They operate high pressure cleaning equipment for decontamination. Hazardous Materials Technicians is a specialty occupation of Science Technicians. For more information, see the occupation of Science Technicians. Hazardous Materials Technicians is in the Engineering, Science, and Technologies Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Good ability to move hands and feet in coordination with each other while responding to visual stimuli Ability to understand written and spoken directions, following government regulations Ability to see differences in shapes and shadings of items, identify hazardous objects Ability to coordinate the movement of arms and legs Ability to use the hands to work with tools and equipment, use meters to identify radiation levels Ability to work accurately and precisely Willingness to move from one task to another requiring different skills Physical Demands Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle equipment Occasionally lift and move objects that weigh up to 50 pounds Occasionally climb ladders or balance on scaffolding while removing asbestos Occasionally use fingers to make fine movements, such as pick up small objects Occasionally need to judge the distance between objects Occasionally need to stoop, kneel, and stand for long periods of time Occasionally need to talk and hear clearly Occasionally need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading Occasionally need to see distant objects clearly Occasionally judge the distance between objects Occasionally need to see the difference between colors Occasionally need to observe a wide visual area.
Wages vary according to training, experience and location.
Entry level wages may be lower. Starting wage is unavailable at this time. There were 740 people employed as hazardous materials removal workers in Indiana in 1998. Number of jobs expected per year is unavailable at this time. Occupational growth is unavailable at this time.