Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming Career Overview
As a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker, you play a vital role in addressing environmental hazards and restoring contaminated sites. Your responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting site assessments to identify hazardous materials and contaminants.
- Implementing remediation techniques to eliminate or contain environmental threats.
- Monitoring and maintaining safety protocols to protect yourself and your team during operations.
- Collaborating with environmental engineers, scientists, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Maintaining accurate records and documentation of remediation efforts, including waste disposal processes.
This career is integral to protecting public health and the environment. With the increasing focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance, the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Your work contributes not only to the safety of local communities but also to the preservation of natural resources. By engaging in this profession, you become part of a dedicated effort to remediate contaminated sites, making a lasting impact on your environment and society.
Contaminated Site Remediation Worker Salary in Wyoming
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming
To pursue a career as a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming, specific educational qualifications and training programs are essential. Below are the recommended college degree programs that can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for this role:
Environmental Science: A degree in Environmental Science focuses on the study of ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental regulations. This degree offers a broad understanding of environmental issues, which is vital in assessing contaminated sites.
Environmental Engineering: This program emphasizes the design and implementation of technologies to improve the environment. Environmental Engineering is crucial as it equips you with the technical expertise to manage and remediate contaminated sites effectively.
Environmental Health Engineering: A degree in Environmental Health Engineering combines principles of engineering and public health. This program prepares you to analyze the effects of environmental pollutants and develop strategies for remediation.
Soil Science and Agronomy: This degree focuses on the study of soil properties, fertility, and management. Knowledge in Soil Science is fundamental when working on contaminated sites, as you will need to understand how contaminants interact with soil.
Soil Sciences: Similar to Soil Science and Agronomy, a degree in Soil Sciences provides in-depth knowledge of soil organisms, their habitats, and the chemical and physical properties of soil. This understanding is crucial for evaluating and remediating contaminated land.
In addition to these degree programs, obtaining relevant certifications or completing on-the-job training may further enhance your qualifications in the field of site remediation.
Best Schools to become a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
American Public University System
Oregon State University
Ohio State University-Main Campus
University of South Florida
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil.
- Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required.
- May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Contaminated Site Remediation Worker Required Skills and Competencies in Wyoming
Technical Knowledge: You need a solid understanding of environmental science, chemistry, and geology to effectively assess and manage contaminated sites.
Safety Awareness: Familiarity with occupational health and safety regulations is vital to ensuring a safe working environment. This includes knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling procedures for hazardous materials.
Physical Stamina: The role often requires you to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions. Good physical fitness is essential for lifting, digging, and operating machinery.
Problem-Solving Skills: You must be able to identify issues on-site and formulate effective solutions quickly. Analytical thinking is necessary to assess risks and develop remediation strategies.
Attention to Detail: Precision in monitoring contamination levels and adhering to regulations is critical. Errors can have significant environmental and health implications.
Teamwork: Collaborating with other professionals, such as engineers, scientists, and regulatory officials, is often necessary. Strong interpersonal skills will help you work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Communication Skills: You should be able to convey complex environmental concerns and remediation procedures clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the public.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing conditions and unexpected challenges in the field is essential. Being flexible will help you handle different types of sites and varying regulatory requirements.
Record-Keeping and Documentation: Strong organizational skills will assist you in maintaining accurate records of site assessments, remediation efforts, and compliance with regulations.
Knowledge of Remediation Techniques: Familiarity with various remediation methods, such as bioremediation, excavation, and chemical treatments, will enhance your ability to implement effective solutions.
Job Duties for Contaminated Site Remediation Workers
Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Xactware Xactimate
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming
The job market for Contaminated Site Remediation Workers in Wyoming presents a blend of stability and growth potential, fueled by various factors including environmental regulations and ongoing industrial activities.
Demand for Services: As environmental awareness rises and regulations surrounding hazardous materials tighten, the demand for remediation services continues to grow. Businesses, government entities, and environmental organizations frequently require skilled workers to manage contaminated sites, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
Growth Potential: The remediation industry is expected to expand, driven by the need for cleanup efforts related to legacy pollutants, industrial waste, and new construction projects requiring site assessments. Continued funding from government initiatives aimed at environmental restoration can also contribute to job opportunities in this sector.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Casper: As a central hub in Wyoming, Casper has seen increased activity in energy and industrial sectors, leading to a higher requirement for remediation specialists to address contaminated lands.
- Gillette: Known for its coal mining industry, Gillette presents opportunities for workers focused on soil and groundwater remediation related to mining operations.
- Cheyenne: The state capital is often a focal point for environmental policy development and, as such, may generate jobs in remediation related to urban development and governmental projects.
Industry Partnerships: Collaboration between state agencies, private firms, and non-profit organizations in Wyoming facilitates a variety of projects, enhancing job openings for remediation professionals. Networking opportunities through industry conferences and workshops can lead to valuable connections.
Regulatory Environment: Wyoming’s strong regulatory framework encourages the development of best practices in environmental management, providing a reliable job market for remediation workers as businesses aim to meet compliance standards.
By understanding these dynamics, you can navigate the landscape of job opportunities within the Contaminated Site Remediation sector in Wyoming effectively.
Top Related Careers to Contaminated Site Remediation Worker 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Visit the EPA's official website to access a wealth of information on environmental regulations, hazardous waste management, and cleanup efforts.
EPA: Hazardous Waste CleanupWyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
This state agency provides important resources on contaminated site assessments, remediation programs, and environmental regulations specific to Wyoming.
Wyoming DEQ - Remediation ProgramNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
The NIEHS offers information on the health implications of environmental hazards and resources for workers in the field of environmental remediation.
NIEHSOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA provides guidelines on safety practices, regulations, and training programs for workers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
OSHA - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency ResponseSociety for Environmental Engineers (SEE)
This organization promotes best practices in environmental engineering and offers resources for professionals in the field of site remediation through publications and networking opportunities.
Society for Environmental EngineersAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE offers resources related to environmental engineering, including standards, publications, and access to peer-reviewed papers relevant to site remediation.
ASCE Environmental & Water Resources InstituteEnvironmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Program
The Superfund program addresses some of the most contaminated sites in the country and provides valuable information about site cleanup processes and policies.
EPA Superfund ProgramWyoming State Geological Survey
This resource provides geological and environmental data relevant to site assessments, including contamination mapping and analysis in Wyoming.
Wyoming State Geological SurveyNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH conducts research and makes recommendations for the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. Their resources include guidance for workers in hazardous environments.
NIOSHLocal Training Providers
Many community colleges and technical schools in Wyoming offer training and certification programs for hazardous materials handling and environmental remediation. Check local institutions for specific courses.
These resources will assist you in gaining deeper insights and knowledge about contaminated site remediation, safety regulations, and continuing education in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Contaminated Site Remediation Worker in Wyoming
What does a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker do?
You are responsible for cleaning up polluted or hazardous sites to make them safe for public use. This may include removing contaminants, treating polluted soil and groundwater, and restoring natural habitats.What qualifications do I need to become a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker?
Typically, you need at least a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or certifications in environmental science, hazardous materials management, or a related field.Is specialized training required for this job?
Yes, specialized training is often necessary. This includes training in hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) certification, OSHA safety training, and other environmental compliance training.What skills are important for a Contaminated Site Remediation Worker?
You should possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork abilities, and physical stamina. Technical skills related to environmental science and safety regulations are also essential.What kind of work environment can I expect?
You will work primarily on-site at contaminated locations, which can vary widely from urban to rural settings. Conditions may be challenging, including exposure to hazardous materials, extreme weather, and other environmental risks, so following safety protocols is crucial.What are the typical working hours for this role?
Working hours may vary. You can expect full-time hours, but overtime, weekend work, or on-call shifts may be required based on project demands and site conditions.Are there opportunities for advancement in this field?
Yes, with experience and additional training, you can advance to supervisory or management positions, such as site supervisor or project manager, overseeing larger remediation projects and teams.What are the job prospects for Contaminated Site Remediation Workers in Wyoming?
Job prospects are favorable due to increasing environmental regulations, the need for site cleanup, and new projects related to urban development and industrial activities. Networking, certifications, and staying updated on regulations can enhance your employability.What industries employ Contaminated Site Remediation Workers?
Common employers include environmental consulting firms, government agencies, construction companies, and industrial companies that require site assessments and cleanups.What can I expect in terms of salary?
Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. In Wyoming, the average salary range for this role is typically between $35,000 to $65,000 per year, though experienced workers in specialized roles may earn more.How can I find job openings in this field?
You can search for job openings through online job boards, company websites, local government job listings, and networking events. Joining professional organizations related to environmental remediation can also be beneficial.