Environmental Specialist-Household Hazardous Waste Environmental Health, Environmental Services

Stearns County MN•Waite Park, MN

1d•$34 - $41

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist provides implementation of household hazardous waste and problem-material collection and management. The position maintains awareness of safety procedures and educates the public about laws and policies related to household hazardous waste and problem materials. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Division Supervisor. The primary responsibilities are performed approximately 50% indoors and 50% outdoors, with frequent travel to off-site locations and some exposure to health hazards and accidents. Employees are required to reside in Minnesota. The usual schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, with overtime possible 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 be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Have reliable transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.
Within 180 days of hire, obtain a valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement, Powered Industrial Truck Operator's Certification, and OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER; training is provided by Stearns County.
Knowledge of environmental legislation and the legislative process.
Knowledge of principles and practices for recognizing, eliminating, and controlling environmental health hazards.
Knowledge of legal procedures involved in regulation enforcement.
Knowledge of developing and implementing plans and programs in the public sector.
Knowledge of common household hazardous wastes and problem materials.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

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, and Access, and Dynamic Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

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 assist in finding outlets for waste and problem materials.
Clean and maintain the collection vehicle, collection sites, and collection facility to ensure safe and orderly working conditions.
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 education 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.
Perform job responsibilities consistently in a manner aligned with the County's mission and values; maintain respectful, collaborative relationships; respect workplace diversity; understand applicable policies and procedures; and comply with safety rules and policies.