Waste management supervisor

Description

Waste management supervisors coordinate waste collection, recycling, and disposal facilities. They supervise waste management operations, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and oversee staff. They aid in the development of waste management methods, aiming for increased waste reduction, and aid in the prevention of violations of waste treatment legislation.

Waste management supervisors typically perform the following duties:

  • Supervise and coordinate waste management operations, including waste collection, sorting, disposal, recycling, and treatment activities
  • Manage a team of waste management personnel, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure efficient and effective waste management practices
  • Develop and implement waste management strategies and programs that align with environmental regulations, company policies, and sustainability goals
  • Collaborate with regulatory agencies and external service providers to ensure compliance with waste management regulations and permits
  • Monitor waste generation, segregation, and disposal practices to identify opportunities for waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of various types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous materials
  • Oversee the maintenance and operation of waste management equipment and facilities, such as waste compactors, shredders, recycling centers, and landfill sites
  • Implement and enforce safety protocols and procedures to minimize occupational hazards and promote a safe working environment for waste management personnel
  • Collaborate with other departments, such as operations, maintenance, and environmental health and safety, to integrate waste management practices into overall facility management plans
  • Monitor and analyze waste management data, such as waste volumes, recycling rates, and cost efficiency, to identify areas for improvement and develop performance metrics
  • Provide training and education to employees on proper waste management practices, including waste segregation, recycling, and handling of hazardous materials
  • Stay updated on waste management regulations, industry best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure continuous improvement and innovation in waste management operations
  • Participate in environmental audits, inspections, and permit renewals, providing necessary documentation and supporting information
  • Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to optimize waste management services, negotiate contracts, and monitor service quality and performance
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation related to waste management activities, including compliance reports, waste reduction initiatives, and cost-saving measures
  • Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, community members, and regulatory agencies, to promote waste management practices and address any concerns or inquiries

Working conditions

Waste management supervisors typically work in an office environment but may also spend time in the field overseeing waste management operations. They may be exposed to various types of waste and potentially hazardous materials, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary. The role may involve occasional travel to waste disposal facilities, recycling centers, or regulatory agency offices. Working hours may vary, including the possibility of being on-call or responding to waste management emergencies.

Minimum qualifications

The educational requirements for a waste management supervisor may vary depending on the organization and the level of responsibility. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, but many employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, waste management, or a related field. Professional certifications in waste management or environmental management are also beneficial. Previous experience in waste management, environmental services, or a related field is essential, with demonstrated knowledge of waste management regulations, practices, and technologies. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary for effectively managing waste management operations and coordinating with various stakeholders. Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and project management is also valuable in this role.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Waste management supervisor is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Waste management supervisor career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to waste management supervisor.

dismantling supervisor
radiation protection technician
nuclear reactor operator
hazardous waste technician
incinerator operator

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of waste management supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of waste management supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

radiation protection officer
waste management officer
nuclear engineer
power plant manager
health and safety officer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of waste management supervisor.

  • Health, safety and hygiene legislation: The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.
  • Waste management: The methods, materials and regulations used to collect, transport, treat and dispose of waste. This includes recycling and monitoring of waste disposal.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of waste management supervisor.

  • Ensure compliance with waste legislative regulations: Implement and monitor company procedures for the collection, transport and disposal of waste, in compliance with all regulations and legal requirements.
  • Supervise waste disposal: Supervise disposal of biological waste and chemical waste according to regulations.
  • Design plant waste procedures: Participate in mine tailings and waste dump design and management, as per geotechnical, operational and statutory requirements.
  • Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
  • Establish waste collection routes: Establish and outline the routes which would ensure efficient and fast waste collection in the designated area.
  • Supervise worker safety: Ensure safety of site personnel; supervise correct use of protective equipment and clothing; understand and implement safety procedures.
  • Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
  • Supervise work: Direct and supervise the day-to-day activities of subordinate personnel.
  • Ensure compliance with policies: Ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures in respect of health and safety in the workplace and public areas. Ensure awareness and compliance with all company policies in relation to health and safety and equal opportunities in the workplace.
  • Manage recycling program budget: manage the annual recycling program and respective budget of an organisation.
  • Perform planning: Manage one’s time schedule and resources in order to finish tasks in a timely manner.
  • Liaise with managers: Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of waste management supervisor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Project management: Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
  • Nuclear legislation: Be familiar with European, national and international legislation regarding the practice of nuclear activities.
  • Nuclear energy: The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.
  • Protective safety equipment: The processes and materials used to create safety equipment such as fire-fighting equipment, gas masks or headgear.
  • Radiation protection: The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of waste management supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Apply radiation protection procedures: Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).
  • Dispose of hazardous waste: Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
  • Dispose of non-hazardous waste: Dispose of waste materials which pose no risk to health and safety in a manner which complies with recycling and waste management procedures.
  • Design strategies for nuclear emergencies: Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies which aim to prevent equipment malfunctions, errors, and contamination risks in nuclear facilities, and which outline response actions in the event of a nuclear emergency.
  • Develop radiation protection strategies: Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.
  • Follow nuclear plant safety precautions: Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
  • Instruct employees on radiation protection: Explain the various legal and operational measures established in the company against radiation, such as reducing exposure time and wearing protective gear, to the employees and communicate the emergency procedures.
  • Monitor disposal of radioactive substances: Ensure correct management and disposal of radioactive substances used for medical purposes, in compliance with established procedures.
  • Respond to nuclear emergencies: Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.
  • Test safety strategies: Test policies and strategies related to risk and safety management and procedures, such as testing evacuation plans, safety equipment, and carrying out drills.
  • Perform project management: Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project’s progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
  • Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations: Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

ISCO group and title

3122 – Manufacturing supervisors


References
  1. Waste management supervisor – ESCO
  2. Waste management officer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk
  3. Featured image: Image by mostafa meraji from Pixabay
Last updated on May 30, 2023