Waste Program Specialist

Under the direction of the Environmental Management Lead, the Waste Program Specialist has corporate accountability for the planning, implementation, and oversight of Hamilton Health Sciences’ waste management program across all hospital sites and select ancillary locations. The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient management of all waste streams, including general waste, recycling, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cytotoxic, chemical, confidential, and other specialty wastes. This includes the development and maintenance of waste management policies, procedures, and strategies; delivery of corporate waste education and training; regulatory monitoring and reporting; and acting as the organizational subject matter expert for waste-related matters.

The Waste Program Specialist leads and manages all waste service contracts, including RFx development, vendor selection, contract implementation, and ongoing relationship and performance management. The role oversees waste disposal operating and capital budgets, reviews and approves invoices, tracks costs against key performance indicators, and identifies pressures and opportunities for savings. The position is responsible for coordinating waste audits, preparing internal and external reports, maintaining required provincial and federal registrations, and liaising with regulatory bodies, municipalities, and external agencies to support inspections, reporting, and compliance. In addition, the role manages and maintains HHS-owned waste equipment, ensuring equipment is safely operated, properly maintained, and compliant with regulatory and best practice standards.

The Waste Program Specialist works collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical stakeholders, Facilities Management, Capital Development, contracted housekeeping services, and external vendors to support daily operations, resolve issues, and integrate waste management requirements into new builds and renovations. Through strong contract management, regulatory oversight, education, and continuous improvement, the Waste Program Specialist plays a critical role in minimizing risk, supporting environmental performance goals, and ensuring effective waste management across Hamilton Health Sciences.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s Degree Environmental Health and Safety , Waste Management, Environmental Management, Sciences or other related field

·         Additional diploma in related field or certification in CAPM or PMP is an asset

·         Comprehensive knowledge of environmental legislation and laws and the principles and practices of environmental safety;

·         Demonstrated leadership skills and ability;

·         Evidence of commitment to continuous education through pursuit of undergraduate studies or comparable educational endeavors;

·         High level of initiative with demonstrated excellence in communication, team building, organization and the ability to initiate and model positive change.

·         Demonstrated ability to work effectively as an interdisciplinary team member

·         Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff, administration and government officials

·         Demonstrated ability to manage operational and capital budgets

·         Demonstrated ability for managing risk and program quality

·         Experience with CSA and ISO Standards, Waste Reduction and Diversion Reporting or other standards considered an asset

·         Strong report writing and presentation skills

·         Strong analytical skills and experience managing data for the purpose of generating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics for corporate reporting.

·         Ability to identify problems, analyze data, and develop solutions.

·         3-5 years of related experience

Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health and Safety , Environmental Management or other related field;
• Recent experience (2-5 years) in the development and /or implementation of waste management programs
• Comprehensive knowledge of environmental legislation and laws and the principles and practices of environmental safety
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability;
• Evidence of commitment to continuous education through pursuit of undergraduate studies or comparable educational endeavours;
• High level of initiative with demonstrated excellence in communication, team building, organization and the ability to initiate and model positive change.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as an interdisciplinary team member
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff, administration and government officials