6 days ago
Hazardous Materials Specialist
County of Santa Clara
On Site
Full Time
$85,000
Santa Clara County, CA
Job Overview
Job TitleHazardous Materials Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
CategoryCommerce
Experience5 Years
DegreeMaster
Offered Salary$85,000
LocationSanta Clara County, CA
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Job Description
Hazardous Materials Specialist at County of Santa Clara
Under supervision, the Hazardous Materials Specialist conducts a variety of inspections and investigations to enforce hazardous materials and waste laws and ordinances.
The Department of Environmental Health is actively seeking a Hazardous Materials Specialist within its Hazardous Materials Program, which operates under the authority of the California Environmental Protection Agency as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA).
Typical Tasks
- Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local hazardous materials laws and regulations.
- Enforces hazardous materials/waste laws, regulations, ordinances, and codes, providing assistance and advice to regulated facilities for achieving compliance.
- Issues citations to facilities found not to be in compliance with regulations.
- Investigates complaints concerning improper storage, use, handling, or disposal of hazardous materials/waste, and unauthorized releases, spills, or leaks.
- Performs initial investigations into incidents of illegal dumping and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials/waste.
- Maintains comprehensive inventories of hazardous materials/waste facilities.
- Conducts initial permit inspections to verify compliance with applicable laws and ordinances for hazardous materials/waste.
- Takes samples of suspected hazardous waste to determine if unauthorized releases, spills, or leaks have occurred.
- Gathers and reviews information from departmental databases and files on prior inspections and investigations to track certifications of compliance and resolution of outstanding issues.
- Participates in inter-agency investigations, clean-ups, and enforcement efforts to ensure uniformity of procedures and consistent interpretation of codes.
- Operates specialized equipment for tests and analyses, performing routine calibration and minor maintenance of instrumentation.
- Prepares clear, professional reports, memoranda, business correspondence, and other documentation, including findings on unauthorized releases and clean-up activities, and materials for legal actions.
- Meets with and answers inquiries from, and prepares informational literature for, representatives of industry, government associations, and the general public to provide technical assistance on hazardous materials/waste.
- Attends training sessions to receive instruction 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 other related duties as required.
Employment Standards
The knowledge and abilities necessary for this role are typically acquired through possessing a Bachelor's Degree, with a preference for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, or a related science field.
The degree must include a minimum of thirty (30) semester units as mandated by the State of California for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). Relevant coursework may include: 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.
Additionally, one (1) year of work experience comparable to a Hazardous Materials Trainee in Santa Clara County is required. This experience should include conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials/waste, or enforcing 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 are also required.
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 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 effectively.
- Learn to collect samples of hazardous substances accurately.
- Prepare comprehensive and technically accurate reports.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Maintain records accurately.
- Identify, control, and dispose of hazardous waste, and recommend corrective actions.
- 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.
Key skills/competency
- Hazardous materials management
- Environmental regulations
- Compliance inspections
- Investigations
- Waste disposal
- Chemistry principles
- Environmental science
- Data interpretation
- Report writing
- Public safety enforcement
How to Get Hired at County of Santa Clara
- Research County of Santa Clara's culture: Study their mission, values, recent news, and employee testimonials on LinkedIn and Glassdoor, focusing on public service commitment.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight specific hazardous materials expertise, regulatory compliance experience, and scientific background, aligning with the job description for Hazardous Materials Specialist.
- Showcase scientific background: Emphasize relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or geology, demonstrating the required CUPA semester units.
- Prepare for technical questions: Review Federal, State, and Local environmental regulations related to hazardous materials management and waste disposal, including CUPA requirements.
- Demonstrate commitment to public safety: Discuss past experiences where you've enforced environmental health standards, managed risks, or contributed to community well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this job opportunity
01What does a Hazardous Materials Specialist I at County of Santa Clara primarily do?
02What educational background is essential for the Hazardous Materials Specialist I role at County of Santa Clara?
03What specific scientific units are needed for CUPA certification at County of Santa Clara?
04Is prior experience necessary to become a Hazardous Materials Specialist I at County of Santa Clara?
05What kind of investigations will I conduct as a Hazardous Materials Specialist I?
06How does the County of Santa Clara support professional development for this role?
07What are the key technical skills needed to succeed in this County of Santa Clara role?
08Will I be involved in inter-agency efforts as a Hazardous Materials Specialist I?
09What are the reporting requirements for this Hazardous Materials Specialist I position?
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