Hazardous Materials Specialist III

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

DEFINITION

Under direction performs the most difficult and complex professional office and field work in support of the County’s hazardous materials programs consistent with state mandates as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA); serves as the technical expert in assigned program area(s), which includes responsibility for program oversight and frequent interaction with applicable oversight agencies; responds to complaints and/or emergencies and performs site analysis of hazardous materials incidents; verifies compliance with requirements, inspects for  hazardous materials storage and hazardous waste disposal requirements  throughout the County; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Hazardous Materials Specialist series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series.   Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement.  Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties.  Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services.  Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Monitors, coordinates, and leads the inspection and enforcement activities of a assigned hazardous materials program(s) in conformance with local, state, and federal mandates, including mandates as a Certified Unified Program Agency to ensure consistent administrative requirements, permits, inspections and enforcement activities of designated environmental and emergency response programs; ensures all actions taken are compliant with statute, regulations, and best management practices for the hazardous materials industry.
• Assists in administrative work such as program planning and monitoring, developing program procedures, preparing grant applications and establishing program budgets and monitoring funds.
• Develops, coordinates, implements and/or directs a variety of activities relating to hazardous materials management, enforcement, and planning; provides training to new staff.
• Assists management in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, codes and regulations. 
• Serves as a liaison between regulated agencies and oversight agencies; attends and participates in meetings and maintains frequent communication with local, state, and federal oversight agencies; assists regulated agencies with implementing new laws and regulations; and ensures compliance with same.
• Reviews Hazardous Materials Business Plans, Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, Risk Management Plans (RMP) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) construction plans of hazardous materials facilities and provides information and assistance to businesses, other agencies and the public on compliance requirements; reviews plans related to construction and repairs at underground tank storage facilities.
• Inspects hazardous materials facilities to monitor compliance with hazardous materials laws and ordinances and identify potential public health hazards; prepares inspection reports.
• Investigates reports of hazardous materials spills or dumps from the public and other agencies; identifies hazardous substances and determines the probable source.
• Issues citations and other enforcement actions for violations of hazardous materials laws and regulations; recommends legal action, prepares legal cases, and testifies in court proceedings.  
• Responds to emergency incidents involving the release of hazardous materials, and illicit drug laboratory cleanup; advises other agencies on appropriate safety precautions and monitors clean-up activities.  
• Oversees the mitigation of hazardous substance releases during emergency or disaster situations, under the authority of the County’s Health Officer.
• Collects samples of hazardous substances using appropriate protective clothing and equipment.   
• Plans, develops, conducts, and evaluates environmental surveys and studies related to hazardous materials storage, treatment, disposal, reduction, and incident response plans.
• Prepares correspondence and reports related to inspections, investigations, and hazardous materials management.
• Provides consultation and technical expertise to the regulated community and public regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding division activities and programs; provides education related to environmental health and hazardous materials issues and code violations.
• Compiles data for and prepares a variety of records and reports related to hazardous materials investigations, inspections, studies, and projects, including mandated quality assurance/quality control reporting.
• Reviews and interprets legislation and regulations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Operation, policies, and procedures of the Environmental Health Division. 
• Principles and practices of hazardous materials management. 
• Properties of hazardous materials and safety practices for their handling and disposal.   
• Principles of risk assessment and mitigation. 
• CUPA’s burden of proof for civil criminal and administrative cases as it relates to evidence provided by the division. 
• Principles and purpose of multiple compliance documents including, but not limited to, Hazardous Materials Business Plan, California Accidental Release Prevention Program, UST Program, Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA), Hazardous Waste and Treatment and related documents. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures pertaining to hazardous materials management. 
• Chemical, biological, physical and environmental science principles. 
• Local, regional and national law enforcement or oversight agencies involved in hazardous materials. 
• Principles of providing staff training. 
• Multiple tiers of violations as it relates to enforcement. 
• Principles and practices of hazardous materials incident response.   
• Inspection and investigative techniques. 
• Underground storage tank (UST) construction, removal, and operation. 
• Operation, policies, and procedures of the Environmental Health Division.
• Methods and techniques of evaluating potential consequences and need for action, based on field observations, professional recommendations and laboratory results.  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Respond to a diverse range of hazardous materials requests for service and support. 
• Perform site analysis at hazardous material incidents to identify materials and appropriate response.   
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.   
• Plan, monitor and evaluate hazardous materials programs. 
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.   
• Plan, monitor and evaluate hazardous materials programs. 
• Utilize diagnostic tools and equipment to identify substances. 
• Coordinate services with multiple agencies. 
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.   
• Plan, monitor and evaluate hazardous materials programs. 
• Oversee the work of contractors and consultants involved in hazardous materials clean up and site mitigation. 
• Develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate hazardous materials management plans. 
• Understand, interpret, and analyze all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to enforcing applicable regulations and guidelines.   
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material.  
• Review specifications and plans for above ground and underground storage tank systems for regulatory compliance.  
• Simultaneously conduct multiple inspections and investigations, and accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.   
• Evaluate potential consequences and need for action, based on field observations, professional recommendations and laboratory results.  
• Obtain information through interviews and work firmly and courteously with the public.  
• Perform mathematical computations and statistical analysis. 
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.   
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Thirty (30) semester units from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology or microbiology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, physical science, environmental science, geology or soil science, environmental health, environmental or sanitary engineering, toxicology, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, fire science, fire technology, and

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the inspection and enforcement of hazardous materials regulations at a level equivalent to the class of Hazardous Materials Specialist II with a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA).

Qualifying experience in hazardous materials management, regulation, analysis, or research; environmental research, monitoring, surveillance or enforcement; or resource recovery may be substituted for the required education, on the basis of one year of qualifying experience for 15 units of college course work listed above for up to a maximum of 15 units. Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist may be substituted for the required education.   

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possess and maintain a valid International Code Council California Underground Storage Tank Inspector certification. 
• Possess and maintain a valid Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Inspector certification.  
• Possess and maintain a valid 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Certification. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

When assigned to an office environment: 

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. 
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspections: 

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. 
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $59,987 - $80,392