Lead Hazmat Technician

About the Role

We’re looking for a Lead Hazmat Technician to join our team of professionals committed to safety, teamwork, and environmental excellence. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee and participate in projects involving tank cleaning, confined space entry and rescue, hazardous material cleanup, industrial cleaning, and maintenance work across various company and customer sites.

About the job

• Lead and mentor technicians on-site while ensuring all safety and operational procedures are followed.
• Set up, operate, and maintain specialized industrial cleaning and vapor control equipment (e.g., thermal oxidizer degassing systems, manway cannons, carbon canister trailers).
• Direct crews in setting up containments, confined space entries, tank degassing, and vapor control operations.
• Perform and oversee confined space entries, rescues, and hazardous waste cleanup activities.
• Transport non-hazardous materials and operate vehicles up to 26,000 lbs. GVWR with trailers.
• Operate and maintain pressure washers, water blasters, pumps, forklifts, manlifts, and other heavy equipment.
• Complete all required paperwork, including JSAs, permits, rescue plans, and equipment inspections accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with Operations and Safety departments to improve SOPs, training, and site procedures.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance while maintaining strong communication with supervisors, dispatch, and crew members.

What You Bring 

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3 - 5 years of related experience hazardous waste industry
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience in field operations.
• Proficient in timekeeping, electronic logs, and computer-based systems (ADP, training platforms, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and complete safety documentation and work orders accurately.
• Physically capable of performing field labor in various environments and weather conditions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid California Driver’s License.
• TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
• 40-hour HAZWOPER certification with current 8-hour refresher (or ability to obtain—training provided).
• CPR/First Aid and Confined Space Rescue training (company supported).

What Ponder Offers

Compensation & Benefits:

We value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including: 

• Hourly Rate Range: $28.00 - $34.00
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• 401(k) with Company Match 
• Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Pay 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Ponder Environmental Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and make employment decisions based on qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. 

#ZR