Nutrient Management/Waste Management Specialist
Nutrient management and waste management specialists develop appropriate methods for removing and managing animal and food waste from or in the environment. They monitor processes that remove or destroy harmful materials, chemicals and microorganisms from water or land. Additionally, these specialists analyze the fertilizer value of applied manure.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Conduct clean ups following natural disasters
- Have knowledge of hazardous materials
- Operate heavy machinery
- Assist in research and analytical studies on waste management studies
- Monitor processes that remove or destroy harmful materials
- Research environmentally friendly cleaning processes
- Train individuals in the proper disposal of waste
- Assist in finding opportunities for source reduction and hazard mitigation before a disaster occurs
- Read meters and gauges to make sure that plant and lab equipment is working properly
- Participate in auditing processes assessing an organization’s waste stream
- Analyze the fertilizer value of applied manure
- Explain site-specific issues with nutrient management plans
- Ensure that organizations are adhering to waste management regulations
- Manage multiple clients’ soil test and fertility needs
- Scout fields for custom chemical applications and make recommendations
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- mathematics
- environmental science
- earth science
- biology
- plant science
- chemistry
- animal science
- biology
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, natural resource management, agronomy, environmental science, chemistry, environmental engineering or a related field is required to be a nutrient management and waste management specialist.
