Environmental Specialist-Household Hazardous Waste Environmental Health, Environmental Services

Stearns County • Waite Park, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist provides implementation of the collection and management of household hazardous waste and problem materials. The position maintains awareness of safety procedures and educates the public about laws and policies involving household hazardous waste and problem materials. It works with local governments, service organizations, the Tri-County Solid Waste Commission, County staff, and the public to support waste collection, education, safety, and related environmental programs.

The role is performed approximately 50% indoors and 50% outdoors and requires frequent travel to off-site locations throughout Stearns County, including locations that may not be accessible by public transportation. Some exposure to health hazards and accidents is possible. Employees must reside in Minnesota. Work is under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Division Supervisor, and public contact is frequent. The usual schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, with overtime as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental studies, biology, chemistry, or a similar field, including 11 or more semester credits in chemistry.
• Possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Reliable transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.
• Ability to obtain a valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement within 180 days of hire; training is provided.
• Ability to obtain Powered Industrial Truck Operator's Certification within 180 days of hire; training is provided.
• Ability to complete OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER within 180 days of hire; training is provided.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Reside within the state of Minnesota.
• Attend work regularly and in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a Hazardous Materials certification by the State of Minnesota.
• Experience working with household hazardous waste.
• Experience with MNDOT or USDOT highway transportation of hazardous materials and waste, and US HAZMAT Transportation Security Awareness.
• Experience working with Minnesota household hazardous waste rules.
• Experience making minor repairs and adjustments to service equipment.
• Experience operating trucks and other light automotive equipment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Dynamic Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and the legislative process.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to recognizing, eliminating, and controlling environmental health hazards.
• Knowledge of legal procedures involved in enforcing regulations.
• Knowledge of developing and implementing plans and programs in the public sector.
• Knowledge of common household hazardous wastes and problem materials.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate household hazardous waste collection events with local units of government, service organizations, and the Tri-County Solid Waste Commission.
• Identify and retrieve household hazardous waste and problem materials from customers and maintain records in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Assist in administering and implementing the County's household hazardous waste education program.
• Establish and maintain used product exchanges and help seek outlets for waste and problem materials.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance duties to maintain safe, clean, and orderly conditions in the collection vehicle, at collection sites, and at the collection facility.
• Maintain awareness of chemical hazards and safe handling procedures.
• Coordinate the County's participation in the radon program.
• Assist in resolving complaints related to household and hazardous waste.
• Assist with oversight, assessment, and cleanup of contaminated properties.
• Serve on the County Safety Committee and ensure staff meet safety training requirements.
• Coordinate and participate in environmental educational activities and develop educational materials.
• Assist with preparing, submitting, and monitoring grants, contracts, and reports.
• Assist with development and production of the department newsletter.
• Attend work regularly and on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level