides by the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility Standard Operating Procedures. Promotes awareness and assists with participation in the County's environmental and recycling programs and projects. Performs collection and organization of recyclable materials from various facilities in a prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable manner; makes recommendations regarding recycling services and program improvements. Assists with community participation, events, and public awareness; serves as a representative of El Paso County Environmental Division. Prepares paperwork for invoicing. Provides administrative support as needed. Performs other duties as required. Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others. Supervision Received: Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. Working knowledge of environmental regulations. Ability to apply environmental services knowledge to develop program improvement strategies. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be detail-oriented and ensure accuracy in work. Must possess excellent customer service skills. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to deliver presentations and prepare written reports and proposals. Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with employees, outside agencies, and the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, County staff, and the public. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, including telephone, computer, copier, and fax machine, as well as audio-visual equipment, digital camera, and other equipment. Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Required Education & Experience. High school diploma or equivalent education. Preferred Education & ExperienceOne year experience in hazardous waste management or related field. Licenses/ Certificates. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must possess OSHA Forty Hour HAZWHOPER Certificate or obtain within six months of employment. Must possess forklift operation certification or obtain within six months of employment. Must possess Medical Monitoring Assessment for full-face respirator use or obtain within six months of employment. CPR and First Aid Certification preferred. Pre-Employment Requirements. Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination.