Embracing Opportunity with Clean Harbors’ DoD SkillBridge Program in Kimball, Nebraska

The journey from military to civilian life can be daunting, but Clean Harbors’ DoD SkillBridge program offers veterans an invaluable pathway to stable, meaningful careers. For veterans like Senior Airman Weston Walker and Marine Corps Corporal Sheign Krafczik, Clean Harbors provides a structured bridge to civilian roles while maintaining a sense of camaraderie. Clean Harbors’ Kimball, Nebraska facility, undergoing a transformative expansion, plays a key role in this journey by creating unique opportunities for veterans to apply their skills in a state-of-the-art environment. 

The Growing Clean Harbors Facility in Kimball, Nebraska 

The Kimball site, located in the Nebraska Panhandle, is at the center of Clean Harbors’ largest capital investment project in company history. This $200 million project will expand the site’s rotary kiln incinerator, more than doubling its waste disposal capacity to meet the demands of a growing industry. For veterans like Walker, who joined the team through SkillBridge, the facility’s expansion offers not only a job but a chance to be part of an exciting transformation in his hometown. 

“Honestly, if it wasn’t for Clean Harbors and the excellent pay and benefits they were offering, I never would have returned,” Walker shared. With his military background in utility engineering, he quickly adapted to the facility’s machinery, which was similar to the equipment he operated in the Air Force. Being able to leverage his military training at the Kimball facility made the transition feel almost seamless, allowing him to feel productive and valued from day one. 

Real-World Experience Through SkillBridge 

Clean Harbors has embraced the DoD SkillBridge program as a way to connect with skilled veterans, bringing them into a supportive team that values both safety and teamwork—core principles familiar to those who have served. “As a former transitioning service member, I recognize the challenges and stress associated with moving from the military to civilian life,” said Jerry Shavrnoch, HR Director at Clean Harbors, adding that SkillBridge creates a win-win scenario for both service members and employers. 

By facilitating veterans' on-the-job training at Clean Harbors, SkillBridge equips them with critical civilian work experience. The Kimball site, in particular, stands out as a prime example of Clean Harbors’ commitment to investing in employees and the community. Veterans joining the site find a team that mirrors the values of discipline, commitment, and safety ingrained in their military service. The company's “Live at 365” safety program and structured teamwork closely resemble the protocols and unity that veterans know so well. 

The Power of Community and Shared Purpose in Kimball 

Kimball, Nebraska, with its tight-knit community and family-friendly atmosphere, has welcomed these veterans with open arms. Returning to a place where his roots run deep, Krafczik found himself working alongside family members and former neighbors. His father, Roger, and brother, Seth, are part of the Clean Harbors team, making his transition even more special. Krafczik said that the routine and structure at Kimball helped him settle in smoothly, providing a sense of stability during a time of personal and professional adjustment. 

Having this sense of community is invaluable for veterans transitioning into civilian life. As Krafczik put it, “Having other veterans on the team who have been in your shoes makes things easier. There’s always someone you can turn to who you can trust.” This sentiment is echoed across the Kimball site, where veterans work together to support one another and maintain a strong culture of teamwork and trust. 

Empowering Veterans with Purpose and Growth 

Clean Harbors is committed to not just hiring veterans but creating a workplace where they can thrive and grow. At Kimball, veterans are encouraged to speak up about safety, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and bring their unique expertise to the table. By offering free housing for the first year and competitive wages, Clean Harbors aims to create a stable and welcoming environment, not only to support veterans but to foster long-term growth and success within the company. 

For veterans, joining Clean Harbors through SkillBridge provides the best of both worlds: the stability of a reliable job in an organization that understands their background and the chance to build a civilian career in an innovative, expanding facility. Jerry Shavrnoch explained that Clean Harbors and the military share a deep commitment to safety and discipline, two pillars of success at the Kimball site. He sees the SkillBridge program as essential, allowing veterans to "gain valuable civilian work experience while making real contributions to a company that truly values them." 

Discover Career Opportunities in Kimball 

Clean Harbors’ Kimball, Nebraska facility is actively hiring and expanding, making it an exciting place for veterans and civilians alike to build rewarding careers. If you’re a veteran ready to take the next step, Clean Harbors’ DoD SkillBridge program could be the ideal pathway to transitioning your skills, expanding your potential, and becoming part of an ambitious, innovative project at Kimball. With a commitment to safety, teamwork, and a supportive culture, Clean Harbors in Kimball offers not just a job, but a place where veterans can continue serving by protecting people and the environment. 

You can learn more about Clean Harbors and their commitment to veteran hiring on #PeopleWithPurpose, or explore their current openings on Orion Talent.