Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Human Advantage 72%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Also Known As: Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Coverer, Asbestos Handler, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Technician, Asbestos Worker +26 more
Core Tasks
- Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
- Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
- Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
- Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
- Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
- Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
Supplemental Tasks (11)
- Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
- Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
- Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
- Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
- Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse.
- Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
- Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury.
- Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.
- Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.
- Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
- Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (15)
Tools & Equipment (122)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Utilities Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers You are here
Zone 4
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 75% match
Safety & Quality Assurance Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers You are here
Zone 4
Zone 5
Natural Sciences Managers 76% match
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss about their work: