Facilities Maintenance Technician

Pearland, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Employee assistance program

Job Description

Lonza Houston is a prominent biopharmaceutical company specializing in Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing, dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative and compliant manufacturing processes. The company's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Manufacturing Support departments play a critical role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship of the facility, which operates under strict regulatory standards to produce high-quality therapeutic products. Known for its commitment to operational excellence and employee safety, Lonza Houston fosters a culture of continuous improvement, regulatory adherence, and sustainable waste management practices. Their state-of-the-art facility is supported by a skilled workforce trained to manage complex manufacturing environments while maintaining compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

The Waste Technician (Waste Tech) role at Lonza Houston is a part-time position, requiring 16 hours per week, reporting directly to the Site Head. This position is essential to the Environmental Health & Safety and Manufacturing Support teams, focusing on the safe handling, characterization, and shipment of all waste streams generated within the pharmaceutical manufacturing operation. The Waste Tech ensures that all waste handling complies with Department of Transportation (DOT), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and other regulatory requirements, contributing to the facility's environmental compliance and operational efficiency. This role demands thorough knowledge of hazardous, non-hazardous, and medical waste management practices, with an emphasis on accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The Waste Technician will be responsible for performing detailed waste characterization and ensuring that all waste containers are properly segregated, labeled, and stored according to regulatory and compatibility standards. This involves verifying that waste loads are correctly filled and packaged, coordinating shipments, and maintaining accurate documentation, including manifests and disposal forms. The technician will regularly conduct inspections of waste accumulation areas to ensure compliance, support audits and inspections by regulatory bodies, and collaborate with manufacturing and laboratory personnel to enhance waste segregation and handling processes. Additionally, the Waste Tech will identify opportunities for waste minimization and process improvements, playing an active role in maintaining the company’s commitment to sustainability and safety. Overall, the role is vital for ensuring that Lonza Houston meets all environmental and safety protocols while supporting the efficient and compliant disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry
Ability to obtain DOT hazardous materials training within a defined timeframe
Ability to obtain RCRA training within a defined timeframe
Minimum 4 years of experience in waste management in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment
Knowledge of hazardous waste regulations including EPA, DOT, and state-specific requirements
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to handle hazardous materials safely and follow procedures
Ability to wear PPE including respirators
Comfortable working in laboratory and manufacturing environments

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in chemistry
DOT hazardous materials training (required or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe)
RCRA training (required or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe)
4+ years of experience in waste management, preferably in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment
Knowledge of hazardous waste regulations, including EPA, DOT, and state-specific requirements
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to handle potentially hazardous materials safely and follow strict procedures
Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators if necessary
Comfortable working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments

Job Duties

Perform waste characterization for all facility-generated waste streams, including hazardous, non-hazardous, and medical waste, in accordance with regulatory requirements
Ensure all waste containers are properly segregated, labeled, and stored based on compatibility and regulatory classifications
Verify that all waste loads are accurately filled, properly packaged, and compliant prior to shipment
Coordinate and execute the shipment of hazardous, non-hazardous, and medical waste, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations
Prepare, review, and maintain shipping documentation, including manifests, land disposal restriction (LDR) forms, and bills of lading, ensuring accuracy and completeness
Ensure all outgoing waste shipments meet Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for packaging, labeling, marking, and placarding
Maintain compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and internal waste management procedures
Conduct routine inspections of waste accumulation areas to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards
Support, as needed, audits and inspections by regulatory agencies and internal quality teams
Maintain accurate records of waste generation, storage, and disposal activities
Collaborate with manufacturing and lab personnel to ensure proper waste segregation and handling practices
Identify opportunities for waste minimization and process improvements