Environmental Specialist - job 2 of 5

As an Environmental Specialist at Veolia North America, your primary responsibilities include sampling waste streams, manifesting and packaging hazardous materials, spill clean-up response, and coordinating transportation and disposal of waste products in compliance with local and federal regulations. You will also maintain professionalism in client interactions and ensure that all safety procedures are adhered to.

To be considered for the Environmental Specialist role at Veolia North America, a high school diploma or GED is required, with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field preferred. Additionally, candidates must possess a valid driver's license and hold a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification to ensure safety and compliance in handling hazardous materials.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for an Environmental Specialist at Veolia North America. Time management capabilities, a customer service orientation, and teamwork skills are also crucial, as you'll need to organize multiple responsibilities and work collaboratively with clients and colleagues.

Veolia North America offers a comprehensive benefits package for their Environmental Specialists, which includes paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan for retirement savings. Competitive pay starting at $23 an hour makes this an attractive position.

At Veolia North America, safety compliance is taken seriously. Environmental Specialists must become acquainted with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and they're expected to enforce health and safety procedures according to Veolia's policies to ensure a safe working environment.

When answering this question, reflect on previous roles where you handled hazardous materials. Highlight your familiarity with safety protocols, your certification (like HAZWOPER), and any specific incidents where your actions ensured safety and compliance.

Demonstrate your time management skills by discussing methodologies you use to prioritize tasks, such as using checklists, digital tools, or setting deadlines. Provide examples of past experiences where effective prioritization led to successful outcomes.

Detail your knowledge of spill response protocols in line with Veolia's standards. Discuss containment, cleanup, and communication with team members and regulatory agencies to ensure safety and compliance.

Emphasize your approach to customer service, such as active listening and providing timely updates. Give examples of successful interactions that resolved client issues or improved client satisfaction.

Share your understanding of HAZWOPER standards, PPE requirements, and specific safety protocols applicable to the role. Mention any training you’ve received and how you apply this knowledge in practice.

Describe an instance where teamwork was essential, highlighting your role, contributions, and how collaboration led to successful project completion. Use specific examples to demonstrate your interpersonal abilities and teamwork orientation.

Mention resources you use, such as industry publications, websites like the EPA, or professional organizations. Share how you integrate continuous learning into your professional routine to stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Discuss your understanding of manifesting hazardous waste, including the completion of necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations. Provide examples of how you've handled this process in the past.

Discuss the importance of safety and how you would handle the situation professionally, by first addressing the concern directly, and if necessary, reporting to a supervisor while ensuring a focus on maintaining safety standards.

Express your passion for environmental stewardship and safety. Discuss how Veolia's mission aligns with your career goals and how you believe your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the company.