EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 6 | Page 28

CO U R S E S & C A REERS
Opportunities

Environmental chemists:
Environmental chemists have
important roles in the wellbeing of society as they are
tasked with the monitoring
the safety levels of resources
as part of waste management.
By carrying out analytical
tests to determine source
and extent of pollution and
contamination in water, air and
soil, environmental chemists
have a hand in safeguarding
people’s health.

Hazardous waste
management technologist
(Hazmat): Many centres
are being set up around the
world today to dispose of
and manage petrochemicals
and hazardous waste. As
this is a relatively new field
in environmental science,
chemists in this field are
responsible for detecting and
identifying chemical pollutants
in air, water and soil. This task
requires a high affinity for
teamwork as the scientists are
required to work together with
biologists, toxicologists and
water and soil chemists.

Waste management
engineers: Commonly
referred to as technicians,
waste management engineers
design plans and systems that
can convert waste into useable
energy. These valuable energy
includes heating, electricity
and fuels for transport, site
remediation and pollution
control technology. Special
experience in technical
drawing will be an added
advantage for potential
candidates in this field.

26

easyuni Guide 2015

Issue 6

A day in the life of a waste management career
You will be organising and managing the waste disposal, collection and
management of a recycling facility. You may also be responsible for waste treatment
and street cleaning operations within specific localities. You could also be hired
as a consultant to numerous organisations, communities and local authorities to
ensure compliance with legislation on the safe handling and disposal of waste.
Some positions combine waste management and recycling functions, while others
prefer to split them into separate jobs. As such, your scope may include recycling
and waste management matters to tackle problems, improve disposal methods and
highlight the various benefits of recycling.
You will also need to keep updated and concise statistical records as well as manage
budgets and ensure targeted quotas in local and national platforms are achieved.
People skills would be useful when liaising with various environment experts and
recycling officers in the establishment and management of recycling centres. There
are also times when you will need to handle queries and complaints from the
general public and set up meetings with community representatives or industrial
companies to analyse and tailor strategies to their needs.

Waste management specialists can secure employment in places such as waste
management firms and recycling companies, environmental and engineering
agencies, private waste management and consultancies and local authorities
(county, district or metropolitan councils). Other industries include health care,
automotive, energy and tourism.
Your role requires the ability to grasp complex and dynamic legislation and capacity
to explain, apply and monitor such legislations and have a complete understanding
of the efficient and effective management of waste. You should also have excellent
communication skills, both verbal and written, and good administrative skills.
Good managerial skills and understanding of budgets is ideal, as well as patience
and resilience. As your scope will include the preparation of reports and budgets,
you should be able to use spreadsheets and databases, and be able to interpret
statistical information and present reports. Finally, you must be able to prioritise
and meet deadlines and also be an excellent team player with good leadership and
management qualities.