Hazardous Materials Specialist I

Salary :

$108,482.40 - $131,324.96 Annually

Location :

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Number:

24-V2C-A

Department:

Department of Environmental Health

Opening Date:

06/11/2024

Closing Date:

6/26/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit:

01

Description

Under supervision, conducts a variety of inspections and investigations in the enforcement of hazardous materials/waste laws and ordinances.

This recruitment is for a position working in the Department of Environmental Health's Hazardous Materials Program, which is authorized by the California Environmental Protection Agency to operate as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA).

***************IMPORTANT***************
EXAMINATION DATES: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online written examination. Please note, the tentative examination dates have been scheduled for July 9th - July 15th. Qualifying candidates will be notified with examination instructions.
Typical Tasks

Conducts inspections for compliance with applicable Federal, State and Local hazardous materials laws and regulations;

Enforces hazardous materials/waste laws, regulations, ordinances and codes; and, assists/advises regulated facilities to bring them in compliance;

Issues citations to facilities that are not in compliance;

Investigates complaints regarding improper storage, use, handling or disposal of hazardous materials/waste and unauthorized releases, spills or leaks of hazardous materials/waste;

Conducts initial investigations into illegal dumping and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials/waste;

Maintains inventories of hazardous materials/waste facilities;

Performs initial permit inspections for compliance with applicable laws and ordinances for hazardous materials/waste;

Takes samples of suspected hazardous waste to determine if there have been unauthorized releases, spills or leaks;

Gathers information on prior inspections and investigations using departmental database and files and reviews this information to understand certifications of compliance or resolution of outstanding issues;

Participates in inter-agency investigations, clean-ups and enforcement efforts to achieve uniformity of procedures and consistency in the interpretation of codes;

Operates specialized equipment to perform tests and analyses; performs routine calibration and minor maintenance of instrumentation equipment;

Prepares clear professional reports, memoranda, business correspondence, and other documentation including reports of findings concerning unauthorized releases of hazardous substances and clean-ups and prepares material for use in legal actions;

Meets, answers inquiries, and prepares informational literature on hazardous materials/waste to provide technical assistance to representatives of industry, government associations and the general public;

Attends training sessions to receive instructions in hazardous materials management principles, methods, techniques, site remediation, hydrogeology, risk assessment and chemical fate and transportation;

May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as needed;
Performs related duties as required.
Employment Standards

The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through the possession of a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology or a related Science.

The degree must include a minimum of thirty (30) semester units as required by the State of California for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) which may include courses such as: Biology, 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 or Fire Technology.

AND

One (1) year of work experience comparable to a Hazardous Materials Trainee in Santa Clara County, including conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials/waste, or in the enforcement of Federal, State and Local Government health/environmental regulations.

Possession of a valid California Driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County Driver's Permit.

Knowledge of:

Basic organic and inorganic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on chemical characteristics, hazardous identification, compatibility issues and their effects on human health and the environment;

Statistical analysis;

Elementary understanding of the principles and practices of hazardous materials management;

Elementary understanding of Federal, State and Local laws and regulations applicable to hazardous materials management and environmental health;

Elementary understanding of the practices in the transportation, process/treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous waste;

Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
Ability to:

Interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, codes and data;

Learn to collect samples of hazardous substances;

Prepare comprehensive and technically accurate reports;

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;

Maintain records accurately;

Identify, control and dispose of hazardous waste and recommend corrective action;

Enforce laws, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to hazardous materials/waste.
Some positions may require an employee to climb ladders, scaffolding or trenches, or to crawl while performing investigations and field inspections.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays.

Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE : Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is

REQUIRED

and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of

"see resume"

or

"see application"

will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Detailed Description of Job Duties

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

Yes
No

02

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

None
High School or GED equivalent
College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree

03

Please state the major field of study for any degree referenced above. If none, indicate N/A.

04

This position requires possession of a Bachelor's degree. The degree must include a minimum of thirty (30) semester units in coursework that is required by the State of California for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). This requirement includes courses such as: Biology, 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 or Fire Technology.
You must attach transcripts demonstrating conferral of a Bachelor's degree and completion of required coursework.
Do you understand this requirement and have you attached your transcripts?

Yes
No

05

How many years of full-time work experience do you possess that is comparable to a Hazardous Materials Trainee in County of Santa Clara, including conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials/waste, or in the enforcement of Federal, State and Local Government health/environmental regulations?
Click here to read the

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five years to less than six years
Six years to less than seven years
Seven to less than eight years
Eight to less than nine years
Nine to less than ten years
Ten or more years

06

Please describe your full-time work experience comparable to a Hazardous Materials Trainee in County of Santa Clara, including conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials/waste, or in the enforcement of Federal, State and Local Government health/environmental regulations.
Required in your response, include the following information:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Detailed Description of Job Duties
If no experience, type N/A.

07

Do you possess experience working with computer applications and databases that are used to prepare technical reports, track or maintain environmental compliance and advise/instruct others on environmental requirements?

Yes
No

08

Please provide the name of computer applications and databases that you have used to prepare technical reports, track or maintain environmental compliance and advise/instruct others on environmental requirements. Give specific examples of how you used each and describe your level of proficiency. Required in your response, include the following information for EACH employer referenced:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title/Your role
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Level of Proficiency
f) Specific Examples of How You Used Each Computer Application and/or Database
If no experience, type N/A.

09

Do you possess a current, valid California Driver's License?

Yes
No

10

How did you find out about this job?

Contacted by County Recruiter
Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
County Employee Referral
County of Santa Clara Career Website
County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Indeed
Virtual Job Fair
In Person Job Fair
In-Person Networking Professional Event
Virtual Networking Event
Community Event
Glassdoor
Governmentjobs.com
Professional Association
Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
Handshake
Student Career Center
County Text Message
County Career Newsletter
Other (Specify in the next question)

11

If you selected "Other" in the question above, please let us know which career fair you attended.

Required Question
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