Jim Sook

Experience

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  Chemical Waste Management, Inc.

  Oct 1990 - Jan 1995

  Lab/Receiving Manager/Environmental Engineer/Approval Chemist/Chemist

  Held various positions over this 4+ year period. Was promoted 3 times.

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  Chemical Waste Management - Kettleman Hills Facility

  Jan 1995 - Apr 1997

  Technical Manager

  Responsible for the on-site California Certified Laboratory, Waste Receiving Department, Waste Approvals group and Customer Service. Provided technical solutions for the management of customer waste. Provided technical support during permit reviews and modifications. Responsible for implementation and compliance with the facility's Waste Analysis Plan.

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  Envirosafe Services of Ohio

  Apr 1997 - Nov 1999

  Environmental Manager/Lab Manager

  Responsible for all environmental monitoring which included oversight and management of the following programs at both the Otter Creek and Wynn Road facilities: NPDES, Explosive Gas Monitoring, Leachate Analysis, City of Toledo Waterline Monitoring, Air Monitoring, Facility Groundwater Program (Detection and Compliance Monitoring), and other facility monitoring needs as directed. This position was responsible for assuring that all permit and regulatory monitoring requirements were met by the facility.Directly responsible for the daily operation of the on-site laboratory. Improved laboratory QA/QC procedures as well as intensified all documentation procedures. Performed all aspects of TCLP metals analysis. Negotiated outside laboratory pricing. Conducted audits of 20+ outside labs. Developed cost-effective, yet efficient mix designs for the treatment of metals associated with hazardous waste treated at the facility. Ensured compliance with the facility’s Waste Analysis Plan and Permits, as well as 40 CFR disposal regulations. Managed 5 laboratory employees. Show less

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  Chemical Waste Management, Inc. - Kettleman Hills Facility

  Dec 1999 - Jan 2007

  Technical Manager

  Responsible for the approval, receipt and acceptance and management of waste shipments into the Kettleman Hills Facility. Maintained compliance with the company’s policy and procedure guidelines. Implemented the requirements of the facility’s Waste Analysis Plan. Interpreted and implemented regulatory changes as they affect the facility. Implemented directives, policy changes, and programs as developed by the facility or corporate management. Managed a staff of 17 employees, including supervisors, chemists, technicians, samplers, and clerks. Show less

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  Waste Management, Inc.

  Jan 2007 - Nov 2011

  West Group Waste Approvals Manager

  Responsible for the industrial waste approval process for 41 landfills in 8 western states. Developed training plans and provided technical guidance for the six Waste Approval Managers, which are direct reports. Developed process improvements to improve approval turn-around times. Cross-train Waste Approval Managers to gain efficiency in approval process by having additional coverage which can adjust to variable workloads in multiple market areas. Assisted customers with management options for their wastes. Provided timely review/approval of customer profiles. Standardized approval process where possible. Minimized profile return rate due to clarification issues. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations as well as facility permits as they relate to waste acceptance. Show less

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  Chemical Waste Management

  Nov 2011 - Mar 2019

  District Manager

  Manage the day-to-day operations of the Kettleman Hills Facility, which includes a Subtitle C and Subtitle D landfill, Stabilization Unit, two Bulk Storage Units, Drum Storage Unit, PCB Drain and Flush Unit, and three hazardous waste surface impoundments. Monitor budget and operating metrics while diagnosing and improving processes, procedures, and performance. Execute the Market’s strategic capital budget, ensuring effective use of the budget through asset allocation; ensures appropriate spare ratios and asset disposal. Execute necessary precautions to ensure safety and compliance with Company, OSHA, and other standards and regulations. Responsible for 32 full-time employees, 7 direct reports and 25 indirect reports. Ensure thorough root cause investigations for all injuries and incidents, following-up with consistent discipline and retraining. Hold employees to high safety performance standards and compliance objectives. Oversee personnel needs including selecting, coaching, disciplining, and training employees and evaluating employee performance. Develop both short-term and long-term goals and action plans in conjunction with the Market Area Director of Operations. Participate in monthly P&L reviews to define costs and revenue swings. Cross-train employees to in order to flex staff to other units when peaks and valleys in volume dictate manpower needs for particular units. Ensure compliance with all permit conditions. Timely submittal of permit renewals for expiring permits. Interact with agency personnel during inspections and during permit reviews. Coordinate projects with Sales staff and ensure pricing achieves desired margins. Show less

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  Waste Management

  Mar 2019 - now

  Waste Approval Manager

  Perform technical review of waste profiles and applicable analytical submitted by generators/customers. Confirm accuracy of generator waste characterization based on information provided and regulatory requirements, both federal and state. Determine if waste is acceptable at one of the 12 California WM landfills based on regulations and specific landfill permits. Approve management method based on waste type and service offerings at the specific landfill. Identify profile renewal requirements. Show less