Waste Management & Environmental Services OPT Jobs in Kentucky
F-1 OPT waste management and environmental services jobs in Kentucky are available across Louisville, Lexington, and the state's growing industrial corridor. Employers like Clean Harbors, Republic Services, and Stericycle have hired OPT workers in environmental and engineering roles. Kentucky's coal reclamation legacy and expanding sustainability sector create demand for STEM-eligible candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking to hire a Plant Operator for our Daniels’ medical waste treatment facility in Walton, KY. A Plant Operator has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift to load an autoclave. The ideal Plant Operator is an individual who likes variety in their work and can think through practical problems.
Learn more about our Plant Operator roles!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What will your job involve?
- Weigh incoming sharps and regulated medical waste containers (using our Weighbridge)
- Load/operate our autoclave machine (a pressure chamber to melt materials)
- Load the Washsmart system (container washing + sanitization system)
- Drive a forklift and operate hand trucks once trained
- Lifting 55lbs and push a four-wheeled cart that weighs as much as 200lbs
- Provide attention to detail, especially with the paperwork required to process these items
- Standing for extended periods of time happily and comfortably
- Working well with a team because we are all about teamwork!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What are we looking for?
- Someone with a can-do attitude who is committed to efficient, timely scheduling that has previous experience in a labor-intensive job. A person with proven longevity with their employers that we can rely on.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why work for us?
- Job stability – as an essential service to healthcare we are non-seasonal and recession proof.
- Opportunities for overtime – we always need extra hands on deck so overtime opportunities are plentiful.
- Consistent work hours - 1st shift/Full Time Monday-Friday (6:00am-2:30pm)
- Benefits – Full time roles are provided benefits, sick leave and vacation leave from day one.
- Permanent position – This is a Full-time permanent role of 40 hours per week.
- Competitive Pay!!! – $19/hr
- Safe work environment – We supply above and beyond the standard PPE protocols for safe handling of medical waste.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Who are we?
We are a healthcare service company providing safety systems and medical waste collection for hospitals, medical centers, surgical centers, nursing homes and an array of customers within the healthcare setting. Our focus is delivering quality and safety-focused medical waste management services that reduce needlestick injuries, positively impact infection control and reduce environmental burden. As a service to our customers we dispose and treat medical waste on site at our treatment facilities across the U.S.
Daniels Health & Sharpsmart is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Daniels Health conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the post‑offer hiring process.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking to hire a Plant Operator for our Daniels’ medical waste treatment facility in Walton, KY. A Plant Operator has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift to load an autoclave. The ideal Plant Operator is an individual who likes variety in their work and can think through practical problems.
Learn more about our Plant Operator roles!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What will your job involve?
- Weigh incoming sharps and regulated medical waste containers (using our Weighbridge)
- Load/operate our autoclave machine (a pressure chamber to melt materials)
- Load the Washsmart system (container washing + sanitization system)
- Drive a forklift and operate hand trucks once trained
- Lifting 55lbs and push a four-wheeled cart that weighs as much as 200lbs
- Provide attention to detail, especially with the paperwork required to process these items
- Standing for extended periods of time happily and comfortably
- Working well with a team because we are all about teamwork!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What are we looking for?
- Someone with a can-do attitude who is committed to efficient, timely scheduling that has previous experience in a labor-intensive job. A person with proven longevity with their employers that we can rely on.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why work for us?
- Job stability – as an essential service to healthcare we are non-seasonal and recession proof.
- Opportunities for overtime – we always need extra hands on deck so overtime opportunities are plentiful.
- Consistent work hours - 1st shift/Full Time Monday-Friday (6:00am-2:30pm)
- Benefits – Full time roles are provided benefits, sick leave and vacation leave from day one.
- Permanent position – This is a Full-time permanent role of 40 hours per week.
- Competitive Pay!!! – $19/hr
- Safe work environment – We supply above and beyond the standard PPE protocols for safe handling of medical waste.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Who are we?
We are a healthcare service company providing safety systems and medical waste collection for hospitals, medical centers, surgical centers, nursing homes and an array of customers within the healthcare setting. Our focus is delivering quality and safety-focused medical waste management services that reduce needlestick injuries, positively impact infection control and reduce environmental burden. As a service to our customers we dispose and treat medical waste on site at our treatment facilities across the U.S.
Daniels Health & Sharpsmart is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Daniels Health conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the post‑offer hiring process.
OPT Waste Management & Environmental Services Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Waste Management & Environmental Services Jobs in KentuckyWaste Management & Environmental Services OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which waste management and environmental services companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Kentucky?
Companies with an established presence in Kentucky that have filed OPT-compatible roles include Clean Harbors, Republic Services, Stericycle, and environmental consulting firms like Arcadis and Tetra Tech. Larger industrial operators in the Louisville metro and Northern Kentucky also periodically hire OPT candidates for environmental compliance, engineering, and field science positions. Sponsorship availability varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most waste management and environmental services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Louisville is the primary hub, home to regional offices of national waste and environmental firms as well as industrial facilities requiring environmental compliance staff. Lexington supports roles tied to university-adjacent environmental research and consulting. Northern Kentucky, bordering Cincinnati, benefits from cross-border employers with environmental operations on both sides of the Ohio River, expanding the effective job market for OPT candidates.
What types of waste management and environmental services roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly align with STEM OPT eligibility include environmental engineer, environmental scientist, hazardous materials specialist, remediation project coordinator, GIS analyst, and sustainability analyst. Positions requiring a bachelor's or advanced degree in environmental science, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or earth sciences generally qualify. Operational or non-degree-track roles are less likely to meet OPT's employment authorization requirements.
How do I find waste management and environmental services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and lists waste management and environmental services jobs in Kentucky that are open to F-1 OPT candidates. You can filter by state and industry to surface relevant openings without sorting through listings that don't support work authorization. Checking regularly matters, since environmental roles in Kentucky are posted on a rolling basis rather than in concentrated hiring seasons.
Are there any Kentucky-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the waste management and environmental services industry?
Kentucky's coal country remediation programs and growing brownfield redevelopment projects create demand for environmental professionals that is somewhat unique compared to other states. Many roles involve fieldwork under state environmental permits, and some positions require coordination with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. OPT candidates should confirm that their degree field directly supports the job duties, since environmental compliance roles in Kentucky sometimes blend engineering with regulatory work.