Hazardous waste inspector
Also known as: hazardous waste control inspector, hazardous waste disposal inspector, hazardous waste tester/inspector, hazardous waste management inspector, hazardous waste compliance inspector
About this occupation
Hazardous waste inspectors inspect industrial sites to ensure they adhere to waste disposal legislation, and inspect their equipment to see if it is operational and functions according to regulations. They also aim to educate the public on hazardous substances and on hazardous waste handling regulations.
A specialisation of industrial waste inspector.
Essential skills and knowledge
- waste management
- hazardous waste types
- inspect industrial equipment
- carry out environmental audits
- quality assurance procedures
- hazardous waste treatment
- hazardous waste storage
- inspect waste disposal facilities
- ensure compliance with waste legislative regulations
- hazardous materials transportation
- educate on hazardous waste
- advise on waste management procedures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Environmental Compliance Inspectors (O*NET 13-1041.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
- Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
- Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
- Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
- Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$80,730 a year (2025), 417,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Compliance Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.