Incinerator Operator I

Position Summary

The Incinerator Operator plays an important role in supporting Michigan State University's commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. As a member of the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team, this position assists with the safe transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of specialized waste materials, including pathological, biohazardous, and radioactive waste.

This position operates incineration and cremation equipment, transports waste materials from university locations, maintains operational records, and supports regulatory compliance activities. This is a physically demanding position requiring frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and movement of waste containers, carts, and equipment.

Work location is the Pathological Incinerator (also known as Farm Lane Incinerator, 1442-Building) located at 250 Storage Road, East Lansing. Shift schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Salary

The hourly rate for this position is as follows:

• Probationary rate: $22.65/hour
• Job rate: $25.17/hour (at successful completion of probation)

What You’ll Do

• Operate large pathological incinerators to safely process regulated university waste.
• Operate a small animal crematorium and prepare cremated remains for distribution.
• Collect, transport, and store waste materials from campus locations in accordance with established procedures.
• Drive university vehicles to transport waste materials between collection and disposal sites.
• Maintain incinerators, cremation equipment, and related work areas to support safe and efficient operations.
• Monitor, record, and maintain operational data, including incinerator controls, opacity readings, and waste processing records.
• Move waste materials using carts, powered equipment, and manual handling techniques.
• Support compliance with federal, state, local, and university environmental and safety regulations.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
• Reliability, accountability, and attention to detail.
• The ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment.
• The ability to perform physically demanding work in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Strong teamwork and customer service skills when interacting with campus partners.

Why Join Us

• Contribute to meaningful work that supports the health, safety, and well-being of the Michigan State University community through environmental compliance and waste management services.
• Gain hands-on experience operating specialized equipment while developing expertise in specialized waste handling, transportation, and disposal.
• Join a collaborative team dedicated to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship in support of the university's teaching, research, and outreach mission.

Minimum Requirements

• High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of equipment, tools, methods, and techniques used in the operation and maintenance of gas-fired incinerators.
• Participate in job related in-service education.
• Successful completion of smoke opacity training for grading visible emissions within six months of hire.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.
• Willingness to work a flexible shift.
• Willingness to work with animal carcasses, foul smells, and bodily fluids.
• Requires valid operator, chauffeur and medical certificate to comply with State of Michigan requirements within three months of hire.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience in operating large capacity incinerators.
• Training in Biosafety level 2 and 3.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Building Location

250 STORAGE RD

Website

https://ehs.msu.edu/

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing.

Summary of Health Risks

TB risk or work within 3 feet of human patients in a health care setting or have potential exposure to animals or to specimens with Mycobacterium.

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical certification

Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

Bidding Eligibility ends November 17, 2026 at 11:55 PM