Howard Birch
Clayton
Summary
Dedicated Hazardous Waste Technician with the North Carolina National Guard, skilled in waste identification and emergency response. Enhanced workplace safety through rigorous hazard assessments and streamlined disposal processes, achieving a 20% increase in efficiency. Known for excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, contributing to a safer environment and compliance with environmental regulations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
18
18
Certification
Work History
Hazardous Waste Technician
North Carolina National Guard
- Cleaned up biohazards and industrial waste by carefully following optimal safety protocols.
- Removed soil, debris and other materials from spill sites and placed in appropriate containers.
- Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular hazard assessments and providing timely recommendations.
- Streamlined hazardous waste disposal processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced risk of contamination.
- Maximized protections by accurately labeling hazardous waste containers in line with environmental and safety requirements.
- Moved and loaded drums and containers weighing as much as 700 pounds.
- Handled emergency spills and environmental cleanup requests with organized approach.
- Arranged pick-ups, managed documentation and reported quantities of waste to help coordinators make appropriate planning decisions.
- Maintained inspection-ready manifest documentation for review by supervisor.
- Collected and disposed of hazardous waste produced in businesses across Location.
- Audited hazardous waste weekly to assist with pick-up scheduling and maintain necessary safety controls.
- Prepared containers for long-distance shipping and coordinated transportation with contractors.
- Sampled and characterized waste to generate accurate materials profiles.
- Managed disposal of non-hazardous and special waste materials such as Type.
- Improved hazardous waste management by implementing proper disposal techniques and procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of waste management practices, identifying areas for improvement and proposing actionable solutions.
- Coordinated with external vendors for the removal and transportation of hazardous wastes from job sites, adhering to strict deadlines and schedules.
- Managed hazardous waste documentation, including manifests, contingency plans, and inspection reports in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintained accurate records for hazardous waste inventory, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Performed routine equipment maintenance, ensuring optimal performance during waste handling tasks.
- Ensured proper labeling and classification of hazardous wastes according to regulatory guidelines, facilitating appropriate disposal methods.
- Increased overall safety awareness among staff through regular briefings on best practices in handling dangerous chemicals or materials.
- Implemented stringent safety measures during waste transport operations, minimizing the risk of spills or accidents.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives within the company''s waste management program through evaluations of current protocols.
- Participated in audits conducted by regulatory agencies, demonstrating adherence to environmental rules and standards.
- Conducted thorough inspections on storage areas to ensure compliance with regulations for storing hazardous substances.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive emergency response plans for hazardous material incidents.
- Provided training and guidance to team members on safe handling of hazardous materials, reducing potential accidents and injuries.
- Developed effective strategies for segregating incompatible wastes, preventing chemical reactions or environmental pollution incidents during storage or disposal processes.
- Contributed to a safer work environment by promptly reporting any observed hazards or potential risks related to waste management activities.
- Assisted in the implementation of waste minimization programs, leading to a reduction in hazardous materials generation and associated costs.
- Adhered to all defined safety protocols, company requirements and federal and local laws to maintain safe and controlled environments.
- Operated and maintained hoists and forklifts to move supplies and contaminated materials.
- Evaluated hazardous conditions to develop successful mitigation strategy and maintain public safety throughout procedures.
- Located and removed radioactive materials, contaminated soil and fuel.
- Recorded numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
Professional Life Skills Coach
Community Innovations, Inc.
03.2013 - 05.2017
- Navigated sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy when addressing complex issues impacting individuals'' lives.
- Managed caseload efficiently while maintaining detailed records of all client interactions ensuring accurate tracking of progress towards goals.
- Promoted a positive mindset among clients by teaching resilience-building strategies like reframing negative thoughts or practicing gratitude exercises daily.
- Created innovative lesson plans that incorporated experiential learning opportunities to increase engagement among participants.
- Facilitated the development of healthy coping mechanisms through mindfulness exercises and guided reflection activities.
- Conducted workshops on topics such as stress management, time management, and effective communication skills for improved quality of life.
- Provided ongoing support to individuals experiencing crises or setbacks, offering guidance on navigating challenging situations effectively.
- Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.
- Helped to integrate clients in local community by teaching important social and work-related skills.
- Assisted with personal care appointments such as haircuts and doctors' appointments.
- Modeled positive behavior skills as well as good problem-solving and relationship-building abilities to improve clients' social integration.
- Offered training on personal hygiene and grooming skills.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
Education
GED - General Studies
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC08.2005
Skills
- Waste identification
- Hazard communication
- Heavy equipment operation
- Personal protective equipment
- Transportation regulations
- Waste minimization
- First aid training
- Chemical safety
- Public health awareness
- Site assessment
- Sampling techniques
- Incident command system
- Hazardous material handling
- Lead abatement
- Forklift certification
- Mold remediation
- Stormwater management
- Laboratory analysis
- Hazardous materials shipping
- Storage protocols
- Environmental regulations
- Pesticide application
- Universal waste management
- Spill control
- Respiratory protection
- Drum handling
- Waste manifesting
- Hazardous waste storage
- Site safety inspections
- Site inspections
- Waste management
- Hazardous materials handling
- Emergency response
- Accident investigations
- Material safety data sheets
- Transportation manifests
- Environmental regulations compliance
- Facility inspection
- Chemical identification
- Spill clean-up
- Teamwork and communication
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Decontamination and safety
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Safety training
- Equipment operation
- Self motivation
- Analytical thinking
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- First aid certification
- Incident reporting
- Waste removal
- Safety equipment inspection
- Written communication
- Adaptability
- Continuous improvement
- Time management abilities
Certification
2023 Basic Hazardous Waste Compliance for Generators (NCDEQ)
2015 Environmental, Energy, Health, and Safety (EEHS) School
2017 Environmental Workshop (ARNG)
2024 Army G3 Computer Security Training (DA)
2020 Facility Environmental Coordinator Training
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
40 Hour RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations
2018 Business Environmental and Safety Training (BEST) Conference
2018 NGB Intro and Advanced Step Training
2015 HQAES100 Overview & Portal Navigation
2015 HQAES110 Analytical Reports
2015 HQAES120 Ad Hoc Queries
2015 HQAES350 Waste Management
2003 40 HR Haz-woper Certification, 2004 Emergency Action Plan Training Certification, 2004 Safe Chemical Handling Training Certification, 2005 Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency
- First Aid Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- [State] Driver's License
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- OSHA Certified
Timeline
Professional Life Skills Coach
Community Innovations, Inc.
03.2013 - 05.2017
Hazardous Waste Technician
North Carolina National Guard
GED - General Studies
Wake Technical Community College
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