fed2civ

GS-6913 Hazardous Waste Disposing Transition Guide

Explore how your federal experience as a Hazardous Waste Disposing (GS-6913) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.

GS Level Mappings

Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.

GS Level Group Corporate Titles Responsibilities Salary Range
1-4 Environmental Technician, Field Technician, Waste Management Assistant Assist in the handling, transportation, and documentation of hazardous waste materials. Conduct basic site assessments and maintain safety protocols in waste disposal areas. $30,000 - $45,000
5-7 Environmental Specialist, Waste Management Coordinator, Hazardous Materials Technician Coordinate hazardous waste disposal operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Conduct inspections and audits of waste management processes and prepare reports on findings. $45,000 - $65,000
8-9 Environmental Compliance Officer, Hazardous Waste Manager, Project Manager - Waste Management Oversee hazardous waste management programs, creating compliance strategies and training staff on handling procedures. Develop and implement waste reduction initiatives and manage budgets. $65,000 - $85,000
10-11 Senior Environmental Consultant, Director of Hazardous Waste Management, Program Manager - Environmental Services Lead programs aimed at hazardous waste disposal and management, providing technical guidance. Collaborate with agencies to ensure adherence to regulations and assess environmental impacts. $85,000 - $110,000
12-13 Principal Environmental Engineer, Director of Environmental Compliance, Senior Waste Management Strategist Strategize and oversee complex hazardous waste management projects, ensuring comprehensive compliance. Work on legislative advocacy and represent the company at industry conferences. $110,000 - $140,000
14-15 Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Chief Sustainability Officer, Global Director of Waste Management Drive organizational policies on environmental sustainability and hazardous waste management. Establish corporate partnerships and lead initiatives that influence industry standards and regulations. $140,000 - $180,000
SES Senior Executive Vice President - Environmental Policy, Chief Environmental Officer, Senior Vice President of Risk Management Set the strategic direction for environmental policy related to waste management at the executive level. Engage with stakeholders and regulatory bodies to shape and advocate for environmental standards. $180,000 - $250,000

Transferable Skills

Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.

  • • Knowledge of hazardous waste regulations and compliance (RCRA, CERCLA, etc.)
  • • Safety management and risk assessment
  • • Environmental impact assessment and sustainable practices
  • • Project management and coordination skills
  • • Technical writing and documentation preparation
  • • Data analysis and reporting
  • • Training and educating personnel on hazardous materials handling
  • • Use of specialized waste disposal equipment and technologies
  • • Ability to work in cross-functional teams and collaborate with stakeholders
  • • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • • Attention to detail and adherence to protocols
  • • Experience in conducting audits and inspections
  • • Knowledge of emergency response procedures and incident management

Certifications & Education

Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.

  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

    The CHMM credential demonstrates proficiency in hazardous materials management and compliance, making it ideal for roles in environmental safety, waste management, and industrial hygiene. Holding this certification can provide a competitive edge in the civilian sector, showcasing your commitment to safety and regulatory standards.

  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

    Obtaining the CSP certification signifies a thorough understanding of safety practices and principles, particularly in environments handling hazardous waste. This credential is highly regarded in the civilian workforce and can open doors to leadership roles in safety management and environmental compliance.

  • Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training

    This training is essential for anyone tasked with handling hazardous waste, as it covers safety procedures for working in hazardous environments. Completing the OSHA HAZWOPER training enhances employability by ensuring candidates are knowledgeable about safety regulations and emergency responses.

  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification

    NIMS certification prepares individuals to manage and respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials, which is crucial for both public safety and environmental protection. In the civilian sector, this certification is often sought after by employers who value preparedness and effective response strategies in their operations.

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification in Hazardous Waste Management

    This certification indicates that an individual is equipped with knowledge specific to the regulations and best practices concerning hazardous waste management. It is particularly advantageous for careers in compliance and regulatory roles, ensuring that an employee can effectively navigate and implement necessary procedures within various organizations.

  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credential

    While typically associated with building management, a LEED credential demonstrates knowledge of sustainable practices that can apply to hazardous waste management environments. This certification illustrates to civilian employers a commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions for waste management.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

    Many hazardous waste management projects require strong oversight and coordination, making a PMP credential highly useful in civilian positions that oversee large scale remediation or compliance projects. This certification highlights project management expertise, which is often valued across various sectors, leading to better job prospects and advancement opportunities.

Typical Employers

See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.

  • Environmental Consulting Firms
  • Waste Management Companies
  • Recycling Organizations
  • Industrial Hygiene and Safety Firms
  • Environmental Non-Profits
  • Government Contractors specializing in Environmental Services
  • Chemical Manufacturing Companies
  • Energy Companies focusing on Hazardous Materials Management
  • Construction Firms with Environmental Departments
  • Health and Safety Training Organizations

Career Transition Advice

Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.

  • Highlight your expertise in hazardous waste management, including compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols, as this knowledge is highly valued in the private sector.
  • Consider obtaining certifications relevant to environmental management or recycling, such as the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or RCRA certifications, to enhance your marketability.
  • Network with professionals in the environmental and waste management industries through LinkedIn or local associations to gain insights and job leads.
  • Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills, such as project management, team leadership, and technical writing, that are applicable in various civilian roles.
  • Research potential industries that prioritize environmental responsibility, such as construction, manufacturing, or consulting, where your skills will be in demand.

Industry Trends

Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.

  • 📈 Increased regulatory requirements for hazardous waste management leading to a higher demand for qualified professionals in this field.
  • 📈 Advancements in waste treatment technologies that necessitate ongoing training and new skill development for hazardous waste disposal specialists.
  • 📈 Growing emphasis on sustainability and recycling efforts, prompting organizations to seek experts in hazardous waste reduction and environmental compliance.
  • 📈 Expanded roles for hazardous waste professionals in emergency response and disaster recovery scenarios, increasing the relevance and value of this job series.
  • 📈 The rise in private sector partnerships and contracts with federal agencies for hazardous waste disposal, creating new job opportunities and competitive career paths.

General Transition Advice

Transitioning from Federal GS-6913 Hazardous Waste Disposing Role to Private Sector: A Comprehensive Guide

Transitioning from a federal job, especially in the specialized field of hazardous waste disposal, into the private sector is indeed a significant step. While it may initially seem daunting, with the right mindset shifts, strategies, and tools, you can navigate this transition successfully. Here’s a guide to help you make this shift effectively.

1. Mindset Shifts

Success in the transition from a federal employee to a private sector job often requires a change in mindset. Here are a few areas to focus on:

  • Embrace Flexibility: Unlike the federal sector, private companies can be more flexible—this includes policies, procedures, and work environments. Be prepared to adapt to new cultures and expectations.
  • Value of Your Experience: Understand that skills honed in a federal capacity—such as management of hazardous materials, compliance, and safety management—are highly sought by private corporations. Have confidence in the value of your experience.
  • Solutions-Oriented Thinking: Private sector companies often prioritize innovation and efficiency. Shift your mindset from merely executing regulations to exploring cost-effective and innovative solutions that could apply in your new role.

2. Resume Tips

Your resume is your first impression, so making it clear and compelling is critical:

  • Use Private Sector Language: Avoid using federal jargon or abbreviations that are not commonly understood outside the federal arena. For instance, instead of saying "compliance with RCRA regulations," you might say "ensured adherence to environmental safety standards."
  • Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your accomplishments. For example, "Managed the disposal process for over 500 tons of hazardous waste a year, improving compliance rates by 30%."
  • Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills such as project management, team leadership, and safety audits, which are relevant across sectors.
  • Focus on Results: Clearly demonstrate outcomes of your work—if you improved processes, reduced waste, or saved costs, make sure to highlight these achievements.

3. Interview Tips

Interviews in the private sector may feel different than in federal roles:

  • Be Prepared with Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This helps you tell concise stories that demonstrate your skills.
  • Discuss Adaptability: Share examples of how you’ve adapted to regulatory changes or overcome challenges in hazardous waste management.
  • Practice Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions that might assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Common questions include "Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult situation."
  • Express Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the company and the position. Research the company beforehand and align your responses to their mission and values.

4. Networking Strategies

Connecting with the right people can greatly enhance your job search:

  • Utilize LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with professionals in your desired field. Engage with their posts and share relevant content to build your visibility.
  • Join Professional Organizations: Engage with groups related to environmental safety, hazardous waste management, and sustainability. These organizations often hold networking events.
  • Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals in roles you aspire to. Ask if they'd be open to a short chat about their career path; this can provide valuable insights and expand your network.
  • Attend Industry Conferences: Participate in seminars and workshops related to your field. These venues offer opportunities to learn and connect with potential employers.

5. Translating Federal Experience

To translate your federal experience effectively:

  • Map Skills to Job Descriptions: Analyze job postings in your target sector and align your experiences with their requirements. For instance, if a job emphasizes risk management, explain how you mitigated risks in hazardous waste handling.
  • Use Simple Language: Simplify your descriptions to make them accessible. Avoid any overly technical federal terms that might not be known in the private sector.
  • Detail Soft Skills: Highlighting soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership can appeal to potential employers. For example, explain how you orchestrated team activities for waste management compliance.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a federal employee to a private sector job entails both challenges and numerous opportunities. By shifting your mindset, honing your resume, preparing for interviews, networking effectively, and learning to translate your experiences, you can make a successful transition. Remember, the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired in your GS-6913 role are valuable and sought after—believe in yourself, stay positive, and take actionable steps towards your new career. Good luck!